Changing your opinion can invoke a lot of scrutiny. And if you happen to have power, people will inevitably put your words and position under a microscope. If your changed opinion is on the hot topic of weed, then it’s bound to make headlines. Powerful people change their mind all the time. Here’s an important list of powerful people who changed their mind about weed, for better or worse.
Shutterstock
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Doctor and TV personality
When a TV doctor says “Don’t do it; it’s bad for your health,” viewers listen. And when that same doctor backtracks on what he said previously, viewers will listen too. Thankfully, after Dr. Sanjay Gupta was shown the light in lighting up, he exercised his celebrity power and wrote Senator Jeff Sessions a letter about his newfound faith in cannabis.
Shutterstock
John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Of all the powerful people who have changed their mind about weed and marijuana policy reform, this once-adamantly opposed politician put up more stink than a lingering smoke cloud. But like many politicians, once he recognized the medicinal potential to veterans and others in medical need, he changed his tune. Now, Boehner sits on the board of a major U.S. cannabis company, Acreage Holdings.
Shutterstock
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has rallied in support for medical marijuana to be decided by state law. His stance has changed since starting politics in 1981 when he claims 1 in 4 Americans was against the recreational use of pot. Today, Sen. Schumer is one of the strongest advocates. He now argues for the decriminalization of weed at a