Utah Governor Nominee’s Wife Facing Marijuana Charges

Utah Governor Nominee’s Wife Facing Marijuana Charges

The recent Democratic and Republican conventions in Utah have yielded a surprising batch of unexpected nuggets. The Democratic nominee for governor of Utah recently revealed that his wife is under criminal investigation for medical marijuana. Instead of damaging his campaign, the investigation seemed to only propel him further into the Democratic nominee seat.

Michael Weinholtz made medical marijuana the number one topic at the Utah Democratic Convention.

In the last 72 hours, we learned that my wonderful wife of 20 years, Donna, is under investigation for possession of marijuana, Weinholtz told reporters. Then he gave a surprisingly transparent explanation. She has only used cannabis for medical reasons to relieve her chronic pain. The issue of medical cannabis touches everyone.

Weinholtz message was well-received hours after his announcement he was crowned as the Utah Democratic nominee. Weinholtz walked away with 80 percent of the vote crushing his opponent Vaughn Cook. Cook didnt use medical marijuana as a campaign handle, instead calling himself more electable.

Weinholtz is a former executive from a staffing company. Being open about his wifes investigation has had a surprising pleasant effect on his campaign.

Thats what they can expect from me always in the future. Transparency is something that Ive talked about on the campaign trail and Im always going to be transparent, open and honest with people, he explained.

Utahs Republican Governor Gary Herbert failed to secure a nomination. Utah hasnt elected a Democratic governor since 1980, but the times are changing at a glacial, yet steady pace. This year 728 of the states registered Democratic delegates, or two-thirds, showed up for the Democratic nomination.

Weinholtzs wife Donna said she used medical marijuana to battle ongoing nerve damage sustained from arthritis. I dont believe in abusing any substance, Donna Weinholtz told FOX 13, brandishing a denim jacket with Bernie buttons. I dont believing in abusing alcohol, I dont believe in abusing this and thats not what this is about. This is about being able to sleep, being able to relax and not have the pain from arthritis and I know the folks out there know what Im talking about.

Mrs. Weinholtz wasnt arrested for possession of marijuana and both she and her husband deny that the arrest was a publicity stunt.

Utah is currently in civil war over cannabis. Two earlier bills to legalize medical cannabis lost steam and ran out of money at least for the November 2016 ballot. SB 73 and the more restrictive SB 89 would have legalized medical cannabis in the state of Utah ...

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