- Social:
Smart Approaches to Marijuana
Board member of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an anti-marijuana legalization group, and director for professional relations at a drug treatment center at the University of Colorado Hospital; recovering addict
PROFILE
Ben Cort
Guest
FROM Ben Cort
To the Point
Will Big Money Create "Big Pot?" Marijuana is a one-time symbol of America's counter-culture. Still illegal under federal law, its medical use has been approved in 23 states; four states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use. And it's already a $2.7 billion business that's attracting Wall Street and Silicon Valley investors to a legalization movement originally devoted to medical needs and social justice. Activists warning about Big Pot — a corporate behemoth like Big Alcohol or Big Tobacco — with little concern for public health or the environment. In an economy based on the profit motive, will legalization have unintended consequences?
To the Point
Is Marijuana Prohibition Going Up in Smoke? Bans on marijuana may follow alcohol prohibition into the dustbin of American history. In November election, four states and Washington, DC have now approved recreational use. California and other states are on the agenda for 2016. But medical use in 23 states has proven it won’t be easy. Problems with finance, quality control and protection of children have not been resolved, and pot is still in the same category as heroin under federal law. Will politicians be swayed by public opinion? (This segment originally aired on November 7.)
To the Point
Is Marijuana Prohibition Going Up in Smoke? Bans on marijuana may follow alcohol prohibition into the dustbin of American history. Twenty-three states have legalized medical marijuana. On Tuesday, Alaska, Oregon and the District of Columbia joined Colorado and Washington State in approving recreational use. California and other states are on the agenda for 2016. But medical use in 23 states has proven it won’t be easy. Problems with finance, quality control and protection of children have not been resolved, and pot is still in the same category as heroin under federal law. Will politicians be swayed by public opinion?
Recommended
To the Point
Trump's 'America First' goes missing abroad In the Middle East, President Trump is changing some policies of the Obama Administration—and reversing his own campaign attacks on Islam as a religion that "hates us." We hear about his visit to Saudi Arabia and what's at stake for the rest of his foreign excursion.
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?