When a Republican Senator from a Blue state makes an appearance at a Cannabis Public Policy Conference, people pay attention.
That’s precisely what happened when Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), took 30 minutes out of his DC schedule to answer questions live via Zoom, at the Cannabis Public Policy Conference in Denver on September 23rd.
As a Colorado resident since 1998, I’ve been familiar with Cory Gardner since his early days in the state house - But admittedly, I wasn’t extremely familiar with his stance on cannabis. Turns out, Senator Gardner has been an advocate for cannabis for quite some time. From championing Hemp farming and the SAFE banking act, to supporting a vote for the full legalization of marijuana, Senator Gardner clearly wants to make life easier for those of us in the cannabis industry. And as one of only a few GOP Senators from a rec-legal state, it’s obvious that he’s in a near-perfect position to influence those on his side of the aisle.
During his live zoom, the senator was very engaging, articulate, and calm. In fact, after the interview was over, I heard several comments from people in the room of how “likable” he was… How they never expected someone like him to be in “our corner”… And how he might really be the kind of person who could turn some of his more conservative colleagues towards our cause. Especially in this highly partisan environment, it seems Senator Gardner’s gift, is his Republican status and the corresponding number of relationships he’s built within his own party. Turning just a few of those relationships into pro-cannabis votes, would change the entire face of this issue at the federal level in a heartbeat.
Maybe it’s just me… But when hemp and cannabis professionals come together, it’s usually over a personal experience with the plant and a shared love for its potential… It’s not really about bonding over the same political ideology of the guy next to you.
And while Washington and the national news media continue their red vs blue tirades of life, it’s clear to me that in order to get additional support on pro-cannabis legislation that serves farmers, product manufacturers, dispensaries, etc., we need cannabis-friendly legislators who are willing to step forward on behalf of our best interests. As many in the GOP have tried to stick their heads in the sand or ignore the cannabis issue even exists, Senator Gardner has been the exact opposite. He has not cowered in front of his fellow colleagues. Rather, he has continued to be a positive voice for cannabis in a chamber where dissent isn’t often tolerated.
Perhaps you’re someone who votes straight down the ticket for your political party. If so, I understand and respect your position.
But if you’re someone who believes progress, strategy, and a vision for pro-cannabis legislation is more important than any party affiliation, then I’d like to ask you to consider a vote for Cory Gardner. In fact, if you didn’t see an “R” next to his name, you might assume he’s exactly the guy we need in the Senate, working on behalf of everyone in our industry, right now.
Carrie Cox
Co-Founder and Corporate Liaison
The Hemp Business Advisors