Joe Cunningham Calls on Governor McMaster to Reverse his Position and Support Medical Cannabis Bill

Former Congressman and current Democratic candidate for governor Joe Cunningham today released the following statement calling on Governor Henry McMaster to reverse his position and support the legislature’s medical cannabis bill:

“Henry McMaster has stood in the way of a medical marijuana bill from day one of his administration. He has consistently used fear tactics and myths from the 1950’s to justify his blind opposition to this life-saving medical care.

Supporting this bill is the least he can do. People are suffering and the governor is playing politics. While it would be generous to say that this bill is even a baby step, it is a baby step in the right direction. It will save lives and bring comfort to thousands of South Carolinians. I wished this bill went further – much further – but part of governing is knowing when to compromise and not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

Once this bill is signed into law, we can finally start having serious conversations about the economic, social, and moral reasons to move to full legalization of marijuana in South Carolina. Legalization would bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue that can be spent on raising teacher pay, improving our schools, and fixing our roads. Legalization would allow us to expunge the records of anyone convicted of a low-level non-violent marijuana offense, giving them a second chance at life. And it would provide life changing medical care for countless South Carolinians battling with PTSD, epilepsy, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. But let’s be clear, our state will not make any more progress on this issue as long as Henry McMaster remains in office. Under another McMaster administration, our state will continue to operate under a 25 year delay behind the rest of the country and miss out on opportunities to finally be a national leader in jobs, education, and infrastructure. South Carolina simply cannot afford another four years of Henry McMaster standing in the way of what a majority of our people want and what they all deserve. When I’m governor, South Carolina will lead again and begin to finally reach our full potential.”

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