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Mike Rounds on Drugs

Republican SD Governor

 


Opposed rescheduling marijuana as less dangerous

In a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 8 Republican senators and 6 GOP representatives declared the Department of Health and Human Services' recommendation to move marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act part of an "irresponsible" "pro-pot agenda" and urged that MJ remain listed among the most dangerous drugs.

Excerpts from the letter:

"Current research, science, and trends support the case that marijuana should remain a Schedule I drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), research suggests that 30% of marijuana users have marijuana use disorder, which includes individuals who are severely addicted to the drug. It is estimated that today’s marijuana has three times the amount of THC compared to the marijuana consumed 25 years ago. A higher concentration of THC is likely linked to higher rates of addiction. These facts indicate that marijuana has a high potential for abuse and that the risk is only increasing."

Source: Senate press release: 2023 letter from 8 Senators to DEA , Sep 14, 2023

Never send the message that marijuana is OK

On Initiated Measure #4 Medical Marijuana: "Personally, I will vote NO on this proposal because marijuana leads to more dangerous drug abuse. Many crimes, some of them violent, are committed by drug abusers. Also, we should never send the message to our young people that marijuana is OK -- in any way, shape or form."
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, roundsforgov.com, "Issues" , Nov 7, 2006

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

Rounds scores F by the NORML on drug reform

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:

About NORML (from their website, www.norml.org):

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.

Source: NORML website 16_NORML on Nov 8, 2016

Other candidates on Drugs: Mike Rounds on other issues:
SD Gubernatorial:
Billie Sutton
Jamie R. Smith
Kristi Noem
Steven Haugaard
SD Senatorial:
Daniel Ahlers
John Thune
Scyller Borglum

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