Trump tariffs would plunge Canada into recession

Donald Trump has promised, as one of his "many first Executive Orders," to slap a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, a move that would plunge Canada into a deep recession. 

Trump tells Trudeau to fix border problems or get hit with 25% tariffs | Toronto Sun | Brian Lilley:

November 26, 2024 - "Donald Trump has given Canada two months notice: Fix the border or get whacked with tariffs, huge tariffs. Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he will sign an executive order to bring in across-the-board tariffs on Canadian goods....

“'As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing crime and drugs at levels never seen before,' the president-elect posted. 'On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States'.... 

"While illegal immigration from Canada to the United States pales in comparison to what happens on the Mexican-American border, the numbers have been rising. 

"Over the period from October 2023 to the end of September 2024, border patrol agents apprehended close to 20,000 people crossing in the Swanton Sector – more than in the previous 17 years combined. That sector runs from the Quebec-New Hampshire border, across the Vermont-Quebec border and then over the top of New York State to where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. 

"Trump’s new border czar, Tom Homan, comes from western New York, just south of Kingston, and knows the Canada-U.S. border well.... He ... told a Watertown, N.Y., TV station in an interview just after he was appointed ... [that] more than twice as many people on terror watch lists have been apprehended crossing into the United States from Canada than from Mexico. And while fentanyl isn’t a drug that is often seized crossing in from the north, Canada has long been a source of cocaine, marijuana and other drugs, a fact Homan is well aware of.... 

“'This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all Illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem,' Trump said.... If Trump were to act on this, and there is no reason to believe he is bluffing, it would cause immense devastation to the Canadian economy. An analysis by TD economics of Trump’s earlier tariff threat predicted that under a 10% tariff 'Real GDP would fall around 2.4 ppts over two years. This threat is 2 1/2 times bigger and would sink Canada into a deep recession.

"Thankfully, there is a warning and a chance to act to avoid the tariffs, because on something like this, turning to enacting our own tariffs wouldn’t have the desired effect, our pain would be much bigger than theirs....

"There is a problem of drugs, crime and people crossing the border in both directions. The Biden administration had raised issues with the Trudeau government months ago, there was no action. Now, we face an incoming administration that isn’t interested in playing nice.... What’s worrisome for Canada is it’s doubtful that the Trudeau government can deliver anything that will save us and our economy from the pain that is coming."

Read more: https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/trump-to-trudeau-fix-border-or-get-hit-with-25-tariffs

Brian Lilley Drops BOMBSHELL On Justin Trudeau In LEAKED Interview! | The Canada Digest | December 18, 2024:

Public drug use recriminalized in British Columbia

On the request of the provincial government, Canada's federal government has exempted public spaces from British Columbia's pilot drug decriminalization program. 

Personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs in British Columbia | Health Canada | Backgrounder:

May 07, 2024 - "On January 31, 2023, a subsection 56(1) exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) related to personal possession of certain controlled substances came into effect in the province of British Columbia (BC). After a thorough assessment, this exemption was granted by the federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health to support the province in implementing its comprehensive public health response to the overdose crisis. The pilot project was planned to be in effect until January 31, 2026.

"Under the original exemption, adults aged 18 years of age and older in BC could not be arrested or charged for the possession of a cumulative amount of up to 2.5 grams of opioids (e.g. heroin, morphine, and fentanyl), cocaine (including crack and powder cocaine), methamphetamine (meth), or MDMA (ecstasy) for personal use. Exceptions to this exemption were included so that it did not apply in places where the provincial and federal government determined that personal possession would create undue public safety concerns (e.g. airports, daycares, schools, etc.).

"As the first exemption of its kind in Canada, ongoing monitoring was conducted to inform whether it contributed to its objectives, which included reducing stigma and substance use harms and increasing access to health and social services for people who use drugs in BC.

"In September 2023, at the request of British Columbia, the original exemption was amended to prohibit possession in additional areas designed primarily for youth including, within 15 metres of a public outdoor playground, spray pool or wading pool, or skate park. This came into effect on September 18, 2023.

"Since the exemption came into effect in January 2023, a number of BC municipalities, law enforcement officials, health sector workers, and community members have raised concerns about increasing public drug use and that law enforcement does not have tools to address public drug use. On April 26, 2024, BC submitted an amendment request to address these concerns. As of May 7, 2024, we are granting BC’s request to prohibit possession of controlled substances in public spaces. 

"Exemptions will continue to apply in private residences, healthcare clinics as designated by the province of BC, places where people are lawfully sheltering, and overdose prevention and drug checking sites.

"This exemption is an additional tool that the federal government is providing to BC to help support a balanced public health and public safety approach to addressing the overdose crisis and substance use. The Government of Canada continues to take a comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms and the overdose crisis."

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/05/personal-possession-of-small-amounts-of-certain-illegal-drugs-in-british-columbia.html

BC to recriminalize hard drug use in public spaces | Global News | May 7, 2024:

BC NDP ask Liberals to criminalize public drug use

British Columbia's NDP government is asking Canada's Liberal government to recriminalize public drug use in the province, after its own attempt was suspended by a judge pending a constitutional challenge.

BC looks for Feds to overturn parts of controversial drug decriminalization | Western Standard | Shaun Polczer:

April 26, 2024 - "[T]he BC government is throwing up its hands at what it says are barriers to restricting where and how narcotics can be openly used in public — including hospitals and public health facilities. Jennifer Whiteside, BC’s minister for mental health and addictions, is meeting with her federal counterpart Ya’ara Saks in Vancouver on Friday, where she is reportedly asking the Liberal government to review exemptions that allow users to smoke meth in hospital rooms, among others. She’ll also reportedly be asking Ottawa to support more supervised drug consumption sites and request[ing] additional resources.... 

"BC’s NDP government faces increasing pushback from municipalities over open drug use in their communities. On Thursday, the City of Kamloops wrote a letter to Premier David Eby calling for the end of the three-year decriminalization pilot.... 'We want the same rules as smokers and drinkers have that we can enforce. This is just one more tool that we need,' wrote deputy mayor Bill Sarai.... He was joined by the mayor of Fort St. John, Lilia Hansen, who also called for an end to the program....'We don't want to stigmatize anyone, but we have to think about our entire community and their safety,' she said. 'I do not believe that the decriminalization is working.'

"But the provincial government says its hands are tied with respect to the decriminalization pilot that began on January 31 2023 because it falls under the Criminal Code. An attempt to pass laws to restrict open drug use in places such as beaches and public parks last November was suspended pending a Charter of Rights challenge to the Supreme Court.

"Senior police officials testified before a House parliamentary committee last week that decriminalization went ahead without necessary steps to maintain public order. In recent weeks hospital workers have complained they are powerless to stop the use of dangerous drugs in washrooms and halls — even in a maternity unit — which they say is putting lives at risk."
Read more: https://www.westernstandard.news/bc/bc-looks-for-feds-to-overturn-parts-of-controversial-drug-decriminalization/54126?utm_source=website&utm_medium=related-stories

B.C. seeks ban on drug use in 'all public spaces' | CTV News | April 26, 2024:

Half of illegal street narcotics in BC from safe supply; cops powerless to stop drug use in hospitals | Western Standard | Shaun Polczer:

April 18, 2024 - "Testifying before a House of Commons Health Committee in Ottawa, ... Fiona Wilson, president of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police and deputy chief of the Vancouver Police Department, told the committee on Tuesday [that] police were essentially powerless to stop drug use in hospitals because they aren’t exempted from public spaces like schools, airports and some types of playgrounds. 'When that happens, if it’s not in a place that’s an exception to the exemption, there is nothing police can do,” she said.... 

"The issue came to a head after nurses union members complained they are being exposed to fentanyl, crack and other illegal drugs from users who openly smoke them in their hospital rooms. Security staff complain that they’re not trained to deal with the problem, which is exacerbated by the fact many addicts also have weapons when they’re admitted. 

"Wilson said police warned government officials before the policy was enacted in January, 2023. 'These are all things that we raised prior to decriminalization taking effect, that we don’t feel were adequately addressed, however we strongly support the notion of not trying to arrest ourselves out of this crisis. That is not going to save lives.'

"The BC government is trying to expand areas where open drug use is not permitted but is facing a court challenge from so-called ‘harm reduction’ advocates who argue it violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It’s essentially a federal issue because Ottawa had to allow the decriminalization from the Criminal Code at the request of a BC government that now finds its hands tied in the face of growing public opposition — and alarm — toward the policy."
Read more: https://www.westernstandard.news/bc/half-of-illegal-street-narcotics-in-bc-from-safe-supply-cops-powerless-to-stop-drug-use-in-hospitals/53918

Belleville Ontario declares OD state of emergency

Belleville enacts addictions, mental health emergency Western Standard | Jonathan Bradley:

February 8, 2024 - "Belleville, ON, Mayor Neil Ellis has declared a state of emergency because of the city’s growing addictions, mental health and homelessness crises and the resulting impact on emergency services. 

"'The past two days have exemplified just how critical the addiction, mental health and homelessness crisis has become in our community,' said Ellis in a Thursday press release. 'We, as a City, know that we are at the point where doing our best doesn’t cut it anymore.' Ellis admitted Belleville’s emergency services, healthcare system and municipal resources 'are being stretched to the very limits and we are close to a breaking point'....'

"[T]he City of Belleville said emergency services continue to respond to perceived and actual drug overdoses and are finding multiple patients at one time. On Tuesday afternoon, it acknowledged the largest was nine overdoses at one time during one call for service. 

"An emergency declaration acts as a request for support from the Ontario and Canadian governments and falls under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). The EMCPA defines an emergency as a situation or an impending one constituting a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to people or property. 

"Ellis concluded by calling on the Ontario and Canadian governments for support. 'I urge our local municipal partners facing the same issues to do the same,' he said." 

"The Belleville Police Service (BPS) issued a notice to residents on Tuesday to avoid the downtown area after first responders dealt with 14 drug overdoses." 

Read more:  https://www.westernstandard.news/canadian/belleville-enacts-addictions-mental-health-emergency/52268

Belleville, Ont., officials declare addictions emergency after latest overdose surge | CBC News : February 8, 2024: 

Toronto gov't wants drugs decriminalized in city

The Toronto government, supported by the police and board of health, has asked the federal government to decriminalize drug possession for personal use in the city. But the Ontario premier vows to fight it. 

Could decriminalization of drugs combat the opioid crisis? | Sudbury.com | Jenny Lamothe:

July 6, 2023 - "Toronto Public Health, with the support of the Toronto Police Service, has recently re-applied to Health Canada to decriminalize personal use drugs within the city limits as part of their effort to tackle the opioid crisis.... Initially submitted in January 2022, the now updated application from Ontario’s capital city asks Health Canada to go beyond the exemption it recently granted to British Columbia. 

"Effective Jan. 31, Health Canada granted B.C. a three-year decriminalization exemption covering adults and certain drugs — namely, opioids, crack and powder cocaine, meth and MDMA — and decriminalizes possession up to a combined 2.5 grams of otherwise illegal drugs. The Toronto Model does not outline a proposed threshold, nor does it have limitations on the types of substances one can possess. The city is asking for all drugs to be decriminalized for personal use and for the exemption to cover adults and young people. It would also extend across the city, except for schools, child-care facilities and airports.

"Toronto Public Health’s stated goal is to 'reduce the mental, physical and social harms associated with criminalizing people for possessing drugs for their personal use.' In the application itself, Toronto Police Service states their data shows that of 617 charges for possession in 2021, in 36 of these cases, possession was the only charge....

"In many countries across the world decriminalization has proven effective. Czechia, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland are among a  handful of countries that have decriminalized drug use and possession for personal use and have invested in harm reduction programmes.

"According to a New York Times analysis, the number of heroin users in Portugal has dropped from 100,000 to just 25,000 today. The number of HIV diagnoses caused by injection drug use has plummeted by more than 90 per cent. Over the last 20 years, levels of drug use in Portugal are consistently under the European average, particularly with young people between the ages of 15-34.... A 2015 study found that since Portugal approved this new national strategy, the per capita social cost of substance use decased by 18 per cent."
Read more: https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/could-decriminalization-of-drugs-combat-the-opioid-crisis-7241636

Toronto's Push to Decriminalize Drugs | The Agenda | TVO Today | January 20, 2022:

“Craziest thing I’ve ever heard,” Ford slams Toronto’s plan to decriminalize hard drugs | True North - Elie Cantin-Nantel:

July 17, 2023 - "Ontario Premier Doug Ford is slamming the City of Toronto’s plan to decriminalize hard drugs, including fentanyl and meth for kids and adults.... In a Friday radio interview with Global AM 640’s Alex Pierson, Ford said Toronto’s sweeping proposal is the 'craziest thing I’ve ever heard.'  'Go out to Vancouver, go out to San Francisco,' he added amid the two cities facing major drug issues. 

"'I will do everything I can to fight this,' said Ford. 'This goes up to the federal government. They cannot be following up with the request. It would be an absolute disaster for our city.'"

Read more: https://tnc.news/2023/07/17/ford-slams-torontos-decriminalization-drugs/

Toronto's Model of Decriminalizing Drugs for Personal Use | City of Toronto: 
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/94de-Torontos-Model-of-Decriminalizing-Drugs-for-Personal-use-March-22-2023-FINAL.pdf

GOP POTUS contenders want to invade Mexico

The top conetnders for the Republican presidential nomination all want to send the U.S. military into Mexico to shut down the drug cartels.

The Republican Primary Consensus for Sending the Military Into Mexico | Reason | Matt Welch:

May 24, 2023 - "When Sen. Tim Scott (R–S.C.) ... announced his 2024 presidential bid on Monday, the speech was predictably full of the upbeat, anecdotal, ain't-America-grand stuff that Scott, like generations of Republicans before him, has made central to his political career. Then things suddenly turned dark. 'When I am president, the drug cartels using Chinese labs and Mexican factories to kill Americans will cease to exist,' Scott vowed. 'I will freeze their assets, I will build the wall, and I will allow the world's greatest military to fight these terrorists'.... 

"Scott's bellicosity was no mere bolt from the blue. As Reason has been documenting for six years now, Republicans, even while otherwise souring on U.S interventionism abroad, have increasingly concluded that the alarming spike in domestic fentanyl overdoses would best be treated by sending the military into Mexico. Donald Trump first floated the idea, while he was president, of designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations — thereby allowing for extraterritorial prosecutions, enhanced investigative powers, and increased penalties for domestic drug-related crimes — in March 2019.... Trump himself in the summer of 2020 twice asked then–Defense Secretary Mark Esper whether 'we could just shoot some Patriot missiles and take out the labs, quietly,' according to Esper's 2022 memoir. Notable MAGA politicians Sen. J.D. Vance (R–Ohio) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R–Ga.) have both suggested violent interdiction south of the border, as have a bevy of more traditional hawks. There are a handful of escalatory bills bouncing around Congress.

"Open presidential primary contests, filled with hot air as they may be, are nonetheless useful X-rays of a political party's ideological heart.... So ... here are the top six 2024 GOP presidential candidates talking in their own words about using the U.S. military in Mexico to fight fentanyl-dealing drug cartels. Below that are some Reason arguments against merging the war on terror with the war on drugs.

Donald Trump.... 'When I am president, it will be the policy of the United States to take down the cartels, just as we took down ISIS and the ISIS caliphate,' the former president said in January. '[I will] order the Department of Defense to make appropriate use of special forces, cyber warfare, and other overt and covert actions to inflict maximum damage on cartel leadership, infrastructure and operations.'

Ron DeSantis.... 'Would you build the wall and would you use the military to go after Mexican drug cartels?' Florida's governor was asked at a press conference this month, replying, 'Yes, and yes.' He elaborated: 'The border should be shut down.... You do need to construct a wall.... We also have to come to terms with all the amount of fentanyl that's coming into our country.... You ... gotta go in and you gotta really go in with all guns blazing and using all the leverage that you have to be able to do it.'

Mike Pence.... 'The cartels are in operational control of our borders,' the former vice president said at a campaign stop in March.... "National security begins with border security. We need leadership that will secure the southern border of the United States of America as a priority.... Not only do you have this humanitarian crisis coming across, [there's] the impact on our economy, families, and communities, the flow of illegal drugs.... We have to have leadership willing to use American strength."

Nikki Haley.... 'When it comes to the cartels,' the former South Carolina governor said in March, 'you tell the Mexican president, 'Either you do it or we do it.' But we are not going to let all of this lawlessness continue to happen. And we can do that by putting Special Ops in there, by doing cyber, by really being strategic—just like we dealt with ISIS, you do the same thing with the cartels.'

Vivek Ramaswamy.... 'If the U.S. military has one job, it is to protect U.S. soil here in the United States, including the southern border,' Ramaswamy said in a March interview. 'And treating the cartels like terrorists doesn't just mean freezing their assets.... I think it means justified military force to decimate the cartels, Osama bin Laden–style, Soleimani-style.... And I think it's important to do it in…one cycle of aggressive shock and awe. And that solves the fentanyl supply-side problem.'"

Tim Scott .... Asked by NBC News to clarify his use-the-military comments in his announcement speech, Scott said: 'What we should do is whatever it takes to secure our southern border and stop the Mexican cartels from bringing fentanyl across the border.... Should we have more of a military presence on…our southern border? Obviously we should.... Should we say exactly what we're gonna do? Of course not."

Read more: https://reason.com/2023/05/24/the-republican-primary-consensus-for-sending-the-military-into-mexico/

US Army Strikes on Mexican Cartels is Worse Than You Think | Task & Purpose | May 23, 2023:

Minor drug possession decriminalized in B.C.

Simple possession of up to 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamines have been decriminalized in British Columbia as a three-year pilot project. 

What you need to know about the decriminalization of possessing illicit drugs in B.C. | CBC News - Akshay Kulkarni:

January 30, 2023 - "Starting Tuesday, it is no longer a criminal offence to possess small amounts of certain illicit drugs in B.C. for people aged 18 or above. It's part of a three-year pilot by the federal government, which granted B.C. an exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) on May 31, 2022. 

"While advocates for drug users say decriminalization alone won't stop thousands of people dying from a tainted drug supply, others say it is a step in the right direction when it comes to how drug users are treated. Here's what you need to know about B.C.'s drug decriminalization pilot....

"Under the exemption, up to 2.5 grams of the following four drug types can be legally possessed:

• Cocaine (crack and powder).
• Methamphetamine.
• MDMA.
• Opioids (including heroin, fentanyl and morphine).

"Fentanyl and its analogues were detected in nearly 86 per cent of drug toxicity deaths from 2019 until 2022, according to the latest report from the B.C. Coroners Service.

"The exemption pilot is set to last for three years until Jan. 31, 2026, unless it is revoked or replaced before then....

"Anyone caught selling drugs or trafficking them will still face criminal penalties in B.C. Trafficking illegal drugs or possessing them for the sake of trafficking (not for personal use) could land a person in prison....

"Possessing illegal drugs at schools, child-care facilities, and airports remains illegal. Multiple municipalities, including Vancouver, have bylaws that prohibit drug use at city facilities and private areas like malls or cafes. 'However, adults removed from private establishments would not be subject to federal criminal charges for their personal possession of up to 2.5 grams of the illegal drugs listed in the exemption,' the B.C. ministry of mental health and addictions said."

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/what-you-need-to-know-drugs-british-columbia-1.6727814

Voters legalize cannabis in 5 U.S. states

Every Single Marijuana And Drug Policy Ballot Measure Passing On Election Day Bolsters Federal Reform Push | Marijuana Moment - Kyle Jaeger: 

November 4, 2020 - " Marijuana and drug policy reform swept across the board in Tuesday’s elections, giving advocates a major boost as they push to end federal prohibition. Five more states legalized cannabis in some form and Oregon became the first state to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for therapy and also more broadly decriminalize drug possession. Meanwhile, voters in Washington, D.C. also approved a measure to decriminalize psychedelics in the nation’s capital....

• "Arizona [v]oters passed an initiative to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. This comes four years after voters in the state rejected a similar measure, signaling that support for the policy change continues to grow as the reform movement spreads. Under the new legalization law, adults will be able to possess up to an ounce of marijuana at a time and cultivate up to six plants for personal use.
• "Mississippi [a]ctivists overcame numerous obstacles both to qualify their now-passed medical cannabis legalization measure for the ballot.... The proposal will allow patients with debilitating medical issues to legally obtain marijuana after getting a doctor’s recommendation ... and patients would be allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per 14-day period.
• "Montana ... approved a measure to legalize marijuana for adult use. They also passed a separate constitutional amendment stipulating that only those 21 and older can participate in the market. The main statutory reform measure will establish a legal system of cannabis production and sales.
• "New Jersey ... voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum to legalize recreational marijuana. The legislature will still have to pass enabling legislation to set up regulations for the program, but a top lawmaker recently said that a bill to accomplish that could be introduced as early as Thursday....
• "Oregon ... became the first in the nation to pass separate initiatives to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic purposes and decriminalize possession of all currently illicit drugs. Under the psilocybin measure, adults will be able to access the psychedelic in a medically supervised environment.... The decriminalization proposal will remove criminal penalties for low-level drug possession offenses. Instead, those caught possessing a controlled substance will be subject to a $100 fine or be required to complete a health assessment within 45 days.
• "South Dakota on Tuesday became the first state in the U.S. to go from strictly prohibitionist to legalizing both medical and recreational marijuana. The recreational measure, which is a constitutional amendment, will make it so people 21 and older will be able to possess and distribute up to one ounce of marijuana, and they will also be allowed to cultivate up to three cannabis plants. The medical cannabis initiative will make a statutory change to allow patients suffering from debilitating conditions to possess and purchase up to three ounces of marijuana from a licensed dispensary.
• "Washington, D.C. [v]oters approved a local initiative to decriminalize possession of a wide range of psychedelics, including psilocybin, ayahuasca and ibogaine.... Under the new law, possession and use of the psychedelics will be among the District’s lowest law enforcement priorities."

Read more: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/every-single-marijuana-and-drug-policy-ballot-measure-passing-on-election-day-bolsters-federal-reform-push/

Liberal MP tables drug decriminalization bills

Liberal MP introduces bills to tackle opioid crisis through decriminalization, diversion | Halifax Chronicle Herald - Andrea Gunn:

March 9, 2020 - "According to federal government statistics, more than 14,000 Canadians have died from opioid overdose in the last four years. The situation is so dire, it has caused a stall in the increase in life expectancy for Canadians, according to Statistics Canada, and has even decreased the life expectancy in provinces that have been hit the hardest, such as Alberta and B.C.

"There is a growing body of evidence that one small change could save lives: the decriminalization of possession for personal use. The Global Commission on Drug Policy, the United Nations and the World Health Organization all support the treatment of drug use as a public health issue, not a criminal matter, and support the repeal of laws that criminalize drug use and possession of drugs for personal use.

"In a 2018 paper on the opioid crisis, Canadian Mental Health Association researchers looked to Portugal, which has decriminalized all substances for personal use, and found in the years following decriminalization improved health outcomes, including an increase in the number of people seeking treatment, a decrease in new cases of HIV and AIDS among drug users, and a reduction in the number of deaths associated with substance use.

"This growing body of evidence is why Toronto Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith has recently tabled two private member’s bills that look to change drug policy in Canada with the aim of saving lives. One bill, C-235, called the Ending the Stigma of Substance Use Act proposes to delete the simple possession offence in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Possession for the purpose of trafficking would remain illegal....

"Conservatives ... Deputy Opposition Whip John Brassard and Markham-Unionville MP Bob Saroya issued a statement this week warning that the Liberals are looking to 'legalize hard drugs like heroin, crack cocaine and crystal meth'.... 'During the last election campaign, the Liberals denied their secret plan to legalize hard drugs.... But now, a member of Trudeau’s minority Liberal government has introduced legislation to do just that.'

"Erskine-Smith takes issue with what he says is misinformation in his opponents’ attack — for starters, legalization and decriminalization are two different things, he says. But ... Erskine-Smith said he wouldn't expect full support within his own caucus on the matter. 'I’ve seen the prime minister say decriminalization is not where the Canadian public is,' he said...

"[S]o, Erskine-Smith [also] introduced Bill C-236, a compromise that focuses on evidence-based diversion measures for simple possession. The bill would allow police to proceed with criminal charges for drug possession only in situations where it’s insufficient to issue a warning or to refer an individual to a health-care provider.... This means the discretion of police officers to lay criminal charges would be reduced in many situations, such as for first-time recreational users or addicts, where a warning or referral would be best suited, but it does not affect how police deal with trafficking and production. It also still gives the police and prosecutors discretion to proceed with criminal charges, if necessary, in certain circumstances...

"One of the reasons he believes it can get support is the fact that diversion is already a significant part of Canada’s justice system.... Erskine-Smith said codifying these practices in law would provide structure and consistency for the criminal justice system and ensure these measures are being used whenever possible, and not applied unfairly to certain demographics. Moreover, he said, evidence shows that criminal sanctions are a primary stigma and barrier to people seeking treatment, and anything to reduce that would be a step in the right direction."

Read more: https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/canada/liberal-mp-introduces-bills-to-tackle-opioid-crisis-through-decriminalization-diversion-421258/

Santa Cruz decriminalizes natural psychedelics

Santa Cruz decriminalizes natural psychedelics – Santa Cruz Sentinel - Jessica A. Yorke:

January 29, 2020 - "Following in the footsteps of Oakland and Denver, Colorado, city leaders unanimously agreed Tuesday night to decriminalize adult use, possession and cultivation of entheogenic psychoactive plants and fungi. Known in one of its more popular forms as “magic mushrooms,” the substances remain illegal on a federal level, but city law enforcement has been directed to not spend resources on its criminal enforcement locally.

"The Santa Cruz City Council decision, first championed last year by Mayor Justin Cummings and Councilmembers Sandy Brown and Drew Glover, came after a vulnerable outpouring of community testimony, many sharing personal mental health struggles and efforts to successfully treat their symptoms....

"Denver voters passed a ballot measure in May [that] decriminalized psilocybin, and in June, the Oakland City Council passed a resolution decriminalizing entheogenic plants in general. Santa Cruz’s resolution this week, making it the third city in the U.S. to take such a step, declares city resources will not be expended on the investigation and arrest of persons 21 years of age and older 'solely for the personal use and personal possession of entheogenic plants and fungi listed on the Federal Schedule 1 list and that such activities should be considered among the lowest law enforcement priorities for the City of Santa Cruz.' Sale to, use and cultivation by those younger than 21, however, are not protected....

"Decriminalize Santa Cruz co-founder Sean Cutler, who, along with Julian Hodge, successfully lobbied for the change in city criminalization of psychedelics over an eight-month period, ... ... said after the meeting that the council vote represented forward movement.

“'The drug war needs to be ended in small deliberate steps,' Cutler said. 'We acknowledge that the U.S. government has spent 50 years indoctrinating Americans to believe that alcohol is good and everything else is bad, evil, for poor people. They have stigmatizing everything but alcohol and cigarettes'....

"Santa Cruz’s resolution cites the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s October 2018 decision to grant 'breakthrough therapy' designation for studies on psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression, and refers also to the use of the plants in traditional natured-based healing therapies."

Read more: https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2020/01/29/santa-cruz-decriminalizes-natural-psychedelics/
'via Blog this'

Health Canada asked to permit psilocybin therapy

Is Canada constitutionally required to legalize magic mushrooms? — Quartz - Olivia Goldhill:

August 29, 2019 - "A Canadian therapist has asked Health Canada to permit the use of psilocybin, the psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms, for medical reasons. If denied, he’s planning to file a lawsuit, claiming the health department’s [refusal] would violate Canadians' right to 'life, liberty, and security of person' — an argument that previously convinced Canadian courts that it is unconstitutional to prohibit medical access to cannabis.....

"Bruce Tobin said he submitted an application with Health Canada in March, asking for approval to treat cancer patients’ end-of-life anxiety with psilocybin. Magic mushrooms are illegal under Canada’s Controlled Drug and Substances Act, but the law has a clause, Section 56(1), which states that the Health Minister may exempt substances if necessary for medical or scientific purposes.

"Tobin is planning to give Health Canada to the end of the year to respond and, if they don’t, will file a motion in federal court asking for a judicial review. If his argument is denied there, he plans to go all the way to the Supreme Court.

"'There have been several landmark cannabis cases in which the High Courts have delivered very explicit judgements that Canadian citizens have the right to autonomy in making healthcare decisions with regards to life and death medical conditions,' said Tobin. Early research has shown that psilocybin therapy is effective at treating end-of-life anxiety. Tobin says he has patients who’ve tried all the alternatives and are in 'abject misery,' and he wants them to have access to psilocybin.

“Tobin isn’t the only one pushing against Canada’s legal system. Dana Larsen, who founded a medical cannabis dispensary in 2007, announced he was launching a medical psilocybin dispensary in June. The dispensary is based in Vancouver and claims to mail psilocybin microdoses to people with a documented medical need; Larsen lists anxiety, cluster headaches, and pain as conditions that can be treated with psilocybin."

“Reat more: https://qz.com/1693840/is-canada-constitutionally-required-to-legalize-magic-mushrooms/
'via Blog this'

OR Congressman endorses psilocybin initiative

Congressman Backs Ballot Measure To Legalize Psychedelic Mushrooms For Therapeutic Use | Marijuana Moment- Kyle Jaeger

January 16, 2020 - "One of the leading champions of cannabis reform in the Congress told Marijuana Moment in an interview that he’s supporting a campaign seeking to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic use in his home state of Oregon. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), who has spent decades advocating for the legalization of marijuana, said he’s in favor of the proposed Psilocybin Services Act, which would allow adults to visit licensed facilities to have the psychedelic administered in a medically supervised environment.

“'I have been involved with them,' the congressman said, on Tuesday referring to the Oregon Psilocybin Society (OPS). 'We are focused like a laser on the cannabis progress, but I’ve been in touch with the people in Oregon about their initiatives. I plan on being supportive.' While Blumenauer said he 'can’t undertake any more sort of leadership responsibilities' ... he said he 'will be open and visible and supportive' in the effort to legalize psilocybin for use in therapy.

"If the campaign, which is currently in the signature gathering process, is successful and makes it on the state’s November ballot, the congressman said he will 'absolutely' vote for it. 'Not just a "yes" vote, but I will make clear why I support it,' he said....

"Blumenauer did vote in favor of a modest psychedelic reform amendment on the House floor filed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), which was aimed at freeing up research into the restricted Schedule I substances. That measure was ultimately rejected by the Democratic-controlled House last year, but the congresswoman said she plans to reintroduce it.

"David Bronner, whose company Dr. Bronner’s is contributing to several campaigns working to decriminalize or legalize a wide range of entheogenic substances, told Marijuana Moment in a phone interview on Thursday.... 'His endorsement carries a lot of weight just because of his stature and long service in Congress. I think it’s pretty awesome and hopefully that’ll be an example and inspiration to follow'....

"Since Denver became the first city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms last year, followed by a unanimous Oakland City Council vote to make a broad array of psychedelics among the city’s lowest law enforcement priorities, activists in about 100 cities across the country have begun to pursue similar policies."

Read more: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/congressman-backs-ballot-measure-to-legalize-psychedelic-mushrooms-for-therapeutic-use/
'via Blog this'

Lincoln Chafee backs drug decriminalization

Presidential Candidate Lincoln Chafee Backs Decriminalizing Drugs | Marijuana Moment- Kyle Jaeger with Justin Strekal:

January 8, 2020 - "Libertarian presidential candidate Lincoln Chafee said on Wednesday that the U.S. should move toward decriminalizing drugs and partner with countries that have implemented such policies to learn from their models. Chafee, who previously served as a senator and as Rhode Island’s governor, made the comments at a press conference to announce his candidacy, where he emphasized the need for the U.S. to end its involvement in military conflicts abroad and also end 'the failed war on drugs.'

“'Internationally, our policies of eradication, substitution and interdiction are an abject failure and have caused vastly more harm than good,' he said. 'At home our prisons are full of non-violent drug offenders. What we need is an active, open-minded discussion in this country that results in real criminal justice reform — and that includes decriminalization. The truth is there is another war that needs to end: the failed war on drugs.'

"Asked by Marijuana Moment whether his plan involves decriminalizing all drugs or only select substances, Chafee didn’t directly respond but said that it 'starts with a broad conversation and getting everybody involved — law enforcement, health officials — and that’s the process.'

“'There are other models around the world, whether it’s Portugal or Uruguay or Holland, and we can learn from them,' the candidate, who has at times been a Republican, a Democrat and an independent, added.

"Chafee’s drug policy platform has evolved over time. During his time as governor, he signed a bill to decriminalize marijuana possession and urged the Drug Enforcement Administration to reschedule cannabis under federal law. In the midst of his run for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, he called state-level legalization efforts 'interesting, positive experiments.'

"On broader drug decriminalization, the candidate shares the perspective of at least two Democratic contenders, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), both of whom have expressed support for the policy change."

Read more: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/presidential-candidate-lincoln-chafee-backs-decriminalizing-drugs/
'via Blog this'

1st US psychedelic research center founded

First US Center for Psychedelic Research a 'Game Changer' - Megan Brooks, Medscape:

December 2, 2019 - "A group of private benefactors has donated $17 million to fund the first psychedelic research center in the United States.

"The Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, 'reflects a new era of research in therapeutics and the mind through studying this unique and remarkable class of pharmacological compounds," 'Roland Griffiths, PhD, the center's director, said in a statement. 'We've been conducting research with psychedelics at Johns Hopkins for almost the last 20 years, but funding has not been forthcoming from federal sources as yet so the work has primarily been supported by philanthropy,' ... and this 'very large philanthropic gift has allowed the establishment of the first center for psychedelic research in the United States,' said Griffiths.

"The center's operational expenses for the first 5 years will be covered by private funding from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and four philanthropists, including author and investor Tim Ferriss; Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress; Blake Mycoskie, founder of the shoe brand TOMS; and investor Craig Nerenberg.

"The funding will support a team of six faculty neuroscientists, experimental psychologists, and clinicians with expertise in psychedelic science, as well as five postdoctoral scientists. The faculty will train graduate and medical students who want to pursue careers in psychedelic science, where historically there have been few avenues for career advancement.

"Initial priority projects include researching the potential of psilocybin as a therapy for anorexia nervosa, early stage Alzheimer's disease, opioid use disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttreatment Lyme disease, and alcohol use disorder comorbid with depression. Based on research to date, the nature of the changes that occur during a psilocybin session would appear to have 'transdiagnostic generality' across a range of mental health and behavioral conditions, Griffiths said.

"He added that there are 'very strong preliminary signals' that psilocybin is an effective treatment for cancer patients who are anxious or depressed. 'We also have promising efficacy data in people with major depression as well as treatment-resistant depression; and we have indication of potential efficacy across a range of substance use disorders, including alcohol and cocaine abuse and cigarette smoking,' he said....

"For patients with depression secondary to a diagnosis of early Alzheimer's disease, Griffiths said his team 'strongly suspects' psilocybin will be effective at least for the mood disorder 'but, of course, the really interesting thing would be whether there is any change in cognitive function.' 'The emerging data with psilocybin and other psychedelics is that they may produce neuroplastic changes, they may end up rewiring the brain in ways we simply don't understand,' Griffiths added."

Read more: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/921986
'via Blog this'

Psilocybin called breakthrough therapy by FDA

FDA Grants Psilocybin Second Breakthrough Therapy Designation - Megan Brooks:

November 25, 2019 - "The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the Usona Institute breakthrough therapy designation for psilocybin for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

"This marks the second time the FDA has granted breakthrough designation for psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in "magic mushrooms." In October 2018, Compass Pathways received the designation to test the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression....

"'The results from previous studies clearly demonstrate the remarkable potential for psilocybin as a treatment in MDD patients, which Usona is now seeking to confirm in its own clinical trials," Charles Raison, MD, Usona's director of clinical and translational research, said a news release.

"The Usona Institute is a nonprofit medical research organization that conducts and supports preclinical and clinical research to further the understanding of the therapeutic effects of psilocybin and other consciousness-expanding medicines....

"More than 17 million people in the United States suffer from MDD. Through the breakthrough therapy designation, psilocybin is recognized as possibly offering a clinically significant improvement over existing therapies.

"The new status follows the recent launch of Usona's phase 2 clinical trial (PSIL201), which will recruit roughly 80 patients at seven study sites around the United States. The study will assess the safety and efficacy of a single dose of psilocybin in comparison with placebo in patients aged 21 to 65 years who have MDD. Two of the study sites are currently recruiting patients; the others are expected to be active by the first quarter of 2020. Usona estimates that the trial will be completed by early 2021."

Read more: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/921789
'via Blog this'

Is LSD the mental-health wonder drug?

Can LSD help solve mental health issues? - CBS News - Faith Salie:

August 19, 2018 - "Ayelet Waldman is no stranger to drugs.... Diagnosed with a mood disorder, this author and mother of four had tried everything. 'I was profoundly, profoundly depressed, suicidally depressed,' she said. 'I had never been like that in my life.'

'That’s when she turned to ... LSD. In secret, Waldman ... began taking a miniscule amount every three days. It’s called microdosing, and it’s a controversial yet growing trend among the Silicon Valley crowd. But for her, she says, it worked. 'You don’t hallucinate; you don’t see anything unusual,' Waldman said. 'Best way I could describe it, a little more cheerful and a little more effective at work, like, a little more productive.'

"So productive, in fact, she wrote a book about her mind-altering experiment, A Really Good Day. And most importantly, her suicidal thoughts disappeared. But there was a catch: After a month, she ran out of the small supply she had gotten a hold of. And she stopped microdosing. Why? '‘Cause it’s illegal,' Waldman said. 'If it weren’t illegal, I would still be doing it.'

"Taking LSD, even a tiny microdose of it, is still against the law, and potentially dangerous. But once upon a time, LSD and psychedelics like it were considered potential wonder drugs. Throughout the 1940s, ’50s, and into the ’60s, scientists studied them to understand mental disorders like schizophrenia, and to treat anxiety, depression, even alcoholism.

"But when the drugs left the labs and started hitting the streets ... the bad trips and even worse headlines that followed changed their reputation. And then: the Controlled Substance Act led to a more than three decades-long ban on all psychedelic research. Since 2003, however, the FDA has allowed for a few clinical trials of illegal hallucinogens ... like psilocybin, the psychedelic ingredient found in so-called 'magic mushrooms'....

"Dr. Tony Bossis, of New York University  ... along with researchers at Johns Hopkins University, published their findings of what a one-time dose of psilocybin can do to treat anxiety and depression in cancer patients. It was eye-opening. 'In this study, anxiety and depression reduced dramatically, immediately after the experience,' he said.... 'This medicine you take once, it’s out of their system in a few hours. But it generates a three- to four-hour, incredible transcendent experience. And it’s the memory of that experience that recalibrates how they view life and death and their existence, and give you very spiritual insights.'

"If that all sounds a bit far-out, scans have shown psychedelics may increase connectivity among different regions of the brain — areas that normally don’t communicate with each other. 'Maybe it’s time to take a sober, careful, scientific look at these medicines,' Dr. Bossis said, 'to revisit, are they helpful? Are they safe? Are they effective?'

"With more clinical trials on the horizon, researchers hope to open more minds about the potential of psychedelic drugs, one trip at a time."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/can-lsd-help-solve-mental-health-issues/
'via Blog this'
Watch video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2120149124916986

Greens vow to decriminalize drug possession

Green Party would decriminalize all drug possession if elected | CBC News:

September 21, 2019 - "The Green Party would decriminalize all drug possession if elected in October, leader Elizabeth May said Saturday on the campaign trail in Winnipeg. May said it's a necessary step to curb the opioid crisis in Canada.... May delivered the announcement in Manitoba, which is dealing with a major drug problem.

"As part of their effort to lower the rate of overdose deaths, the Greens are also committing to declaring a national health emergency, increasing mental health and addiction programs, and funding community organizations. The party said it would also ensure kits with Naloxone, a medication that blocks the effects of opioids, are widely available to treat overdoses.

"The issue is personal for the Green leader. Her sister-in-law, entertainer Margot Kidder, died in 2018 after battling drug addiction.

"Much of the Green Party's current support comes from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, and Vancouver Island, areas hit hard by the opioid problem, which led to the deaths of nearly 4,000 Canadians in 2017.... May said her party would consider lifting the decriminalization in the future if the drug crisis subsides....

"People on the front lines of the crisis have long said creating a supply of clean drugs and removing the criminal element would cut down on the number of overdose deaths.

"The Liberals have rejected calls to decriminalize all drugs, sticking instead with the legalization of marijuana — a 2015 campaign promise that was fulfilled last year. Neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives have released their 2019 platforms, including on what they would do in the area of illicit drugs and how to reduce death rates.

"The NDP's platform says the party would 'commit to working with all levels of government, experts and Canadians to end the criminalization and stigma of drug addiction.'"

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/elizabeth-may-election-decriminalize-drug-possession-1.5292817
'via Blog this'

55% of Americans want to decriminalize all drugs

Majority Of Americans Support Decriminalizing All Drugs, Poll Finds | Marijuana Moment - Kyle Jaeger:

October 2, 2019 - "A majority of Americans are in favor of decriminalizing all drugs, according to a survey by the libertarian think tank Cato Institute.

"The poll, which involved phone interviews with 1,700 adults, showed that 55 percent of Americans want to treat drug offenses like civil infractions that don’t carry jail time, as opposed to the current criminalization model. While numerous surveys have found majority support for marijuana legalization, few if any polls have previously shown such strong support for a wholesale overhaul of American drug policy.

"Participants were asked to answer whether they’d 'favor or oppose re-categorizing drug offenses from felonies to civil offenses, meaning they would be treated like minor traffic violations rather than crimes.'

"Democrats were the most likely to support drug decriminalization, with 69 percent in favor and 30 percent opposed. A majority of those who identified as independent also embraced the policy, at 54 percent. Forty percent of Republicans said they want to lower criminal penalties for drug offenses, while 59 percent in the GOP said they opposed the proposed change.

"Interestingly, people who self-identify as libertarian were ten percentage points less likely to support decriminalization (59 percent) than Democrats, despite the hands-off policy fitting squarely within a libertarian ideology. Those most aligned with Cato Institute’s libertarian perspective are even less embracive of lifting criminal penalties for drug offenses than are respondents who identified themselves as very liberal, with 75 percent of that group in favor.

"There was majority support for drug decriminalization among men (55 percent) and women (53 percent) in the poll, which was conducted from March 5-8 and released last week. A majority of people from all age groups and racial backgrounds, except Latinos, back the policy.

"Drug decriminalization is gaining traction as more people view addiction as a public health, rather than criminal justice, issue.... Twenty U.S. prosecutors visited Portugal to learn about the country’s drug decriminalization model in July.... Also this summer, a Canadian House Committee recommended that the country decriminalize all drugs, and shortly thereafter a lawmaker filed a bill to do so, though it didn’t receive a vote."

Read more: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/majority-of-americans-support-decriminalizing-all-drugs-poll-finds/
'via Blog this'

Commons health committee: Decriminalize drugs

Key Canadian House Committee Recommends Decriminalizing All Drugs | Marijuana Moment - Kyle Jaeger:

June 14, 2019 - "A House of Commons committee in Canada is calling for the government to decriminalize the simple possession of all drugs in an effort to address addiction as a public health issue. In a report released this week, the Standing Committee on Health described what its members learned on a tour across the country to examine the impacts of rising rates of methamphetamine addiction....

"The panel recommended that the government “'work with provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous communities and law enforcement agencies to decriminalize the simple possession of small quantities of illicit substances.' Further, it advised the government to 'undertake an evaluation of Portugal’s approach to the decriminalization of simple possession of illicit substances and examine how it could be positively applied to Canada.'

"Conservative members of the committee disagreed with several recommendations, the report stated, including the expansion of safe injection sites where people can use illicit substances in a medically supervised environment. However, the opposition party did not outright oppose decriminalization; instead, its members argued that such a policy must have 'the fulsome measures taken in countries like Portugal.'

"Witnesses told the panel that those measures include 'a scaling up of treatment programs and the creation of diversions programs for offenders who commit crimes related to their substance use disorders,' the document notes.

"The report also details how committee members encountered a pervasive negative attitude toward people with addiction, including from health professionals. Removing criminal penalties associated with drug use would be one step toward destigmatizing the health conditions, they argued.

"Members of the country’s ruling Liberal Party passed a non-binding resolution in support of decriminalization in April. But while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau campaigned on marijuana legalization, he shut the idea of broader drug decriminalization down, stating that 'on that particular issue, as I’ve said, it’s not part of our plans.' Nevertheless, some lawmakers from his party have expressed interest in reviving efforts to pursue decriminalization through legislation....

"Meanwhile, 20 U.S. prosecutors from major cities ... embarked on a trip to Portugal [in May] to see the impact of the country’s decriminalization policy firsthand."

Read more: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/key-canadian-house-committee-recommends-decriminalizing-all-drugs/

'via Blog this'

Congress must limit POTUS's emergency powers, says Rand Paul

Sen. Rand Paul says it's time for Congress to rein in the President's power | News | WDRB.com:

June 14, 2019 - "Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul said President Trump is acting too much like a king, and it is time for Congress to do its job of checking presidential power. Paul, a Republican who generally supports the president, pointed to Trump’s declaring a national emergency to fund a border wall.

“'You may remember me sometimes saying President Obama was abusing the separation of powers and acting too much like a king. Well, now there's a Republican doing some of the similar things,' Paul told WDRB News ... in Louisville. 'I'm for spending for some border security. I think we do have to have secure borders, but I think Congress has to appropriate the money. I don't think the president should be allowed to.'

"Paul said the separation of powers also applies to tariffs. 'I'm not a big fan of tariffs,' he said. 'I think they're hurting Kentucky. But I really am not a big fan of one person being able to decide there are tariffs.'

"Paul has co-sponsored a bill with Democrat Ron Wyden of Oregon to limit the president's emergency powers. Paul said he is 'absolutely' concerned that a president’s power should be checked regardless of which party controls the White House....

"Paul was in Louisville to talk to a meeting of the Kentucky Bar Association about criminal justice reform. He was a big supporter of the First Step Act, which reduced mandatory life sentences for some non-violent drug offenses to 25 years and funded programs to help ex-felons return to society. He believes the federal and state governments should do even more. 'In Kentucky, believe it or not, you can kill somebody and be eligible for parole in 12 years,' he said. 'But you can sell drugs, and be in jail for life. I think we have to reassess.'

"But Paul said he does not want to be misunderstood as supporting drug use. 'I think drugs are a bad thing,' he said. 'I don’t want our kids on drugs. I don’t want our adults on drugs. But the thing is I also don’t want to put people in jail for it either.'

"Justice reform is an issue he pushed during his 2016 presidential campaign, and Paul is not exactly ruling out a second run in 2024. 'It’s just hard to imagine in the future, but I did it once, and it was an exciting time,' he said. 'Unless something would dramatically change, I don't see it happening again. But we'll see.'”

Read more: https://www.wdrb.com/news/sen-rand-paul-says-it-s-time-for-congress-to/article_70cb2d20-8ecf-11e9-86d6-8382b2c25328.html

'via Blog this'