I am writing to address some inaccuracies in Sen. Mitt Romney’s recent remarks concerning cannabis legalization. Romney suggested that cannabis legalization could jeopardize our international trade deals and alliances, citing international treaties as a primary obstacle. Firstly, numerous cannabis companies and advocacy organizations have pointed out that the international treaties in question — principally the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 — provide ample flexibility for nations to reform their domestic drug policies. Indeed, several countries that are signatories to these treaties, including Canada and Uruguay, have already legalized cannabis without facing significant international repercussions or breaches of treaty obligations. Moreover, Romney’s concerns about negative impacts on trade deals and alliances seem to overlook the evolving global stance on cannabis.

Source: International New York Times May 19, 2024 23:51 UTC