Many people know Rick Steves as the affable travel writer and host. But in fact, he takes an equally strong lead on being the spokesperson for reforming marijuana laws in the United States.

In this PBS interview, Rick says, “Because I’ve spent a third of my life overseas, where it would be laughable to lock people up for smoking a joint, I’ve got a different take on this.”

Ask the readers: do you think pot should be legalized? How much of your opinion on marijuana is based on accepted societal perceptions?

Drug Laws
 

About The Author

Ian MacKenzie

Ian MacKenzie is the founder and former editor of Brave New Traveler. He is a now a contributing editor to Matador, and the network's architect. Ian is also a documentary filmmaker, with his first feature (One Week Job) released in 2010.

  • http://Travel-Writers-Exchange.com Rebecca

    Wow, who knew Rick Steves would speak about marijuana! I am for legalizing and or decriminalizing it. Rick stated in the video that Americans smoke more marijuana than any other country. Isn't that a shocker? Our jails are filled with people who commit non-violent crimes. Perhaps if we took an interest and got these people some help, they would not commit these crimes. Smoking marijuana is no different than smoking a cigarette. One is legal (for now) and one is not. They have effects on you body.

  • Erik Hoffman

    Rick Steves has been identifiable with marijuana law reform for some time, It’s nice to have a NPR crowd pleaser talking sense to people who bother to vote.

    Takes courage to speak truth to power for someone who has a lot to lose from taking this stance.

  • http://MaxTheITpro.com Maxwell

    I’m more amazed that the sheeple (er citizens) actually go along with US weed laws that’s on the books. Whenever you have unjust laws, the citizens should show their defiance and come OUT as one collective instead of hiding in their closets. This is the problem.
    Another problem is that most people don’t know the REAL TRUTH on why cannibis is illegal. My fellow Canadian patriot, Rick Simpson, had to flee to Europe because he discovered that Hemp Oil (not hemp seed oil) is a cure for CANCER and lots of other debilitating diseases. He cured himself and friends who were terminally ill. This is all over YouTube if you think this is a joke.
    Hopefully Rick Steves actually knows about Mr. Simpson’s story. This is enough to legalize it. But it’s big pharma profits that are at stake.
    Please share the links below to your loved ones with cancer et al.

    - Max

    Small Community Cancer Cure Crushed by Big Pharma
    http://hempnews.tv/2009/12/30/small-community-cancer-cure-crushed-by-big-pharma-2/

    Canadian Man Heralded for Curing Cancer Seeks Asylum in Europe
    http://hempnews.tv/2009/12/05/canadian-man-heralded-for-curing-cancer-seeks-asylum-in-europe/

    “RUN FROM THE CURE – The Rick Simpson Story (Part 1 of 7)” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjhT9282-Tw

    How to Make Your Own Medicinal Hemp Oil (not hemp seed oil)
    http://hempnews.tv/2009/11/14/how-to-make-your-own-medicinal-hemp-oil/

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