The Hill News

Regardless of one's opinion of President Obama as a political figure, few deny his skill as an eloquent orator. So it is notable, even newsworthy, when the commander-in-chief is publicly at a loss for words.

Such was the case on Monday at a presidential town hall in Cannon Falls, Minnesota when a flustered, tongue-tied Obama attempted in vain to explain why the administration continues to oppose efforts to allow for the legal use of marijuana as a doctor-recommended medicine. (Watch the full video of the town hall here. The question from the audience pertaining to medical medical cannabis and Obama's response is at the 49-minute mark.)

Confused? Perhaps this transcript will help to better explain the president's position:

Audience member: "If you can't legalize marijuana, why can't we just legalize medical marijuana, to help the people that need it?"

Obama: "Well, you know, a lot of states are making decisions about medical marijuana. As a controlled substance, the issue then is, you know, is it being prescribed by a doctor, as opposed to, you know -- well -- I'll -- ! I'll -- I'll -- I'll leave it at that."

And leave i! t at tha t he did.

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