A man who stood against marijuana his entire career as a politician has now made a complete 180 degree turn when it comes to his position on the drug now that he has retired. The former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives John Boehner has stepped into the board of advisors for Acreage Holdings, a firm that grows, processes, and dispenses cannabis.
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Boehner retired from his role as the 53rd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives in 2105. Now, just 3 years later he has become a stark advocate for the drug he once campaigned against. Nine years ago, Boehner was "unalterably opposed" to the idea of legalizing cannabis, now that his political career is over he is ready to step into elite position within the marijuana industry.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m joining the board of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AcreageHoldings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AcreageHoldings</a> because my thinking on cannabis has evolved. I’m convinced de-scheduling the drug is needed so we can do research, help our veterans, and reverse the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities. <a href="https://twitter.com/AcreageCannabis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AcreageCannabis</a> <a href="https://t.co/f5i9KcQD0W">https://t.co/f5i9KcQD0W</a></p>— John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerBoehner/status/984022770752290818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It sure seems convenient for retired politicians to transition into high paying jobs in the private sector, but Boehner's shift in view is a little more than convenient. As recently as 2014, Boehner was part of an effort to block a D.C. initiative that sought to legalize cannabis in Washington D.C. Now, Boehner says his views have changed dramatically over the last decade. In an interview this week, Boehner said "Over the last 10 or 15 years, the American people’s attitudes have changed dramatically. I find myself in that same position."
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The former speaker of the house tweeted Wednesday in support of legalization and announced his new role on the advisory board at the cannabis firm Acreage Holdings. Users on Twitter were quick to comment on the timing of his shift in views and that he is only stepping forward now that it is profitable for him to endorse the drug.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Too bad you didn’t evolve your views on cannabis while you were Speaker of the House and could have actually done something about our terrible marijuana laws. Sad that you blocked progress then, and are cashing in now. Please use your platform to move this issue forward ASAP.</p>— Sam Tracy (@SamTracy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SamTracy/status/984038130427842562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I don't think the blame lies with Boehner, I think there is an inherent flaw in our political system where power is used as leverage to one's advantage and once you put in your time as a politician and develop a powerful network of influence companies come running with the offers. While it feels like his motivation is for personal gain, having Boehner on the side of legalization is a gigantic step for reforming outdated cannabis laws nationwide.
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Source: https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Ex-Speaker-John-Boehner-Joins-Marijuana-Firm-s-12824527.php
Twitter: #LegalizeIt #Marijuana #CBDoil #Cannabis #Pot #Weed #JohnBoehner
Typical Politician. They follow where they can bring in DIRTY money. Now he has a chance to be tied to drug dealing and making big money growing Pot. When there were no offers on any level prior years he was against POT. Now he is standing right in line with all the other Dirty Politicians that flip like a switch when dirty money is there for the taking… Boehner is another PIG POLITICIAN. Maybe John Boehner needs to be reminded of his meeting with John Cody A.K.A Bobby Thompson. He made millions in a phony Veterans foundation. So I Will… here is the photo.