Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele makes his remarks during a Republican National Committee Winter Meeting in Oxon Hill, Md., Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. (Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press)

Marijuana legalization is around corner, says former Republican party chairman

There’s no better time than the present to discuss marijuana legalization according to Michael Steele, who helped shape national policy during his tenure as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Steele recently told Civilized that America is finally ready to take a critical look at its outdated drug policies.

“Broadly speaking, the opportunity’s there now for communities across the country to reevaluate the historic stance on marijuana use, specifically with respect to medical marijuana,” he said.

But that doesn’t mean Steele fully supports legalization.

“I’ve always been much more favorably disposed to medical marijuana use, especially after understanding the medicinal aspects of it and certainly having friends and associates who have suffered various illnesses where it was very clear that marijuana was a difference maker for them, day-in and day-out in terms of their pain management and overall wellbeing,” Steele added. “I’ve since evolved to appreciating the broader use of it.”

By “appreciating” he means respecting the decisions of adults who choose to have a puff. But Steele isn’t one of those consumers.

Read more of this story at Civilized

This story was first published on Civilized.Life