From libertarians to socialists, almost any political ideology can support legal cannabis. But that doesn't mean that it's not surprising when certain famous people support the issue. Here are the most unexpected people who support marijuana legalization.
10. Meghan McCain
The daughter of Arizona Senator and 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain is known to speak out publicly on a number of issues, sometimes even coming into conflict with her father.
In an appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, the younger McCain discussed the similarities between marijuana legalization and prohibition. She said after doing research, she determined that the benefits of legalization outweighed the negatives and how it changed her view on the position.
9. Kelly Clarkson
Sure, it makes sense that certain pop stars such as Miley Cyrus would support marijuana legalization.
But it is somewhat surprising that Kelly Clarkson, who had to win over the opinion of Middle America in order to win the first season of American Idol, would be vocal about her support for marijuana legalization. In an interview for US Weekly, Clarkson said, “I cannot understand the fact that controlled narcotic substances and alcohol are legal and weed isn't.”
8. George Zimmer
George Zimmer is the founder of Men's Warehouse, but you probably know him best as the guy who said, "You're going to like the way you look," in many suit commercials. You usually don't imagine stoners wearing well-designed suits, and yet Zimmer is firmly in the pro-marijuana legalization camp.
In 2010 he donated $50,000 to a California ballot initiative to legalize marijuana. That could buy a lot of suits!
7. Newt Gingrich
Back in 2012, Newt Gingrich thought it was a good idea to run for president. That didn't turn out very well for him. And while his candidacy didn't cause many memorable moments, he did state that he didn't support arresting people for marijuana possession. Unfortunately, he didn't make this a very public position, otherwise he probably could've doubled his supporters from two to four.
6. Glenn Beck
The former Fox News TV host turned right-wing media mogul is known to be conservative on many issues. But, he doesn't support the Republican views on marijuana. He's stated he believes it's time to legalize marijuana to reduce violence and cripple Mexican drug cartels.
5. Sarah Palin
The 2008 Republican vice-presidential candidate and Tea Party figure is known to be one of the most right-wing political figures in America. But that doesn't mean she's anti-marijuana. In an interview on Fox News, Palin said that people smoking a joint in their houses shouldn't be a priority for police officers and that the nation needs focus law enforcement on more important issues. While that may not be a ringing endorsement of full legalization, it at least acknowledges that marijuana isn't as destructive as many people claim.
4. Sean Hannity
Between praising Donald Trump for literally anything he does and pushing right-wing conspiracy theories, you'd never believe Sean Hannity would actually take a logical position on marijuana. And yet the Fox News host does believe that marijuana should be decriminalized. In a 2013 interview with Playboy, Hannity said, “I don't think there should be jail terms [for marijuana]. I believe in decriminalization.”
3. Pat Robertson
When you think of conservative, Pat Robertson should come to mind. He created the Christian Broadcasting Network and is well-known for holding some pretty far-right opinions about politics and religion. But, he does support marijuana legalization. In an interview with the New York Times, Robertson said he believes, "We should treat marijuana the way we treat beverage alcohol. I’ve never used marijuana and I don’t intend to, but it’s just one of those things that I think: this war on drugs just hasn’t succeeded.”
2. The Dalai Lama
The Tibetan Buddhist leader opposes the use of all drugs and alcohol. However, at a 2013 event, the Dalai Lama said the only exception he would make to that rule would be marijuana if it had "pharmaceutical virtues." So basically, he said as long as the marijuana use is for medical reasons, he's ok with it.
1. Barbra Streisand
Ok, technically Streisand has never publicly called for marijuana legalization. But, she has been very public and open about her own pot smoking days. In 2012, she told a concert crowd about a time she smoked with comedic legend Peter Sellers. And she's also said that in the 1970s, she would smoke pot on stage during her Vegas shows and “ended up with the greatest supply of grass ever.” I guess now we know why she ended up Richard Nixon's list of enemies.
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