Perhaps the most vibrant voting block in America is those who either support decriminalizing marijuana or allowing for those with serious ailments to legally obtain and use cannibus with a prescription from a doctor. There is overwhelming support throughout the country for both of these policy positions. And some also point out the economic benefits to cash strapped states and local governments.
The young people who followed Mr. Obama so enthusiastically in 2008 - did so in part because they believed in the very words from then candidate Obama's own mouth; watch video above and you plainly see that he has not practiced what he then preached. As most of the country moves in one direction, de-prioritising pot, recent high-profile raids of medical marijuana operations throughout the country is a clear flip-flop of Obama's position as candidate. This will cost him votes via lack-of-enthusiasm from those very progressive young voters who once trusted him to keep his word. Now with a trail of broken promises -- the one regarding marijuana - might just be the one that sends the president's re-election bid - up in smoke.
If Mitt Romney was smart, he would promise to leave Marijuana policy up to the states. Make it what it is, a STATE's rights, and not a drug policy issue. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have medicinal marijuana laws on the books, and that number is growing. The are referendum on ballots throughout the country to decriminalize or legalize marijuana and allow small amounts for recreational use. This is sensible policy.
Furthermore, the criminal penalties associated with possession of small amounts of marijuana has damaged the lives of many Black and Latino men. The president, by playing the tough-on-crime president, has lost a golden opportunity to add "libertarianism" to his profile. In this regard - the president has failed a powerful coalition of centrist voters - and it will cost him - "HIGHLY!"
also read Rahm Emanuel: Reduce pot penalties - politico.com