Nikki Haley on Drugs

Sub-sections under Drugs:
• Q
• Other issues under Drugs

Marijuana isn't like heroin, but let states decide

HALEY: I mean, I think I'll go with the scientists on that. I think it's obviously not in the same class as heroin. But I also think when you're looking at the legalization of this, I want states to be able to decide that. That's something that should be as close to the people as possible. Some states are all for it and want to see that happen, and some states want nothing to do with it. But I do think that should be a state decision on whether they legalize it or not.

We'll send special operations in to take out drug cartels

Special Operations against Mexican & Chinese drug cartels

HALEY: Special operations is how we deal with our terrorists. Mexico's not being a good partner if they're letting the cartels get away with what they're getting away with. We will send in our special operations and we will take out the cartels; we'll take out their operations; we'll take out anything that's doing it.

But we're going to go after China because China is the one sending the Fentanyl in the first place. And we will end all normal trade relations until China stops sending Fentanyl. And then we'll do the special operations and we'll get it from both sides. This is where President Trump went wrong. He focused on trade with China. We need to start focusing on what keeps Americans safe. As your president, I will make sure every American is safe, and we'll do whatever it takes to make that happen.

Vetoed additional licensure for drug treatment facilities

Veto Letter from Gov. Haley: I am vetoing this bill because I believe the Certificate of Need program create unnecessary regulation for the healthcare market. The CON process allows government to ration care, stifle competition in the medical field, and pick which facilities and practices are allowed to succeed. While I understand that this bill is designed in-part to control the growth of treatment facilities that distribute controlled substances, these facilities are already highly regulated & do not need additional licensure.

Legislative outcome:Bill passed Senate 31-11-0 on March 24; bill passed House 94-0-30 on May 4; vetoed by Governor Haley on May 23; Veto overridden, law took effect 6/15/2011.

Fentanyl via northern border too; create addiction centers

What I have found out from New Hampshire is, we don't talk enough about the northern border. The southern border is in terrible shape, but 500 people on the terrorist watch list, have come through the northern border. You look at the fentanyl and all that. I learned that from [New Hampshire], because you have been affected by it every day.

America refuses to deal with addictions, which we have to deal with. And there are answers to this. Let's release [federal] resources, so that every state can do what they need to, to get the mental health facilities that we need to have in our states, to have the addiction centers.

Rated C- by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance.

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:

• C-/D/F: `hard-on-drugs` stance (approx. 243 members)
• C: mixed record on drug reform (approx. 45 members)
• A/B: pro-drug-reform stance (approx. 293 members)

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law`s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.

NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.

NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession & responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called `decriminalization.`

NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as `legalization.`

NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.

NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.

Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.