Trump's Likely VP Pick, Nancy Mace, Wants Marijuana Legalized, Although She's 'Pretty Damn Conservative'

In the bustling realm of American politics, where a myriad of issues vie for the spotlight, it’s not every day that a conservative figure like Nancy Mace emerges to pivot the conversation toward a subject as divisive as cannabis. Just this week, the Republican House Representative for South Carolina made waves on "The Daily Show" where she discussed an array of topics, from women's rights, the new Speaker of the House to a potential nomination as Vice President for Donald Trump - a claim she neither confirmed nor denied. She simply said, "Well, I haven't been asked yet. And my focus is now on South Carolina, as it always will be. And I understand why people might be talking about it. I do a lot for women's issues, and Republicans lost women last year... I think it's intriguing. It's interesting, and I think it's a conversation we need to have. Because I want my little girl to know that she can be president one day. And I want to see Republicans put women on the ticket."

Mace's Marijuana Views

However, one topic that remained unexplored on the show but has been pivotal in Mace's legislative efforts was her stance on cannabis reform, a subject she addressed in depth in an exclusive interview with Benzinga Cannabis.

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Nancy Mace's journey toward becoming an advocate for cannabis reform is as personal as it is political. It’s a tale rooted in hardship, resilience and the search for healing. “I dropped out of school right at my 17th birthday. I had been raped by a classmate of mine,” Mace disclosed, painting a portrait of a life irrevocably altered by trauma. In the aftermath, prescription antidepressants proved to be a double-edged sword, exacerbating her depression to life-threatening levels. It was during this dark chapter that she turned to cannabis, finding in its embrace a temporary respite from the tumult within. “It really got me through some tough times,” said the congress woman.

This personal history informs Mace’s political stance on cannabis, lending authenticity to her efforts. "Cannabis was what helped get me through these tough experiences,” she told Benzinga. “And so, when I talk to veterans, I talk to people that have PTSD or other health issues, I understand it because I've experienced it myself, personally. I get it and I can connect with the people that are struggling, and understand why there’s such strong support for cannabis reform in the United States.”

Mace's States Reform Act

In crafting the States Reform Act, a piece of legislation that has garnered support from various corners, Mace broke the mold. Her bill, which includes protection clauses for veterans wishing to use cannabis and VA doctors wanting to prescribe it, challenges preconceived notions about the traditional military stance on cannabis. “Veterans’ issues are really near and dear to my heart,” Mace said, highlighting the bill's potential to serve as a lifeline for those returning from combat.

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But Mace's mission transcends party lines. Her advocacy for cannabis reform has positioned her as a unique force in a political landscape characterized by division. “In order to do cannabis reform responsibly in this country, you have to have Republicans on board,” Mace says, stressing the bipartisan nature of her legislative efforts. This sense of unity is central to her vision. “The States Reform Act... will be equally Republican and Democrat. I want it to be bipartisan, I want to build consensus.” 

Indeed, Mace’s conservative roots and voting record are a testament to her ability to traverse the political spectrum. “You look at my voting record: it is pretty damn conservative. But then I reach across the aisle and, where I agree with the left, I work with the left, because that's a responsibility that I have as an elected lawmaker.” 

In the end, the States Reform Act, according to Mace, presents a pragmatic approach allowing states to tailor their cannabis reform while addressing critical issues like banking for cannabis businesses. “These companies that are worth billions of dollars in the industry right now can't even bank. It's a dangerous business when you're dealing with so much cash, and in some cases, we're incentivizing illicit markets," Mace said.

The essence of Nancy Mace’s relationship with cannabis is interwoven with her life story and political career—a narrative of overcoming adversity, understanding through experience and striving for a unified approach to reform. Her journey from a troubled past to the halls of Congress, championing cannabis legislation, underscores the complexity and humanity at the heart of American politics.