Rob Kampia Debates Marijuana Regulation on CNBC Power Lunch
Comments (64)
March 22, 2009
March 22, 2009
MPP Executive Director Rob Kampia debates the failure of the war on marijuana and the benefits of taxation and regulation on CNBC Power Lunch. Also on the show was Asa Hutchinson, former head of the DEA. 03/20/2009
The opinions expressed below by our viewers and posters do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Marijuana Policy Project. These views are those of the individual authors alone. MPP does not condone or support the illegal use of marijuana. We do encourage open and frank discussion, but if a comment has been posted that is in some way significantly inappropriate, please e-mail us at socialnetwork@mpp.org to report it. Thank you, and we're looking forward to what you think!
64 Comments, Comment or Ping
rob
I’m really glad to see that these media people are giving you respect rob, keep up the hard work! I sense that change is just around the corner man!
Mar 22nd, 2009
Scott
great job rob on cnbc. loved it. lets keep making progress anytime we can. great job dude seriously.
Mar 23rd, 2009
Thiels
yeah, it is great to see so many other people in the media awakened to the reality of this issue. rob, keep it up, as well as every person involved in MPP.
Mar 23rd, 2009
fred
Awesome. Everyone, make sure you guys are writing letters, emailing politicians, donating to MPP, NORML, etc….. Don’t just sit there with your fingers crossed. The time is NOW ! Don’t let up, we’ve never had a better opportunity !
Mar 23rd, 2009
dennis denzer
Excellent job Rob! Especially your last comment about the lobbiest support.
The hard thing to understand is: Why then aren’t our lobbiests making quicker progress in changing the federal law? Especially the classification. This is our time, all systems are ripe for change. Thank you Rob, good work. Dennis D. MN
Mar 23rd, 2009
James irvin
HAHAHAHA you saw once every1 turned on him he didn’t know wat to say cuz he knows they were right.
Mar 23rd, 2009
HighAss
wow, that was the best media clip of marijuana i’ve ever seen. Gr8 job to Rob for keeping his cool and laying the facts straight. The other moderators set him up pretty good, but it’s easy when everyone is speaking the truth (except for the X DEA guy).
so, 4 years after the stockmarket crashed prohibition was repealed. Will history repeat itself?
Mar 23rd, 2009
BG
this was an unbelievably fair and rational debate. the media seemed well prepaired and reasonable.as usual the opposition could only take an uneducated , “stereotypical” stance on the issue , wich I believe is becoming easier for people who are typicaly on the outside of the debate to see through. we may very well see our country become the land of truth and justice again.nice work rob ,mpp and all others taking a proactive stance to bring sense and reasoning back to our society , one step at a time.
Mar 23rd, 2009
alfredo
The cat is out of the bag! Finally the media are tuned into the reality of prohibition and have concluded correctly that the prohibition of marijuana is wrong. Right or wrong, Uncle Sam can no longer justify criminalizing well intentioned, hard working, tax paying adults for simply enjoying the pleasure of marijuana! Need to stress alternatives to smoking such as vaporization in the future.
Mar 23rd, 2009
Sean
Keep on informing the people Rob.
P.S. I love you.
Mar 23rd, 2009
Sean
Also, I find it funny, that he invoked the moral argument against it, but I thought in America no one could force their morals on you? Or at least that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Too bad, but, the arch of the world bends towards justice.
P.P.S. I love you.
Mar 23rd, 2009
jimbo,So.Jersry
Super cool Rob, proud to have you as our spokesman.Hope we don’t have to suffer another depression to get the government to wake up.
Mar 23rd, 2009
Eroc
Can you guys add share functionality to this webpage?
Mar 23rd, 2009
Corey
Well done Rob. Glad to see some mainstream media seem to be on board with the reasonable and logical reasons why marijuana should be legalized, taxed and regulated. The media and in turn the average tv watching american is slowly getting the picture on how ridiculous and dangerous this prohibition is.
Thanks for you and your fellow MPP members work Rob!
Mar 23rd, 2009
Legalization
URGENT! URGENT! URGENT!
MASSACHUSETTS just introduced a bill to LEGALIZE/REGULATE/TAX cannabis. House bill 2929/Senate bill 1801 will do just that… Looks like MA has joined California in the fight for sensible pot reform. Tell everyone you know in Massachusetts to e-mail their congressmen/senator. More information at http://www.norml.org!
Mar 24th, 2009
Drew
Fantastic Job Rob! I’m extremely proud of you and MPP, you represent millions of hard working americans who want the right to live free. Its really amazing to see the changes happening right now, that was probably the most fair and honest report on legalization I have ever seen.
I’ve donted to MPP, so should everyone who reads this page and sees this video
God bless you!
Mar 24th, 2009
Tom
Outstanding! Rob you are a great spokesperson for the cause. You’re very level headed and you stick to the facts. There will always be people who misuse and abuse things weather it’s marijuana, alcohol, food, gambling, sex, etc. All we can do is provide programs for them like ALANON etc. I look forward to seeing more from you and MPP. Thank you for all you do!
Mar 24th, 2009
ryan
i noticed the dea guy say something about hurting our teenagers with marijuana, but just for the argument. Dont teenagers still somehow manage to get alcohol? Wouldnt you say that’s hurting them? why not make sure its harder for the youngsters to get a hold of it. i think its a better choice to make it legal: the dealer doesn’t ask for ID. i wonder if this DEA guy is going to hell since he put so many lives in jail , in harms way, and may have been responsible for some of the deaths in the jail systems for something god gave us. he made everything in the world didn’t he
And honestly i think its worse to put someone in the pen vs. smoking. with smoking you don’t have to worry about getting raped.
Mar 24th, 2009
tintala
DEA guy says kids are dying!?? hahahahah.ollololo. But mainstream media is not completely agains cannabis now.. good thing at least they are open to Robs answers, the DEA guy sounds like a dumb redneck. I have donated to Mpp as well, and so should everyone here! But please let’s not forget HEMP
we really , really, really, really need industrial hemp for farmers to make , DUPONT, OIL< TIMBER< COTTON, and pharmaceutical gods go away. MArijuana will be legal before hemp which is sad.
Mar 24th, 2009
Chris
Awesome!!!
Mar 24th, 2009
Vince
I second that. “Awesome!!!”
Mar 24th, 2009
Drew Kenton
That a boy Rob!
thats why i donate because you and Bruce represent
Mar 24th, 2009
DougOntrack
The prohibition of Marijuana is a crime against humanity.
Rob, Your voice is making a difference…The Time is now.
I will be sending my donation to MPP a.s.a.p.
You too…NORML
☯
Mar 24th, 2009
Christian Conservative
As a nation we have the choice between either spending $20,000 a year to lock up a marijuana user or collecting sales tax on the individual’s purchase of this widely used, relatively safe product. To collect taxes from the grow-your-own community, we could consider a $100 per year permit for a dozen plants.
It’s time to put the criminal drug dealers out of business and let ordinary Americans grow a little marijuana in their own back yards.
Mar 24th, 2009
Voytek
It is time to legalize marijuana.
Period.
Mar 24th, 2009
David
Now is definitely the right time to legalize marijuana.
Mar 24th, 2009
Jesse Lee
That DEA guy was a dip! They always bring in the “kids” into the arument, I remember taking a big chew of tobacco when I was 9 and got the biggest high ever. I am a freedom loving American ADULT, Prohibition (marijuana and hemp) is the worst threat to my Civil Liberties, health care, and freedom of religion and expression. Legalize the safest and most useful herb on the Earth. We love you Rob, and keep those filthy dogs (Prohibitionist) running scared! God Bless
Mar 24th, 2009
shaun
what a great discussion and insight. Rob was very professional and informative. Hutchingson can lie isf he wants, we are taking america back. THANKS ROB!!! you the man!!! everybody keep it real!!!
Mar 25th, 2009
Jeffrey Johnson
Aspirin can cause an overdose. Morphine is highly addictive. Alcohol is widely abused. All of these drugs are readily available for use or prescription in this country – why is marijuana not?
While researchers continue to look for ways to treat diseases and the symptoms they produce – such as cancer, AIDS, and MS – marijuana is readily available, but patients do not have access to it because our state has not stepped forward and done as 13 other states have – passed a law allowing the use of medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation.
I am asking you today to introduce or support a bill that would make medical marijuana available to those who need it.
Mar 25th, 2009
Don Berry
How refreshing to see the tired and largely untrue arguments presented by Mr. Hutchinson countered by reason and reality. Thank you, CNBC! We may finally be extracting our society from the archaic, counterproductive policy of marijuana prohibition.
Mar 25th, 2009
Rudedog
Good job Rob. Keep educating people to the truth of Marijuana. Glad to see the media is finally getting it.
Mar 25th, 2009
Joe
I am so impressed by Rob Kambia. This organization has simply blown me away with their professionalism. I will make a donation today, and keep MPP in mind in the future. Excellent work!
Mar 25th, 2009
BABY LOVE
Wake up people! Look the crooks is getting rich the U.S. GOV’T being tak n for a ride while the forgone tax money is lost forever, I say each state should VOTE up or dn, the U.S. GOVT SHOULD LEAVE IT UP TO THE PEOPLE N EACH STATE. for the people by the people.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Mar 25th, 2009
Jason
This is inspiring!
Mar 25th, 2009
Gerard
BLOWN OUT OF THE WATER!! That was awesome. Good job Rob.
Mar 26th, 2009
J.L.Lee
FUCK the DEA. As far as I am concerned they are nothing but moving targets!
Mar 26th, 2009
J.L.Lee
America, you still ahve your guns. Use em.
Mar 26th, 2009
c.e.freeman
Amazingly, Asa Hutchinson appeared to be the least educated person on this panel regarding marijuana. He called it a “harmful” drug about 15 times. I am glad to see the dialogue going on.
One of the panelist stated he thought the alcohol and tobacco companies did not want to see marijuana legalized. That’s probably not true. I don’t see where the sales of either would go down if marijuana was legal. Some people seem to think that if it were legalized, everyone in the country would all of a sudden start using it. I don’t and I wouldn’t. It didn’t happen when alcohol use was decriminialized either.
The powerful lobby who does have a lot to lose is the pharmaceutical company lobby. They’ve got their chemical THC and a ton of other “legal” harmful killer drugs to protect and will do whatever to keep marijuana illegal. This is the lobby that will have to be beat down before any meaningful legislation will be passed. That translates into money — there will have to be a very powerful, well-funded lobby pushing for legalization for it to ever happen. I am not affiliated with the MPP but this is a reason to support it financially.
Mar 26th, 2009
Ozlanthos
Thank you Rob! As many have previously stated, the prohibition of marijuana has been a total disaster for this country and many others for far too long. As to which “lobbyist groups” might be against the legalization of marijuana, here are a few that come to my mind:
1. Pharmaceutical: Many people assume that I mean that they (big pharma) don’t want it legalized because people would turn to pot rather than much more dangerous drugs put out by them. There is some merit in that argument, but I am referring to the multi-billion dollar a year “PISS-TESTING” industry. They make TONS of money every year in state, federal, and private funds from keeping marijuana users from being able to get and keep good paying jobs. While it has been scientifically proven over the decades that various prescription drugs, even alcohol have much more detrimental effects on one’s ability to drive, operate machinery…etc, marijuana metabolites stay in your system for FAR LONGER than any of them. So if you legalize it, they can no longer justify breaking your 4th amendment rights in one of the most cruel and callous ways possible.
2. State and federal police: Like it or not, cops love having the pretext of “drug busts” to justify gearing-up like they are invading a small country, break down your door at some ungodly hour of the night, rushing into your home, roughing up you and your wife, scaring the crap out of your kids by waving guns in their faces, tearing apart your house, and making off with (confiscating) various items of value.
And that is just what happens if you are unarmed, if you try to present the kind of response you would normally give a home invader, you will most likely GET SHOT by those given charge over “protecting” the public! If marijuana were legalized, they could no longer justify terrorizing the public in such ways!
3. Gun Lobbyists: Being a gun owner, I hate to admit it, but gun Lobbyists want to keep marijuana and other drugs illegal because drug gangs fight over, and defend turf with GUNS. This justifies the above scenario, and conversely justifies police departments purchasing military-grade weaponry and body armor to ensure that they will be able to match and beat virtually any resistance they may encounter while executing a drug raid. If marijuana were legalized, there would no longer be a need to arm police to the teeth, as violent crimes not associated with the drug trade are so finite as to make vast “public” expenditures on military-grade hardware seem like a total waste of tax-payer dollars.
4. Privately-owned corrections lobbyists: Privately owned or ran prisons make BILLIONS of dollars every year on prison-labor. Most pay much lower than “minimum wage” to people behind bars. As over 60% of ALL prisoners are imprisoned due to non-violent drug-offenses, legalizing marijuana would cut their potential labor force to a mere fraction of what they enjoy today. NO MORE LEGALIZED SLAVE-LABOR!!!
5 Drug treatment and rehab Lobbyists: Often times when busted (even for minor possession), the offender is REQUIRED BY LAW to enter a state or federally funded drug-treatment program. As mentioned above, marijuana metabolites stay in the system of the user for weeks even months. This guarantees a failed drug test when you are arrested (whether or not you are high at the time of your arrest). As you were potentially high at the time, you by default “have a drug problem” and therefore “NEED” counseling. No more marijuana arrests, and 90% of everyone being forced into drug-abuse counseling no longer “needs” it!
So you see, the liberation of the marijuana market will completely cripple the death and misery industries. In order to prevent those currently making their millions in the death and misery markets from going broke, (or worse yet….having to make an “honest living”) we HAVE to continue to be harassed, maimed, defamed, detained, enslaved, and/or killed all in the name of a “drug free” America.
I DARE YOU TO MAKE A “MORALISTIC” JUSTIFICATION OF THE DRUG WAR NOW MR. HUTCHINSON!!!
Mar 26th, 2009
JewMob
rob thank you for all you do!!
Mar 26th, 2009
PapaRon420
Ozlanthos- Every point is completely valid. Have you written this to the president? Great Job.
You too Rob to stay in the forefront. I like those odds too- 7 against one. That’s what police and prohibitionists usually do to us. Excellent!
People please do not be deceived. That station is obviously not owned by Rupert Murdoch. Listen to what Fox always says and the way they would crucify one Pro-Marijuana guest with 7 Supposed “experts” that would be also in favor of who’s paying them to be there.
I do Challenge you Rob Kampia, to go head to head with Bill O’Reilly and Rush Limbaugh. It’s easy to fight when you have a lot of support. Please don’t misunderstand – I loath those guys and I would really LOVE to see you dress down “The Factor”. Nothing would give me greater joy at this point…well…hummm, well, it would be GREAT!
Mar 27th, 2009
Zac
Notice how DEA agent Hutchinson resorts to spewing more gov propaganda, saying that marijuana is a hard dangerous drug…When ALL scientific studies show otherwise.
The federal laws in this country are utterly ridiculous as are the excuses and propaganda that go into keeping it prohibited!
LEGALIZE MARIJUANA! It is the HEALING OF THE NATION!!!!!!!!!!!
Mar 27th, 2009
Garry Minor - Columbus Indiana
I’d say it was 7 to 1 against Mr. Hutchinson.
How nice to see education and intelligence defeating ignorance.
Mar 27th, 2009
Rayvyn
“If people disagree with this law in this democracy they can change it”
Really? What democracy? Millions want legalization, thousands try, and fail. Just more hogwash Huchinson is just trying to save face for national television.
Mar 28th, 2009
Mr. Chief
#1 Reason for the DEA and Law Enforcment to oppose legalization is they might be out of some work and therefore have to downsize and that means less money for them.
Mar 30th, 2009
Johnny Titmouse
That’s right they use the propaganda to save thier jobs becuase once it becomes legalized there won’t be a need to arrest 800,000+ people every year.
Mar 30th, 2009
Kelly
I saw this when it came on TV and I thought Rob did an excellent job. And I am a healthcare worker, actually an RN and Mr. Hutchison does not know what he is talking about in saying most healthcare workers do not want marijuana to be legalized. I work at a cancer hospital and most of the people I work with have no problem with marijuana usage, especially as it relates to palliative care. The drug we hear most about at my facility is cigarettes. I have not seen any scientific or medical evidence that supports the claim that marijuana has severe health risks.
This issue is close to my heart as my father died of pancreatic cancer some 13 years ago, in much pain and distress. When I offered to find some marijuana for him to use, to help ease his suffering, he flat out refused. He had been indoctrinated all his life to believe using this drug was wrong. I could not convince him otherwise. I believe to this day that had marijuana been legal then, his final days would not have been so terrible.
Keep up the good fight!! Don’t give up! Donate and help end this costly prohibition.
Mar 31st, 2009
Gil
How utterly exciting. To think that marijuana has a real shot at becoming legal within the next few years…wow. I’m speechless.
Mar 31st, 2009
Anthony
I understand that they are raising taxes on cigarettes and a portion of that is going towards health-care. Did we say that the DEA is spending $10 billion dollars a year on Marijuana alone. Why don’t they put that towards health-care?
Apr 2nd, 2009
Dane
John Stossel from 20/20 made a great comment a few years back on the prohibition of marijuana, “Itt’s not the drugs that causes crime, but the prohibition of the the drugs”. When the people of this country stop giving up liberties at the cost of security, then we pull together and feed, clothe, and house everyone. Thank you Rob for all of your hard work and commitment.
Apr 3rd, 2009
Steve B.
Here,here I have smoked marijuana for 41 years and never have I comitted any crimes or has there been any consequences medically. It is not a drug but an herb that god made for us to use medicinally. It should have been legalized along time ago and separated from the real drugs. If this were put to a national vote it would be legalized. Keep up the good work and stop this insanity. Even the people who dont use it know its not harmful compared to cigarrettes ,alcohol, pharmaceuticals, etc. The real truth needs to come forth, support the people who are trying to do so! I see no evil in pot like all the other drugs. They call it a gateway drug but I have seen people use it to quit cigarrettes, alcohol,hard drugs, and other addictions, Tax it and the govt. would make tons of money and take it out of the drug dealers hands and quit making mexico rich off it… God Bless
Apr 4th, 2009
Stephen Harris
GREAT JOB!
You tell that lying S.O.B!
“i’m speaking as a father and as a law enforcer”
Yeah well apparently you have no education. no logic, and apparently when you see the word FACT and marijuana in the same sentence if the “fact” isnt bad. then it isn’t true…
I cannot believe our government employs such ignorant people!
Apr 16th, 2009
Jasmin
In a debate like this we should be discussing the difference between alcohol/ hard drugs and marijuana. The prohibition of marijuana needs to end. I believe that all hard drugs should be illegal including alcohol. Marijuana has less harmful side effects than asprin which is sold OTC. Don’t you just love a country that will mass produce pharmacutical heroin, cocaine and meth; prescribes it to everyone but will not legalize a substance that grows naturally. Women and children are beat and killed because of alcohol and hard drug abuse. You cannot make the same arguement for marijuana and to group it with hard drugs is ridiculous. It’s sad we live in a country which claims to be the land of the free but we still don’t have full equality.
Apr 16th, 2009
Dina Bayardo
Rob, thnx for speaking up so well during this debate. All of you keep up the struggle, there are thousands of us that support your efforts and will back you up at the polls when it goes up for a vote.
Peace-out, Ghanja Woman
Apr 30th, 2009
shane
the DEA guy said it would save the lives of our kids….WTF? I live in a COLLEGE TOWN and every year college KIDS die of alcohol poisoning from binge drinking, it’s obvious, Americans aren’t gullable anymore, alcohol kills, cannabis cures.
Apr 30th, 2009
Matthew John Hammett
My fellow advocates,
I just want you to know that I was recently in Jamaica and witnessed an American sampling the wares of a beach hustling drug dealer. I called out to him. My first night on the island. I said, “Are you an American?” He said yea man! I said if you come to Jamaica and use Marijuana and don’t try to repeal prohibition in the United States you’re a hypocrite. You need to donate to Marijuana Policy Project.” He mocked me and said, “yea man, sure I’ll donate.”
I just want you to know that I am not a hypocrite. I will be donating $1000.00 USD to MPP PAC sometime over the coming months.
I urge other non-hypocrites to do the same.
Write your check to MPP PAC. This money goes to Federal level lobbying.
Stand for something. Don’t be like a pussy on the beach spouting your banal B.S. because you cannot get it together. We have to fight for rights.
If that is too much money, then don’t worry about it. Just give. MPP is very effective.
If you can only give $ 5.00 USD, then do that. Do something. Walk the talk. There are an awful lot of talkers and complacents. Do not be among them.
Those who do not stand up are a disgrace in front of themselves.
Don’t worry what others think. You have to face the mirror every morning.
Sincerely,
I remain,
Matthew John Hammett
Electronics Engineer (BSEE)
Telecommunications, Satellite Communications Professional.
More than 20 Years of experience at contributing to society.
Proud American.
PS-There is one critical thing to remember: we do not want corporations denying some limited cultivation at home. This must be lobbied for. You were born with the right to any plant. Never forget that.
Apr 30th, 2009
Jeremiah Hokinson
I can’t believe how well that worked out. I was always for the legalization of marijuana but now I feel even more strongly about it. There is no reason why it is illegal now. I know a guy who got shot in the eye from point blank for an ounce. Just legalize it already so we wont see violence anymore. The moral issue is an uphill race though, everyone still thinks that marijuana is the “big bad wolf”. Nice to see we are making some headway though.
May 1st, 2009
Mo Clark
I think the tide is turning and the anti’s are fast running out of vaild arguments to keep it illegal.
Keep up the good work Mr Kampia
Mo from the UK
May 1st, 2009
Douglas Morrison
GR8 job. Now us New Yorkers have to call our reps so we can get the Medical Marijuana bill thats in our Assembly & Senate into LAW.
Rev. Doug
May 12th, 2009
Kerry
Just to tap in Good to hear opinions on major Chanel,.
Once I was against. Now all for passing Law which should be in hands of people who know of chronic pain sufferer`s. I am in late stage Lyme the pain never stops now heading towards ALS or Parkinson`s, all linked as MS/FM/CFIDS/RA++++Just as cancer has 100 diff. names.
Anywho, great coming up. Know those of us in chronic pain & nausea, if as Montel says he could not do anything without it Imagine day without to function, Even my really straight doc asked me if I could get cannabis for help.
I was shocked shook hair off my head WOW??Kerry
May 14th, 2009
Stever
Once again, Rob Kampia – Right On 100%. Asa Hutchinson – Head sitll up his ass 100%.
Jun 16th, 2009
Mr Meaner
Seperate Marijuana from all the other drugs. Change the class of drug to a lower class. Alcohol is a major contribitor of irrational behavior which leads to domestic violence, urinating on themselves, leading cause of fatal traffic accidents,etc. Alcohol was used in hospitals as anticeptic and recreational use. Marijuana is used for medical purposes and should be used recreationally as well. People who smoke weed tend to stay home and out of trouble and are not killing or robbing people to get their next fix. The old people indoctrinated against Marijuana need to die off in time so that we’ll have a clear road to legalize it without the old folkies getting in the way. If the world could smoke weed, there would be peace on earth and less stress. God created weed and man made alcohol. Who do you trust? H.E.M.P. (Helping Educate Misinformed People)
Jul 9th, 2009
Mr Meaner
One more thing, When Marijuana becomes legal, watch doctors, lawyers, policemen, judges, politicians, and everyone with a high authoritive career come out of the smoking closet. They stay at home now, watch them come out in public with a joint in hand. Puff, puff, pass
Jul 9th, 2009
Ramsay
Awesome job on this debate rob !!!
It was perfect tv!!!
I told my girlfriend to get some popcorn on and we watched
It two more times : )
Now that’s goddamn good tv !!!!!!
Aug 27th, 2009
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