In a fascinating coincidence I got two emails on the same day my column was published about the imbroglio over the DEA Administrator’s critical remarks regarding President Obama’s comments on the safety of marijuana. The first was a forward of an email sent out by Dan Riffle, Director of Federal Policies, Marijuana Policies Project, containing a call to arms to “Fire Michele Leonhart” by forwarding a petition to the President.
Riffle wrote:
The DEA has gone rogue. First, an agent describes marijuana regulation in Washington and Colorado as “reckless and irresponsible,” contrary to the president’s assertion that it’s “important for it to go forward.” Now, DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart has criticizedPresident Obama for, accurately, saying marijuana is no more harmful than alcohol to the consumer. In fact, the science says marijuana is dramatically safer than alcohol, for both the consumer and society.
It is unacceptable for our nation’s top drug cop to not understand the relative risks of America’s two most popular recreational drugs. That’s why we have started aChange.org petition calling on President Obama to fire Michele Leonhart and replace her with someone who will base decisions on science and evidence instead of politics and ideology.
A few minutes later I received a forwarded email of a medical journal article from LiveScience entitled “Marijuana Use During Pregnancy Affects Baby’s Brain.” The study by neuroscientists showed that THC interfered with the formation of connections between nerve cells in the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher thinking skills and forming memories.
The conclusions were not surprising since several other previous studies had reached similar conclusions.
Ross Parker, like Michele Leonhart, is on the wrong side of history. Their ignorant and draconian marijuana policies will be left in the dustbin of history. Obama need to fire Michele posthaste.