Republicans Embrace the Vice Economy

As marijuana use surpasses alcohol and tobacco use for the first time, Republicans have delivered another win for the vice economy. Figures ranging from Donald Trump to Rand Paul successfully pushed to delay a ban on intoxicating hemp-derived products. This is the latest in a string of pro-vice moves from the GOP, ranging from rescheduling marijuana by executive order to curtailing regulatory scrutiny on cryptocurrency and prediction markets.

Given their self-conception of sturdy American virtues such as thrift, hard work, and sobriety, you’d think the GOP would be at the forefront in opposing Big Weed and online gambling. But too many in the party of “family values” have become partisans for the vice economy. 

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