It has been perplexing to try and follow the opposition to medical cannabis dispensaries in Anne Arundel County. Arguments used seem based on fear and age-old stereotypes.

As an advocate for veterans on behalf of AMVETS, the issue of medical marijuana is often discussed. In 2016, AMVETS membership passed a resolution pushing for veterans’ access to medical marijuana, which makes it part of our legislative agenda. The American Legion has a similar resolution, and we are not alone in this. Veterans’ service organizations (VSOs) are historically conservative, yet they are on-board, and Congress is starting to listen.

To our delight, last week former Speaker of the House John Boehner made a public 180 on the marijuana issue and said his thinking has evolved. “I’m convinced de-scheduling the drug is needed so we can do research, help our veterans, and reverse the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities.”