Skip to main content
Tags: Ernest Intook | Barack Obama | marijuana | warning

Ex-Rep. Istook: Obama's View On Pot Sends US Policy Up in Smoke

Ex-Rep. Istook: Obama's View On Pot Sends US Policy Up in Smoke

By    |   Tuesday, 21 January 2014 04:54 PM EST

When President Barack Obama revealed in a recent interview his view that marijuana poses relatively little danger, he wasted the billions of taxpayer dollars the government has spent warning the U.S. public against drug use, says former Rep. Ernest Istook.

"Mr. Obama might as well have rolled that money into a joint and smoked it on national television," the former Oklahoma Republican wrote in an op-ed piece published in The Washington Times on Tuesday.

Obama made his comments in an interview with The New Yorker, in which he said he doesn't think marijuana "is more dangerous than alcohol," although its use is not something he would encourage.

The president's comments have caused anti-drug leaders around the country to worry "about the negative repercussions among youth," Istook says.

The former congressman cites comments from the Drug-Free America Foundation, which published a statement after the interview questioning Obama's "laissez-faire attitude about legalization."

"Either he is seriously ill-informed about the issue or is completely ignoring warnings from his highly esteemed advisers," said Calvina Fay, executive director of the foundation.

Istook also points out that Obama's comments are in direct violation of the White House's own official position.

The White House says on its own website that "the administration steadfastly opposes legalization of marijuana and other drugs because legalization would increase the availability and use of illicit drugs, and pose significant health and safety risks to all Americans, particularly young people."

It also details other dangers associated with marijuana use, such as respiratory and mental illness, learning and memory problems, depression and suicidal thoughts, which Istook cites while warning against "confusing messages" that "perpetuate the false notion that marijuana is harmless."

"They should add Mr. Obama's name to the list of confusing messengers," Istook added.


Related Stories:

Pro-Pot Activist Lee: Marijuana Use Is Safe, but Not for Kids
Most Americans Now Favor Legalization of Marijuana


© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.

Newsfront
When President Barack Obama revealed in a recent interview his view that marijuana poses relatively little danger, he wasted the billions of taxpayer dollars the government has spent warning the U.S. public against drug use, says former Rep. Ernest Istook.
Ernest Intook,Barack Obama,marijuana,warning
314
2014-54-21
Tuesday, 21 January 2014 04:54 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved