Gov. Mary Fallin will face two lesser-known opponents in next week's GOP primary who have made their support for legalization of marijuana an issue in the campaign.
While it is an unusual issue to highlight in such a conservative state, criminal
defense attorney Chad Moody--known around Oklahoma City as "The Drug Lawyer"--and computer network operator Dax Ewbank, a libertarian-leaning Republican from Guthrie, both said they support the full legalization of cannabis. The issue arises as two
separate signature gathering efforts are underway in Oklahoma to get marijuana questions on the ballot--one to legalize the medicinal use of the drug and another authorizing its complete legalization.
Fallin said while she's interested in combating the
growing number of Oklahoma inmates with substance abuse problems, legalizing marijuana even for medicinal purposes is not on her to-do list. "I just don't see that it provides a substantial benefit to the people of Oklahoma," Fallin said.
We need to get serious about addressing prescription drug abuse. While we have spent years successfully combating and reducing meth labs and the use of methamphetamines in Oklahoma, studies show that prescription drug abuse actually poses a greater
danger to our citizens.
Currently, 81% of drug-related deaths in Oklahoma are caused by prescription drugs. One survey shows that nearly 8% of Oklahomans are abusing prescription painkillers.
That's twice the national average, and it is unacceptable.
As a state, it is time to offer the resources that prevent drug abuse from occurring in the first place.
We must work to make sure life-changing treatments are available to those who are struggling with addiction issues. To that end, I have allocated new funding to strengthen prescription drug abuse prevention and treatment initiatives.
Women in Recovery: abuse programs avoid incarceration
We're asking our citizens to take responsibility for their lifestyles and their wellbeing. It's no secret that many Oklahomans struggle with addiction issues that can lead to incarceration. As a result, Oklahoma is one of the highest rated states in the
nation for female incarceration. As we know, the costs to our state and our communities don't end with the original offender. Children with a parent in prison are five times more likely to end up in the correctional system. As Oklahomans, we must always
place a priority on protecting our citizens and keeping our streets safe. But we can be tough on crime and smart on crime.
That's why I'm continuing to offer my full support to programs like "Women in Recovery" and other initiatives that address
substance abuse, prevent incarceration, and allow more families to stay together. By fighting the hold that substance abuse has on our communities, we can make Oklahoma healthier and safer while working towards reducing our incarceration rates.
Voted YES on more funding for Mexico to fight drugs.
Congressional Summary:Merida Initiative to Combat Illicit Narcotics and Reduce Organized Crime Authorization Act:Provide assistance for Mexico for:
counternarcotics and countertrafficking;
port & airport security to assist in controlling the Mexico-US and Mexico-Central America borders;
intelligence gathering operational technology; and
public security and law enforcement, including assistance to the National Council Against Addiction (CONADIC).
Proponent's argument to vote Yes:Rep. HOWARD BERMAN (D, CA-28): The drug crisis facing the US remains a top national security threat. This bill represents a new partnership with Mexico and Central American countries to face the immediate security threat of drug gangs, and help these neighbors build the capacity of their law enforcement agencies.
Opponent's argument to vote No:Rep. MICHAEL McCAUL (R, TX-10): We need a strategy on this side of the border: a two-pronged
Approach; a comprehensive strategy that deals not only with the Mexican side but with the US side. And for too long, our border sheriffs and our Border Patrol agents have been outmanned and outgunned. And if we are going to provide assistance to Mexico, it seems to me we ought to be providing assistance to our men and women on our side fighting this war every day.
Rep. TED POE (R, TX-2): I am concerned about drugs and violence on the border, but I am also concerned about corruption. In order to gain control of access corridors in the US, drug cartels are hiring hit men from an elite force in Mexico's military. This group is known as the "Zetas." Some of the Zetas are military deserters that may have been trained in the US. $1 billion in this bill would go to Mexico. And Mexico in its arrogance objects to any conditions we want to put on this money. The administration can offer us no assurance that our equipment and training won't be used against us and neither can Mexico.
Reference: Merida Initiative;
Bill HR.6028
; vote number 2008-H393
on Jun 10, 2008
Rated 25% by NORML, indicating an anti-legalization stance.
Fallin scores 25% National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law
Scoring system for 2014: Ranges from 0% (opposes all forms of marijuana decriminalization) to 75% (supports marijuana decriminalization and legalization).
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. 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 rating on incumbents of 113th Congress 14_NORML on Jan 1, 2014
Rated D by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance.
Fallin scores D by the NORML on drug reform
OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:
C: mixed record on drug reform (approx. 45 members)
A/B: pro-drug-reform stance (approx. 293 members)
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.