Marijuana buds. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)
WASHINGTON — Jared Polis and Ted Cruz are about as far apart on the political spectrum as two lawmakers can get.
But this week the Boulder Democrat and Texas Republican took the same stance on at least one hot-button issue: Colorado’s right to legalize marijuana.
Addressing fellow conservatives at a conference near Washington, Cruz defended a state’s right to dictate policy within its own borders — even if there’s opposition at the national level.
“If the citizens of Colorado decide they want to go down that road, thatap their prerogative. I don’t agree with it, but thatap their right,” said Cruz, about Colorado’s legalization of marijuana.
Swinging off that statement, Polis today issued a statement that highlighted an ongoing , as well as his own bill that would give states more leeway on marijuana.
“I’m proud to join with Ted Cruz in calling on our colleagues in Congress to respect the right of local citizens to decide how to regulate marijuana use, without federal government interference,” Polis said.
“My bipartisan bill, the ‘Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act,’ would do just want Sen. Cruz now supports, leaving it to the states to regulate marijuana how they see fit, and I look forward to seeing Mr. Cruz introduce companion legislation in the Senate, which I expect he will do imminently,” he added.
