Last night, 11 Republican presidential candidates took to the stage to try to convince the American public of their leadership chops. And while cannabis legalization wasn’t the hottest topic of the night, a few viewers were surprised to see Jeb Bush declare that he “smoked marijuana 40 years ago.”
While the fact that he consumed isn’t exactly a secret (he told The Boston Globe earlier this year that he consumed in high school), the Internet nonetheless was quick to the draw with an almost endless supply of “Jeb Kush” memes.
Jeb may have enjoyed marijuana in the past, but he’s ardently opposed to legalizing cannabis for recreational or even medical consumption. Last year, he went so far as to urge voters to reject Florida’s marijuana amendment. Senator Rand Paul made the (very valid) point during the debate that criminalizing cannabis disproportionately affects poor Americans, while those of privilege partake without legal ramifications. We couldn’t agree more, and we hope more legislators come to this realization sooner than later.
Politics aside, we can’t get enough of these uproarious memes. Here are some of the very best.
Darker shades will hide that red eye a little better, Jeb.
Jeb Bush's admission that "40 years ago, I smoked marijuana" is lighting up the Internet. http://t.co/mmu0hKXw1Rpic.twitter.com/fIgKimFnEO
— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) September 17, 2015
Yep, those sunglasses should do the trick!
Jeb Bush more like Jeb Kush #kushdaddy???? pic.twitter.com/fc2F530P2j
— Ab (@adam_bessey) July 17, 2015
What do you think his stage name would be?
#GOPDebate Jeb Bush: "Yeah I smoke pot, yeah I love peace But I don't give a f**k, I ain't no hippy" pic.twitter.com/3UpOytLpmf
— Jarry (@jarry) September 17, 2015
Who knew he could role a perfect cone?!
Jeb Bush totally smoked weed … 40 years ago http://t.co/a8B1yp7I2N
— Anthony Davis (@AnthonyDavismtt) September 17, 2015
When in doubt, roll up ALL THE CANNABIS!
#JebKush Photos of Jeb from 40 years ago are coming out! pic.twitter.com/hEI2MxBHTD
— Justin Nowak (@NowakCreative) September 17, 2015
Turd Ferguson's mother approves of Jeb Kush.
Exclusive photo of #JebKush last night #GOPDebatepic.twitter.com/pzb7fpnIGo
— Turd Ferguson (@WillHousell) September 17, 2015
If Jeb Kush were a strain, what would his flavor be?
#JebKush2016pic.twitter.com/OJXKqv2Nyh
— Alex Bruesewitz (@TheAlexanderW_) September 17, 2015
Maybe Jeb Kush would be a dreamy, contemplative strain.
More like Jeb Kush. #GOPDebatepic.twitter.com/OKAo9rbXjw
— Epic Game Music (@epicgamemusic) September 17, 2015
Nice tattoo, Jeb.
WHO DID THIS #JebKush#GOPDebatepic.twitter.com/5RNSPEISDy
— Favre In The Cut (@ASAPParm) September 17, 2015
Nothing like a toke on stage to calm those debate-time nerves.
BIG. pic.twitter.com/gzWykLn8LJ
— Benny (@bennyjohnson) September 17, 2015
And our favorite, which isn't a meme at all:
Sorry Mom
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) September 17, 2015
Check out what the other 2016 presidential candidates think about legalizing cannabis:
Image Source: Micheal Vadon via Wikimedia Commons