Palin Addresses Alcohol Group; Pot Proponents Want Her Next

Sarah Palin delivered the keynote address at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) annual meeting in Las Vegas, and now some marijuana legalization advocates are dangling a $25,000 speaking fee to get the former vice-presidential candidate and Alaska governor to speak at a meeting about regulating the drug, the Kansas City Star reported April 6.

Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws (NSML) officials said they would pay Palin to address their meeting. “The health effects of the substance she is talking about at the WSWA convention cause 33,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. The comparable number for marijuana is zero,” said Dave Schwartz, campaign manager for NSML. “Alcohol is also associated with violent crime and other destructive acts, while marijuana is not.

“If Gov. Palin is comfortable endorsing that product, we are certain she will endorse ours. We look forward to negotiating with her team to find a time that works in her schedule.”

NSML is backing a 2012 Nevada ballot measure to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol.

The Huffington Post reported April 5 that Palin’s typical speaking fee is at least $75,000. The report also noted that Palin, who has admitted trying marijuana, is not known to be a drinker and attended a Pentacostal church that preaches abstinence.