2020 Presidential Candidates on Marijuana: The Ultimate Guide

Democratic Candidates

• 

  

  Joe Biden

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Joe Biden

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “We have not devoted nearly enough science or time to deal with the pain management and chronic pain management that exists. There's got to be a better answer than marijuana. There's got to be a better answer than that. There's got to be a better way for a humane society to figure out how to deal with that problem."
    May 12, 2007 See more
  • “There's a difference between sending someone to jail for a few ounces and legalizing it. The punishment should fit the crime. But I think legalization is a mistake. I still believe it's a gateway drug. I've spent a lot of my life as chairman of the Judiciary Committee dealing with this. I think it would be a mistake to legalize.”
    December 24, 2010 See more
  • “I think the idea of focusing significant resources on interdicting or convicting people for smoking marijuana is a waste of our resources. That’s different than [legalization].”
    February 6, 2014 See more
  • “Nobody should be in jail for smoking marijuana.”
    May 14, 2019 See more
  • “Nobody who got in prison for marijuana, for example—immediately upon being released, they shouldn’t be in there. That should be a misdemeanor. They should be out and their record should be expunged. Every single right should be returned. When you finish your term in prison, you should be able to not only vote but have access to Pell grants, have access to be able to get housing, have access to be able to move along the way.”
    September 12, 2019 See more
  • "I said some say it's a potway drug -- or pot was a gateway drug. But what I said was and I've been talking about this for some time now, anyone, anyone, first of all it should be totally decriminalized number one, number two, anyone who has been convicted of an offense or using pot, their record should be wiped totally clean, completely clean, so they don't even have to if asked if they've ever been arrested, they will not have to say yes. Anyone who has been wrongly imprisoned for consuming pot should in fact be released immediately, their record wiped completely clean. That has been my position and maintains, continues to be my position."
    November 25, 2019 See more
  • “What I’m arguing is there have been studies showing that it complicates other problems if you already have a problem with certain drugs. So we should just study it and decriminalize it, but study it and find out. Get the medical community to come up with a final definitive answer as to whether or not it does cause it. If it does cause other problems, then make it clear to people. So that’s a place you don’t not engage in the use of it.”
    January 17, 2020 See more
  • “I think it is at the point where it has to be basically legalized. But I’m not prepared to do it as long as there’s serious medical people saying we should determine what other side effects would occur.”
    February 4, 2020 See more
  • “First of all, we should decriminalize marijuana and I’ve been pushing for a while, period. … Number two, medical marijuana should be approved. … Number three, anyone convicted of a marijuana offense past, present, or in the future have their record wiped clean so they can answer on any sworn affidavit that they’ve never been arrested for a crime related to marijuana.”
    February 4, 2020 See more
  • "When you talk about marijuana, everybody says, 'Biden says it's a gateway drug. I don't think it's a gateway drug."
    March 3, 2020 See more

  • “There is a lot of talk out there on where I stand when it comes to our marijuana laws. Here are the facts: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJsXtKdXkAAN6Ju?format=jpg&name=small”
    November 18, 2019 Twitter

• 

  

  Deval Patrick

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Deval Patrick

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “I really have to defer to the medical views about this and individuals will get a chance to vote on this. I haven’t been paying much attention to it.”
    April 12, 2012 See more
  • “In these cases, we have to deal with the fact that simply warehousing non-violent offenders is a costly policy failure. Our spending on prisons has grown 30 percent in the past decade, much of that because of longer sentences for first-time and nonviolent drug offenders. We have moved, at massive public expense, from treatment for drug offenders to indiscriminate prison sentences, and gained nothing in public safety. We need more education and job training, and certainly more drug treatment, in prisons and we need mandatory supervision after release. And we must make non-violent drug offenders eligible for parole sooner.”
    September 22, 2012 See more
  • “I don’t have a lot of enthusiasm for the medical marijuana. I mean I have heard the views on both sides and I’m respectful of the views of both sides, and I don’t have a lot of energy around that.”
    September 27, 2012 See more
  • “Look, I wish frankly we didn’t have medical marijuana.”
    August 20, 2014 See more
  • “I am [in favor of legalization], I don’t think I ever expressed opposition, it just wasn’t high on my own list of priorities.”
    December 13, 2019 See more

  • Melissa’s Law (Massachusetts): Imposes three strikes provision barring parole for repeat violent offenders while reducing mandatory-minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders.
    Signed Into Law See more

• 

  

  Tom Steyer

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Tom Steyer

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “I’m for legalizing marijuana. I’m from California, we also have legalized marijuana.”
    August 10, 2019 See more
  • “As long as there is federal deposit insurance and it is illegal according to federal law to sell either medical or recreational marijuana, it’s impossible for a bank to finance marijuana businesses and get federal deposit insurance.”
    August 10, 2019 See more

• 

  

  Joe Sestak

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Joe Sestak

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • Hinchey of New York Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more

• 

  

  Marianne Williamson

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Marianne Williamson

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “We have 2.4 million people in prison in the United States. That number was only 300,000 in the 1970s. We have the largest mass incarceration rate in the world. Non-violent drug offenders comprise 500,000 of the people in our prisons; about half of those are for marijuana-related crimes. This is a travesty of justice and it is a huge financial boon to segments of our society that are profiting off unnecessary human suffering.”
    March 9, 2015 See more

  • “Isn't something backwards when assault weapons are legal, but marijuana is not?”
    August 20, 2013 Twitter
  • “@BoudoirOnFilm If marijuana were legal, it would be MORE of a controlled substance...not less.”
    August 20, 2013 Twitter
  • “@BoudoirOnFilm Really? When was the last time marijuana was used to kill someone?”
    April 20, 2013 Twitter
  • “In states where medical marijuana is legal, there is 25% less opioid use.”
    November 14, 2017 Twitter
  • “Dear Atty Gen Sessions: the main gateway drug to opioid use is NOT marijuana,but rather pharmaceuticals given to unsuspecting patients (& their parents) who were told by medical doctors that they should take them. Big Pharma is the biggest drug dealer in America and they know it”
    January 5, 2018 Twitter
  • “Moral outrage: People are in prison for decades for selling marijuana, while some pharmaceutical executives have knowingly lied about opioids for no other reason than to increase profits...and are not held accountable at all.”
    April 26, 2018 Twitter
  • “We should legalize marijuana & release nonviolent offenders who’ve been incarcerated because of it. The most dangerous drug dealers in America are legal pharmaceutical companies that knowingly overmanufacturer, falsely advertise & promote overprescription of addictive substances.”
    April 27, 2019 Twitter
  • “The prohibition against marijuana has been as ill-conceived and ultimately harmful as was the prohibition against alcohol. Now it’s time for it to end. https://t.co/7hwVZBvc52”
    June 11, 2019 Twitter

• 

  

  Wayne Messam

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Wayne Messam

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

• 

  

  Andrew Yang

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Andrew Yang

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “We should proceed with full legalization of marijuana and pardon those in jail for non-violent marijuana-related offenses. It’s a safer, less addictive means to manage pain for many Americans.”
    January 1, 2019 See more
  • “I’m for full legalization of marijuana; remove it from the Federal Controlled Substance List. I would go a step further and pardon everyone who’s in jail for a low-level, non-violent drug offense, because it makes no sense to me to have people behind bars for something that is legal in parts of the country.”
    February 25, 2019 See more
  • "I would legalize marijuana and then I would pardon everyone who's in jail for a nonviolent drug-related offense. I would pardon them on April 20, 2021 and I would high-five them on the way out of jail."
    April 3, 2019 See more
  • "I'm going to mass pardon everyone who is in jail for nonviolent marijuana-related offenses.”
    August 17, 2019 See more
  • “I would legalize marijuana nationally, and then I would mass pardon anyone who's in jail for a nonviolent marijuana-related offense.”
    September 19, 2019 See more

  • “On 4/20 just want to say that I’m for the legalization of marijuana https://www.yang2020.com/policies/legalization-of-marijuana/ … it’s time to remove it from the controlled substance list”
    April 20, 2018 Twitter
  • “When I’m President I’m going to pardon anonymous low-level drug offenders. High-five them on their way out of jail. Marijuana should be legal.”
    June 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Canada legalized marijuana today. We need to follow suit. https://www.yang2020.com/policies/legalization-of-marijuana/ … will be my pleasure to sign that bill https://t.co/0Uhl17vlhA”
    June 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “Support for good policy knows no party. Let's bring the Freedom Dividend to America, build an economy that puts people first, legalize marijuana, improve mental health, reform prisons, treat people equally, be smart with guns, manage climate change, and keep moving forward.”
    June 20, 2018 Twitter
  • “I’m for legalizing marijuana. But many users do find it addictive and we should have intelligent safeguards in place like limiting advertising and THC levels. We should learn from our past. https://t.co/96EsC1Dr8V”
    August 21, 2018 Twitter
  • “Did an interview with @DOPE_Magazine about the Freedom Dividend and how we can address income inequality https://www.dopemagazine.com/universal-basic-income/ … @JRindskopf also for legalizing marijuana though it didn’t come up https://t.co/syP6JjEIJ8”
    August 31, 2018 Twitter
  • “Canada just legalized marijuana https://www-m.cnn.com/2018/10/17/health/canada-legalizes-recreational-marijuana/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F … we should follow suit and remove it from the federal controlled substance list and then regulate.”
    October 20, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our criminalization of marijuana is stupid and racist, particularly now that it's legal in some states. We should proceed with full legalization and pardon of those in jail for non-violent marijuana-related offenses.”
    December 3, 2018 Twitter
  • “I’m for full legalization of marijuana; remove it from the Controlled Substance List. I would go a step further and pardon everyone who’s in jail for a low-level, non-violent drug offense. It makes no sense to have people in jail for something that is legal in other states.”
    February 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “I’m for full legalization of marijuana. I would go a step further and on 4/20, 2021, exactly 2 years from today, I would pardon everyone who’s in jail for a low-level, non-violent marijuana offense and I would high five them on their way out of jail.”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “Instead of pardoning billionaires I’d pardon non-violent marijuana and opiate offenders.”
    May 16, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s time to legalize marijuana https://www.yang2020.com/policies/legalization-of-marijuana/ … it’s already legal in 9 states and criminalizing it does more harm than good. I’d pardon those in prison for non-violent marijuana-related offenses. https://t.co/0Uhl17MW98”
    July 1, 2019 Twitter
  • “Marijuana is already legal in most states for medical use and in many for recreation. It's time to end the ambiguity and legalize it at the federal level. This would improve safety, social equity, and generate billions of dollars in new revenue based on legal cannabis businesses.”
    July 22, 2019 Twitter
  • Marijuana convictions make up a very small percentage of the federal prison population, but that’s still ~ a few thousand high fives Hopefully there won’t be any signing ceremonies on day two. Raw palms!
    August 23, 2019 Twitter
  • “Our limited edition marijuana merch is now in stock! Check it out: http://yang2020.com/exclusive”
    August 24, 2019 Twitter
  • “Marijuana should be legal nationwide. It is already legal in several states, it reflects a safer approach to pain relief than opiates, and our administration of drug laws is deeply uneven and racist. https://t.co/0Uhl17MW98”
    November 18, 2019 Twitter

• 

  

  Mike Gravel

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Mike Gravel

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “I would legalize marijuana. In fact, I would change the whole drug policy. This approach of War on Drugs has not succeeded. We've spent billions of dollars on it and we still have a problem. The problem is a public health problem. It is not a war problem. And of course our jails are overloaded with people who got picked up for a joint or what have you.”
    February 26, 2007 See more
  • “One of the areas that touches me the most and enrages me the most is our war on drugs that this country has been putting forth for the last generation. In 1972, we had 179,000 human beings in jail in this country; today, it’s 2.3 million, and 70% are African-Americans. And I hope my colleagues will join me in standing up and saying, like FDR did with Prohibition, ‘We’ll do away with that.’ And FDR did it. And if I’m president, I will do away with the war on drugs, which does nothing but savage our inner cities and put our children at risk.”
    June 28, 2007 See more
  • “We have to address the whole drug issue. I see no reason between marijuana and booze or alcohol, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to go to a liquor store and buy marijuana. It has recuperative powers.”
    August 9, 2007 See more
  • “It’s so controversial because there’s a lot of stupid people locked into stupid policies. There are a lot of people on drugs all the time — what’s the big deal about it?”
    October 24, 2007 See more
  • “I think the American people realize the war on drugs is a total failure--waste of time, waste of money. What’s wrong with marijuana? You can go out to buy a fifth of gin and do more damage to yourself.”
    November 11, 2007 See more
  • “I feel very deeply about the failure that is marijuana prohibition. Nixon is the one that put marijuana into a Schedule I. People forget that story, I lived through that. I thought it was horrible.”
    December 30, 2014 See more
  • “One of the great domestic political tragedies since the last century is the war on drugs initiated by President Richard Nixon, part of which placed cannabis (marijuana) on the list of Schedule 1 drugs under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.”
    February 8, 2019 See more

  • “Our 4/20 fundraiser to end the War on Drugs begins at 9am tomorrow - only opportunity to get official Pentagon Rolling Papers (supply is limited). Link will be posted at 9am tomorrow.”
    April 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “Mike Gravel is running this #420 to end the war on drugs! Watch the campaign's official 42020 video and donate $1 (or $4.20) to help us shift the conversation. #Gravel420 #Gravelanche”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “‘END THE WAR ON DRUGS’ Thanks for helping us get this message out. At this time, we have closed the window to receive the Pentagon Rolling Papers and we are SOLD OUT! #Gravel420 #Gravelanche”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “We decided to RESTOCK! Your LAST CHANCE to receive The Pentagon Rolling Papers. We're only keeping the window open until 4:20pm EDT, so donate while you can! Help us end the War on Drugs: https://buff.ly/2XyoFxE”
    April 22, 2019 Twitter
  • “Mike is both a businessman (CEO of a cannabis company) and a veteran - his time in the military woke him up the moral necessity of ending the American empire. Send Mike to the debates: https://t.co/R8N3DrihCD”
    April 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “Our punitive, militaristic approach to drugs has destabilized Latin America, criminalized our own neighborhoods, and enabled the police to grossly abuse their power. It has done nothing but harm to our communities. The War on Drugs must end immediately.”
    June 2, 2019 Twitter

• 

  

  Gov. Steve Bullock

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Gov. Steve Bullock

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “I don’t want unlimited grow operations and things like that. I don’t think anybody does. I don’t think we want the chronic pain of ages 19 to 29 be the largest group [of medical cannabis patients]. We can put sideboards on this and we can actually make it as other states have done and it will make a difference.”
    October 9, 2012 See more
  • “What we want to do is make sure those in legitimate medical need get the opportunity to get medical marijuana and those that don’t are precluded from doing so.”
    October 9, 2012 See more
  • "I am concerned about the ability of thousands of patients with serious medical conditions to access a treatment that has been approved by their doctors."
    March 29, 2016 See more
  • “When it comes to marijuana, and marijuana for medicinal purposes—which Montana has—I think [Attorney General Jeff Sessions] is dang near a decade late,” he said. “That cat is kind of out of the bag. We’ve been spending a lot of time in our legislature saying: Let’s look at our overall correctional system.”
    April 25, 2017 See more

  • “I outlined my thoughts here about the ATF's ban on selling guns to lawful holders of medical marijuana cards.... http://fb.me/1bD0C282Z”
    October 5, 2011 Twitter

  • Montana Senate Bill 265: Increases access to medical marijuana by allowing registered patients to purchase cannabis from multiple dispensaries rather than be limited to a single dispensary.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Montana Senate Bill 333: Instated a quarterly tax on medical marijuana businesses to raise revenue earned to finance tests and inspections of labs, dispensaries, growing operations, and edibles manufacturers.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Montana House Bill 463: Reforms state's civil asset forfeiture laws by requiring a conviction before police can seize assets of a property owner suspected of engaging in criminal activity, including marijuana-related allegations.
    Signed Into Law See more

• 

  

  Pete Buttigieg

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Pete Buttigieg

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “The safe, regulated, and legal sale of marijuana is an idea whose time has come for the United States."
    February 26, 2019 See more
  • “I would [legalize marijuana], and while it’s true that a lot of this is viewed as a young person’s issue, if you look at the average age of those who rely on medical cannabis, it’s actually, I believe, in the 50s.”
    See more

  • “Thousands of patients in Iowa are struggling thanks to a limited medical marijuana program that doesn’t meet their health care needs — the governor’s veto will only prolong their suffering. https://t.co/jUN52FjldW”
    June 8, 2019 Twitter

• 

  

  Julián Castro

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Julián Castro

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “What I think you see across the country is a consideration about the science and what states should do, whether for instance, they should look at medical marijuana or fully legalizing it. I haven’t looked at the science yet about addiction and what it means, but it’s certainly something that I think deserves more scrutiny and more analysis.”
    February 19, 2014 See more
  • “The White House may crack down on recreational marijuana use--even in states where voters have approved it. That's a mistake. The federal government should focus its resources on more serious crimes. Not only that, growing evidence from Colorado and other states suggests we can sensibly legalize marijuana use with reasonable controls in place. State voters should have that power.”
    February 25, 2017 See more
  • "I actually support the legalization of marijuana...On top of that we need to go back and expunge the records of people who were imprisoned because of using marijuana."
    April 11, 2019 See more
  • “As president, I will bring our misguided War on Drugs to an end.”
    October 23, 2019 See more
  • "I have never done marijuana. I don't even drink alcohol. At the same time, we have plenty of evidence ... that you can regulate this, so that you can do it in an orderly, safe way."
    November 22, 2019 See more

  • “A mistake. Colorado and other states have shown we can sensibly legalize marijuana with reasonable controls. https://t.co/MknXhJ0cnr”
    March 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “Legalize it. Then expunge the records of folks who are in prison for marijuana use. #CastroTownHall”
    April 11, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s not enough just to say we want to #LegalizeIt. We will also regulate it, taking best practices of states that have successfully legalized marijuana. And while we’re at it, we’ll expunge the records of folks who’ve been incarcerated for using it.”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “My #FirstChance Plan: Justice for Communities of Color, End Police Violence, Legalize Marijuana, Expunge Records, Abolish the Death Penalty, Fair Trials for All, Heal The Wounds of Mass Incarceration https://medium.com/castro2020/firstchance-fd329c4bb660”
    October 23, 2019 Twitter
  • “Legalize it. Expunge the records of the victims of the war on drugs. #JuliánDebates #DemDebate”
    November 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s #repealday, the day the United States ended the prohibition of alcohol.86 years later, it’s time we end the federal prohibition of Cannabis once and for all. Legalize it. Regulate it. Expunge the records of the victims of the war on drugs.”
    December 5, 2019 Twitter

• 

  

  Mayor Bill de Blasio

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Mayor Bill de Blasio

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “There’s a major experiment happening in some states and some major American cities that’s going to tell us a lot. But if you talk about the pros and cons, there are obviously some good arguments for legalization, but there’s also a lot of unanswered questions both about what it would mean for young people to have access to that drug and also what it would mean in terms of public safety. I’m not convinced that that’s the right direction to go in yet, but it’s something I’m willing to keep considering as we get more information from the places that have gone through it.”
    August 3, 2017 See more
  • “I remain skeptical [about marijuana legalization], but willing to study.”
    January 19, 2018 See more
  • “Arrests for marijuana offenses are down 38% since I took office. Summons have gone up simultaneously, cause the solution we came up with is not an arrest, but a summons, for something that under our state law is illegal.”
    January 19, 2018 See more
  • “My great fear, I’ve said it before, is the corporatization of the marijuana industry with the goal of trying to hook as many young people as possible on marijuana for the profit of those companies. That has real ramifications for health and safety and that has to be addressed.”
    May 18, 2018 See more
  • “You could definitely make the argument for why the current situation is ridiculous, but it doesn’t mean legalization suddenly makes the world a perfect place.”
    April 5, 2018 See more
  • "Let's be clear, if marijuana is legalized you will have a vibrant corporate sector trying to get as many people as possible to use their drug."
    April 20, 2018 See more
  • “Legal cannabis is coming to New York State. When it does, we must do all we can to make sure that happens in a way that is safe, takes the health of New York City residents into account, and above all, provides opportunity while righting historic wrongs.”
    December 19, 2018 See more
  • “I have been convinced that we can establish a regulatory framework that keeps our streets safe, rights the wrongs of the past, and gives economic opportunity to communities hit hardest by the war on drugs. I support legalization because we’ve developed a path forward that will help make our City fairer. I look forward to working with the State as to make this a reality.”
    December 19, 2018 See more
  • “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get a historic issue right for future New Yorkers. Legal cannabis is coming to New York State. When it does, we must do all we can to make sure that happens in a way that is safe, takes the health of New York City residents into account, and above all, provides opportunity while righting historic wrongs.”
    December 20, 2018 See more
  • “For years and years, broken laws sent a huge number of Americans to jail, most of them were young people of color, and we’ve got an industry that now is just licking its chops, waiting to come in and corporatize marijuana—to do exactly what the tobacco industry did with cigarettes, to do exactly what the pharmaceutical industry did with things like Oxycontin. What we need is legalize marijuana without corporatized marijuana.”
    February 1, 2019 See more
  • “There’s no way we can fix our subways and improve service without a new source of revenue. Congestion pricing, an internet sales tax and a tax on legalized marijuana are part of our plan to get trains running again—because New Yorkers have places to go.”
    February 27, 2019 See more
  • “If New York State as a progressive state is going to legalize marijuana it has to be done in a way that really empowers community-based businesses particularly in communities of color that suffered for so long because of draconian laws that sent people to prison for low-level drug offenses.”
    May 31, 2019 See more
  • “I think we need a method of [marijuana] legalization at the federal level that, in fact, uses the power of the law to disincentivize corporations and to support small businesses and community-based businesses, including in a lot of the communities that have suffered the brunt of draconian criminal justice legislation. I see this as an opportunity to right a lot of wrongs, but to do that we’ve got to get the banking piece right.”
    August 8, 2019 See more

  • "An arrest for even the smallest amount of marijuana can hurt a person's chances in life. A summons wouldn't."
    November 10, 2014 Twitter
  • “The first 'War on Drugs' didn’t work. Sessions’ version won’t either. It’s immoral and discriminatory. We should fight any effort to go back.
    May 15, 2017 Twitter
  • “Jeff Sessions’ sentencing policies will enrich private prison executives—and they‘ll make our communities less safe https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/12/us/politics/attorney-general-jeff-sessions-drug-offenses-penalties.html?mtrref=www.nytimes.com&_r=0 …”
    May 15, 2017 Twitter
  • “Jeff Sessions’ vendetta against legalized marijuana is an attack on minority communities. We know what the war on drugs does to communities of color. This is a step backward.”
    January 5, 2018 Twitter
  • "I'm announcing today that the NYPD will overhaul its marijuana enforcement policies in the next 30 days. We must end unnecessary arrests and end disparity in enforcement."
    May 15, 2018 Twitter
  • “The legalization of marijuana in New York State is likely inevitable. Our city has to get rules in place before this happens and be prepared for the public safety, public health and financial impact.”
    May 21, 2018 Twitter
  • "We know there is a bigger discussion happening across the nation and at the state level on legalization of marijuana. But until that debate is resolved, we're doing what we can to make our city safer and fairer for all New Yorkers."
    June 19, 2018 Twitter
  • "As of September 1st, New Yorkers with no prior record will receive a summons instead of an arrest for smoking marijuana in public. We believe this will lead to ten thousand fewer arrests in the next year."
    June 19, 2018 Twitter
  • “Legalizing marijuana in New York is a change that must happen — and it must happen the right way. It's time to rewrite the rules of the past and marry opportunity with justice.”
    December 20, 2018 Twitter
  • "I support legalizing marijuana. Here’s how we can do it in a way that empowers communities — not corporations."
    December 20, 2018 Twitter
  • "Legal marijuana is at a crossroads. We can either let corporate cannabis take control or let the will of the people win the day."
    December 21, 2018 Twitter
  • "We've seen what happens when new industries emerge and corporate greed takes over. Big Tobacco, Big Oil, and Big Pharma have ruined lives and lied for generations. Legal marijuana must serve the people who bore the brunt of illegal marijuana."
    December 22, 2018 Twitter
  • "If we legalize marijuana, our new laws must automatically expunge past convictions for low-level marijuana crimes, and we must use the revenue to invest in the communities that were unjustly hurt by the failed war on drugs."
    December 23, 2018 Twitter
  • "This is an important moment — it’s time to legalize marijuana and end the injustices caused by the war on drugs."
    December 30, 2018 Twitter
  • “From rent regulation reform to marijuana legalization, the next two weeks in Albany are critical for our city. I'm ready to work shoulder to shoulder with Leader @AndreaSCousins and Speaker @CarlHeastie to get the job done.”
    June 3, 2019 Twitter
  • “We need to legalize marijuana the RIGHT way. That means making sure corporations can’t dominate a new industry — and that communities most hurt by draconian drug laws have economic opportunity.”
    June 3, 2019 Twitter
  • “Marijuana legalization has to be about righting the wrongs of the past and opening up economic opportunity for communities that bore the brunt of the war on drugs — not enriching corporations.”
    June 5, 2019 Twitter

• 

  

  Rep. Seth Moulton

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Rep. Seth Moulton

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “One of the advantages of legalization is that it will force us to come to terms with things that are already happening in Massachusetts today, like people driving under the influence of marijuana and kids using it. Regulation is the way to address the concerns around these issues and actually try to make it safe. But that’s not going to happen if it’s simply illegal.”
    September 19, 2016 See more
  • “I support legalization, but we do need to make sure it’s done right. We have an obligation to regulate it and make it as safe as possible.”
    September 19, 2016 See more
  • “My whole reason for endorsing this was that we’ve got to bring marijuana out of the shadows and actually regulate it. That’s up to the state legislature. So I think this is an important step in the right direction because, let’s not kid ourselves, people were getting access to marijuana today and they were getting access to it yesterday as well.”
    December 15, 2016 See more
  • “The reality is, we’re not going to make marijuan go away by pretending that it’s not in our community. What we ought to be doing is figuring out ways to regulate its use responsibly because otherwise it’s going to be used in the shadows.”
    April 29, 2018 See more
  • “We have an obligation to regulate it and make it as safe as possible. We also have an obligation to make sure our veterans are getting the best healthcare in the world. We have a long road ahead of us until medicinal cannabis is fully researched and legal but we can take a few steps now to start figuring that out."
    November 13, 2018 See more
  • “I think the demand that we see proves what I have said all along: People are using marijuana and they want to use it legally, and we should allow them to use it legally and safely with the proper regulation, rather than pretending by outlawing it, people are going to stop.”
    December 14, 2018 See more
  • “Veterans seeking cannabis aren’t druggies. Many are American heroes who deserve a VA that researches cannabis and protects veterans from opioids using any method that’s safe. Federal drug laws currently prevent researchers from figuring that out."
    May 17, 2019 See more
  • “I’ve used weed, and I’m not in prison. Why? Because I didn’t get caught, and it probably doesn’t hurt that I’m white. That’s the sad reality of criminal justice in America today.”
    March 19, 2019 See more
  • "I didn’t get caught, but if I had, I would've been fine because I’m a white guy. Just last year, I think it was, a Louisiana man was sentenced to prison for life for selling $20 of marijuana. So criminal justice reform means we need to legalize cannabis. We need to legalize marijuana across this country, and if you are in prison for that, you're out and we expunge those records."
    June 3, 2019 See more

  • “MA’s 1st medical marijuana dispensary opened in Salem on Weds - a big step for those suffering from painful diseases.”
    June 27, 2015 Twitter
  • “Marijuana May Alleviate America’s Opioid Crisis. My view: Legalization & regulation can help but we must be careful.”
    September 24, 2016 Twitter
  • “Marijuana can be a lifesaving alternative to opioids. Over 90% of veterans want the federal government to research marijuana. I’m urging @TheJusticeDept and @DEAHQ to license growers of the plant for research.”
    January 26, 2018 Twitter
  • “Legal marijuana companies lack access to banking -- making it more difficult for states to track tax revenue and posing a threat to public safety. That’s why I’m supporting @RepPerlmutter’s SAFE Banking Act #HR2215”
    February 27, 2018 Twitter
  • “One argument my colleagues made against me/legalization was “If marijuana was effective, there would be drugs made from the chemicals.” Well now there are--FDA approved! It can be a lifesaving alternative to opioids. Now we must regulate it and make it as safe as possible.”
    July 2, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our country needs creative healthcare solutions and research into the effects of marijuana. Why hasn't the Justice Department acted on applications for producing marijuana for research? https://t.co/kOZO0ghPP2”
    September 13, 2018 Twitter
  • “This week I introduced legislation that aims to reform VA medical marijuana practices. We should support our veterans who week alternatives to highly addictive opioids ravaging our communities.”
    November 15, 2018 Twitter
  • “We shouldn’t kid ourselves - veterans use marijuana. We have an obligation to make it safe, regulate it, and protect the benefits of vets who would like to discuss it with their doctors. @mattgaetz and I intro’d legislation that would do all of the above.”
    January 30, 2019 Twitter
  • “This just makes sense. Veterans are already using marijuana--let's make it safe. https://t.co/RPaQcW17zr”
    March 1, 2019 Twitter
  • "Our criminal justice system is historically unfair. One thing we can do to address it is legalize marijuana and make sure those with minor marijuana offenses—who are overwhelmingly people of color—have their records cleared."
    June 20, 2019 Twitter

  • Department of Veterans Affairs Policy for Medicinal Cannabis Use Act: Blocks the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from denying benefits to patients who use marijuana.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • VA Survey of Cannabis Use Act: Requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to survey patients and caregivers on marijuana use.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Department of Veterans Affairs Medicinal Cannabis Education Act: Supports medical cannabis education for VA primary healthcare providers.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Respect State Marijuana Laws Act: Amends Controlled Substances Act to permit states to legalize marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • CARERS Act: Protects medical marijuana from federal enforcement efforts, allows for cannabis business banking, and allows vets to access medical cannabis.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Small Business Tax Equity Act: Allows cannabis businesses to take advantage of tax credits or deductions.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Better Drive Act: Repeals requirement that federal government withhold federal-aid highway funds if a state fails to revoke or suspend the driver’s license of those convicted of drug offenses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act: Authorizes Veterans Affairs to research the therapeutic potential of cannabis for veterans.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act: Federally deschedules marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Data Collection Act: Directs the federal government to study the impact of legalized marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under State Laws Act: Protects federal employees from being fired for state-legal marijuana use.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Veterans Equal Access Amendment: Allows Veterans Affairs physicians to recommend medical marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act: Encourages the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to study how marijuana can treat conditions like PTSD and chronic pain.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • CARERS Act: Protects medical marijuana from federal enforcement efforts, allows for cannabis business banking, and allows vets to access medical cannabis.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Veterans Equal Access Amendment: Allows Veterans Affairs physicians to recommend medical marijuana.
    Voted Yes See more
  • McClintock of California Amendment: Protects state medical and recreational marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Rohrabacher of California Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Perry of Pennsylvania Amendment: Blocks federal government from interfering with state CBD medical cannabis laws.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Bonamici of Oregon Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Massie of Kentucky Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Blumenauer of Oregon Amendment: Allows Veterans Affairs doctors to recommend medical marijuana.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop. (Voted Yes)
    Voted Yes See more
  • Department of Veterans Affairs Policy for Medicinal Cannabis Use Act: Codifies into law a VA administrative policy that protects military veterans from losing their benefits for using marijuana.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • VA Survey of Cannabis Use Act: Requires the VA to conduct a survey on how veterans are using cannabis therapeutically.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide training in the use of medical cannabis for all Department of Veterans Affairs primary care providers, and for other purposes: Provides medical professionals with the VA courses on medical cannabis.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • HR 3055: A large-scale appropriations bill that includes an amendment to prevent the Department of Justice from interfering with state marijuana laws.
    Voted Yew See more

• 

  

  Rep. Eric Swalwell

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Rep. Eric Swalwell

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • "I believe that citizens in states across the county should be empowered to make their own decisions as to how to treat marijuana. The people of California voted to allow patients access to medical marijuana, and the federal government should not stand in their way. Likewise as a prosecutor, I saw firsthand the needs of local law enforcement, and we should be directing the hundreds of millions of dollars currently spent on marijuana enforcement to more serious priorities. These bills are good for the economy, patients and states’ rights.”
    March 5, 2013 See more
  • “I think you guys (Nevada) are doing a great job. I want to have a country where [marijuana] is legalized everywhere and patients can benefit as they are suffering from different diseases.”
    May 6, 2019 See more

  • “Proud to co-sponsor bills for rational federal marijuana policies. Right for the budget, patients & states' rights. http://1.usa.gov/YaJXuR”
    March 5, 2013 Twitter
  • “[email protected] DEA spends about $480 million per yr enforcing marijuana laws, often against med. marijuana dispensaries. #wasteofmoney”
    June 4, 2013 Twitter
  • "CA voters have spoken: medicinal marijuana helps patients. That's why I voted to stop DEA from going after states where voters have spoken."
    May 29, 2014 Twitter
  • "Calling on Pres. Obama to pick a new DEA chief who will respect CA's medicinal #marijuana laws & patients they help."
    May 2, 2015 Twitter
  • "I enjoyed talking yesterday with @KGO810's @BrianCopie about student debt, marijuana, Donald Trump, & more. https://t.co/h5F1lJUIsA”
    August 23, 2016 Twitter
  • “I'm supporting this bipartisan effort; @TheJusticeDept should not interfere with states such as California that have chosen to legalize marijuana.”
    January 16, 2018 Twitter
  • "Why are we important #cannabis from Canada for research while the @DEAHQ isn't acting on more than two dozen U.S. cannabis manufacturer applications? @RepMattGaetz and I are leading a bipartisan effort to find out. #BuyAmerican"
    October 1, 2018 Twitter
  • “Happy 4/20! Here's my stance on marijuana:”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “With @RepMattGaetz & @RepCohen, I led 27 other Members in sending a letter to @TheJusticeDept & @DEAHQ urging it be made easier to do better, quicker research on #marijuana. This would bring us closer to realizing its full power in treating diseases. https://tinyurl.com/yyo5g9qx”
    May 7, 2019 Twitter
  • “I was 13 when the 1994 Crime Bill was passed. Millions others affected by it weren’t even born. How about we stop living in the past and do something NOW about its effects? ✅ Legalize marijuana ✅ End private prisons ✅ Send fewer people to prison ✅ Restore rights”
    May 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “Where do I stand on the legalization of marijuana? Tune in to our #CNNTownHall tomorrow at 8pm ET/ 5PM PT to hear more!”
    June 1, 2019 Twitter

  • Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act: Federally deschedules marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Tax Equity Act: Provides tax fairness for the cannabis industry by amending the IRS code to provide for the taxation of marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • States' Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act: Moves cannabis out of Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act and allows for medical research to be controlled by an agency other than the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Truth in Trials Act: Allows patients, caregivers and providers in compliance with state law to provide evidence of their medical necessity for cannabis use.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • States' Medical Marijuana Property Rights Protection Act: Prevents the federal government from seizing property used by state-legal medical marijuana providers.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Industrial Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act: Deschedules cannabis, thus permitting state governments to legalize marijuana as they see fit.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Rohrabacher of California Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • McClintock of California Amendment: Protects state medical and recreational marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Blumenauer of Oregon Amendment: Allows Veterans Affairs doctors to recommend medical marijuana.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Heck of Washington Amendment: Protects banks that work with marijuana businesses.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Perry of Pennsylvania Amendment: Blocks federal government from interfering with state CBD medical cannabis laws.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Bonamici of Oregon Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Massie of Kentucky Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop.
    Voted Yes See more
  • HR 3055: A large-scale appropriations bill that includes an amendment to prevent the Department of Justice from interfering with state marijuana laws.
    Voted Yes See more

• 

  

  Rep. Tim Ryan

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Rep. Tim Ryan

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • "Marijuana should be legal in all 50 states. Across the country, nine states and the District of Columbia have passed laws legalizing marijuana. Voters in Michigan and Oklahoma will be voting on marijuana initiatives this November, and efforts are underway in Missouri, Arizona, Nebraska and Utah to get legalization initiatives on the ballot. While I support these states for leading by example, this is an issue that affects every corner of our nation. You should not be able to legally buy a product in one state, just to be arrested for the very same act in another."
    July 20, 2018 See more
  • "We have ignored the social and economic toll of our marijuana laws for too long. I believe no person should be sentenced to a lifetime of hardship because of a marijuana arrest. It is morally wrong, economically nonsensical, and an unnecessary strain on our already strained law enforcement officials."
    July 20, 2018 See more
  • "If we are truly a nation that believes in second chances, our federal marijuana laws must change. America is speaking. Congress must act."
    July 20, 2018 See more

  • "1/ We have ignored the social and economic toll of our marijuana laws for too long. It is morally wrong, economically nonsensical, and an unnecessary strain on our already strained law enforcement officials."
    July 20, 2018 Twitter
  • "3/ I am proud to stand on the side of justice by cosponsoring legislation to begin righting the wrongs of decades of misinformed drug policy and make marijuana legal in all 50 states. #MarijuanaJustice"
    July 20, 2018 Twitter
  • "#ICYMI: Last week I announced my support for the legalization of Marijuana nationwide. It's time to correct misguided drug policies that have created barriers for minority communities and burdened our law enforcement agencies.”
    July 23, 2018 Twitter

  • Marijuana Justice Act: Removes marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and directs federal courts to expunge past cannabis-related criminal records.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • STATES Act: Allows states to make their own decisions on how to regulate marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act: Deschedules cannabis, thus permitting state governments to legalize marijuana as they see fit.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Industrial Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Banking Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Rohrabacher of California Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • McClintock of California Amendment: Protects state medical and recreational marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Blumenauer of Oregon Amendment: Allows Veterans Affairs doctors to recommend medical marijuana.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Heck of Washington Amendment: Protects banks that work with marijuana businesses.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Perry of Pennsylvania Amendment: Blocks federal government from interfering with state CBD medical cannabis laws.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Bonamici of Oregon Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Massie of Kentucky Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Hinchey of New York Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop.
    Voted Yes See more
  • HR 3055: A large-scale appropriations bill that includes an amendment to prevent the Department of Justice from interfering with state marijuana laws.
    Voted Yes See more

• 

  

  Gov. Jay Inslee

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Gov. Jay Inslee

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “As states continue to legalize medical and recreational marijuana, there is more that the federal government must to do to provide states with legal certainty and empower the operation of safe systems across the country.”
    August 11, 2016 See more
  • “While Washington has been successful in creating a tightly regulated market place and generating needed revenue for the state, challenges do remain. Most importantly marijuana remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance by the federal government."
    August 4, 2017 See more
  • “In Washington state we have put in place a system in place that adheres to what we pledged to the people of Washington and the federal government; it’s well regulated, keeps criminal elements out, keeps pot out of the hands of kids and tracks it all carefully enough to clamp down on cross-border leakage. We are going to keep doing that and overseeing the well-regulated market that Washington voters approved.”
    January 4, 2018 See more

  • “Legal #marijuana retailers open soon & public safety is priority. We’re working on ways to keep pot away from kids http://1.usa.gov/1o0rIID”
    June 24, 2014 Twitter
  • “We want to make sure parents know how to talk to kids about risks of using #marijuana http://bit.ly/WAmarijuana”
    June 24, 2014 Twitter
  • “I signed a bill that works to make medical marijuana safe, accessible for patients, but work still remains http://on.fb.me/1HyHp5U #waleg”
    April 24, 2015 Twitter
  • “Changes are coming for WA’s medical marijuana system. Answers to your FAQs here: http://bit.ly/mmj_faq #waleg”
    April 30, 2015 Twitter
  • “The people of Washington have spoken. We are not going to go backwards on this issue. We will vigorously defend our ability to implement our marijuana laws. https://t.co/fT06beRnfk”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Upending our legal, voter-approved marijuana market doesn't promote stability. And there's nothing genius about turning our shores into oil fields.”
    January 6, 2018 Twitter
  • “Last week on @MeetThePress, I called on Congress to legalize marijuana. With an administration too focused on ideology, and not the facts on the ground, like that legalization is working in states like Washington and Colorado, we need Congress to act.”
    January 8, 2018 Twitter
  • “Thank you @elizabethforma. Our federal marijuana laws are broken -- and we need to ensure this Justice department does not interfere with Washington state's thriving, well-regulated marijuana market”
    June 8, 2018 Twitter
  • “Welcome @Canada to marijuana legalization. It's time for Congress to acknowledge that marijuana legalization is working in states like Washington, Colorado, and others and legalize marijuana as well.”
    October 17, 2018 Twitter
  • “Today I'm at the Cannabis Alliance annual conference to announce my Marijuana Justice Initiative which will provide pardons for certain individuals who have convictions on their record for misdemeanor marijuana possession. https://t.co/EQZhgFsORC”
    January 4, 2019 Twitter
  • “Forgiving marijuana convictions can help lessen their impact and allow people to move on with their lives, with better job and housing prospects.”
    January 4, 2019 Twitter
  • “We shouldn't be punishing people for something that is no longer illegal in Washington state. It is time to end marijuana injustice in our state. #marijuanajustice”
    January 4, 2019 Twitter
  • “Our #MarijuanaJustice Initiative aims to pardon those who have a single conviction for adult misdemeanor marijuana possession. While there are over 200K marijuana convictions in WA, this effort allows us to take the first steps to address some of those now. Let’s keep going.”
    January 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “Friday we launched our Marijuana Justice Initiative, and today I signed the first set of pardons. This effort will help relieve the burden of misdemeanors for marijuana possession and allow people to move on with their lives. #marijuanajustice https://t.co/5eRNbUm1X3”
    January 9, 2019 Twitter
  • “I will join @DonLemon_CNN about 7:40 pm on @CNNTonight. We will discuss the impact of the federal shutdown on Washington state, as well as our Marijuana Justice Initiative and other news of the day.”
    January 11, 2019 Twitter
  • “Proud to get the top grade on cannabis policy from @NORML. It's time to legalize marijuana nationally.”
    January 16, 2019 Twitter
  • “The marijuana bill that passed the Senate this evening is the next big step to bring fairness and justice to those with marijuana convictions on their records. Thank you to Sen. Nguyen and Rep. @JoeFitzgibbon for helping lead this important effort. #waleg https://t.co/KLgA2Ddc1D”
    March 11, 2019 Twitter
  • “I’m proud of my commitment to climate action -- and I’m proud of my progressive record on everything from gun violence prevention to the Iraq War, paid family leave, minimum wage, marijuana, the death penalty, and more.”
    April 9, 2019 Twitter
  • “We know that the drug wars have been part of the racial disparity that too many have suffered so we’ve legalized marijuana and I’m the first governor to offer pardons to thousands of people who have had marijuana convictions.”
    April 11, 2019 Twitter
  • “Our nation’s current drug laws are counterproductive, fueling racial disparities and drug wars. I’m proud of my state’s progressive policies on this issue. Now let’s legalize marijuana nationwide.”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “Last year, I offered pardons to 3,500 eligible people who have a single conviction on their records for misdemeanor marijuana possession. Now, let’s legalize marijuana nationwide. https://t.co/ng0wo8LAdA”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s time. Let’s legalize marijuana nationwide.”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter

  • Hinchey of New York Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Farr of California Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • States' Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act: Directs Justice Department to reschedule marijuana and protects state-legal medical marijuana programs from federal interference.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Senate Bill 5131 (Washington State): Allows Medical marijuana patients to buy immature cannabis plants and seeds.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • House Bill 2064 (Washington State): Exempts hemp from the list of controlled substances.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Senate Bill 6206 (Washington State): Allows for the growing of hemp.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Marijuana Justice Initiative (Washington State): Expedites the expungements of misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions.
    Signed Into Law See more

• 

  

  John Delaney

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  John Delaney

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • "... while federal, state, and local laws pertaining to marijuana do lead to criminal justice costs, there is also a risk that decriminalization or legalization might further exacerbate these costs."
    May 29, 2013 See more
  • “I clearly am supportive of medical marijuana. I think everyone should have it available to them as prescribed by their doctor. So to me that’s a fairly straightforward issue.”
    February 14, 2019 See more
  • “The Congressman supports removing Marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, allowing states to set their own policy on legalization, and implementing sweeping federal regulatory policies and taxation on its use.” - John Delaney spokesman Michael Hopkins
    February 27, 2019 See more

  • Charlotte’s Web Medical Access Act: Exempts CBD from the Controlled Substances Act
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Respect State Marijuana Laws Act: Protects individuals participating in state-legal marijuana activities from federal interference.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • States’ Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act: Protects patients in medical marijuana states.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Businesses Access to Banking Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Rohrabacher of California Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Perry of Pennsylvania Amendment: Blocks federal government from interfering with state CBD medical cannabis laws.
    Voted Yes See more
  • McClintock of California Amendment: Protects state medical and recreational marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Blumenauer of Oregon Amendment: Allows Veterans Affairs doctors to recommend medical marijuana.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Massie of Kentucky Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Bonamici's Industrial Hemp Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Heck of Washington Amendment: Protects banks that work with marijuana businesses.
    Voted Yes See more

• 

  

  John Hickenlooper

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  John Hickenlooper

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “My sense of it now is that states are truly the laboratory of democracy. The states should have that ability to go ahead and legalize it, and the federal government should be their partner in this and not their adversary.”
    February 26, 2019 See more
  • “The federal government should reclassify marijuana so it’s not a schedule I narcotic.”
    March 6, 2019 See more
  • “I don’t think the federal government should come in and tell every state it should be legalized."
    March 6, 2019 See more
  • “I would not ask the federal government to legalize it for everyone, but I think where states do legalize marijuana, with the voters or through the general assembly, the federal government should get out of the way.”
    March 21, 2019 See more
  • "I think the federal government should decriminalize it in any state that has chosen to legalize it. In those states where it's been legalized, the federal government should allow banking, and I think the federal government should de-certify it as a Schedule I narcotic, so we can actually begin testing it. I think that tomorrow, the federal government should empower and budget the FDA to get going on longitudinal testing, so we can actually see what medical circumstances marijuana is most useful for and make sure there aren't — and I don't think there are — but make sure there aren't harmful side effects with certain populations. I really don't see why the federal government can't do that right now. But I do believe that we shouldn't go into Maine or Alabama and tell them they've got to legalize something that the vast majority of their populations don't want to legalize. I just don't think that's the way our federal system is meant to work."
    April 22, 2019 See more
  • "I am a supporter of making sure the federal government allows every state that wants to, to be able to go out and legalize it. I'm not sure what what more you you want."
    June 11, 2019 See more

  • “Marijuana, Cheetos & Goldfish all legal in CO. Now we’ll have the $$ to regulate, enforce & educate. #copolitics”
    November 5, 2013 Twitter
  • “Signing HB1122 & HB1229 to ensure underage marijuana prevention & keep our youth healthy & safe”
    March 17, 2014 Twitter
  • “CO is handling marijuana regulation efficiently & effectively, w/focus on public health & safety, protecting kids, creating tough/fair regs”
    September 30, 2014 Twitter
  • “[email protected] says we need marijuana regulation, law enforcement & education. We’re already doing all three. #copolitics”
    October 2, 2014 Twitter
  • “Fact: we're working to regulate marijuana as strictly as alcohol. #copolitics”
    October 2, 2014 Twitter
  • “There’s more work to do, but we’ve successfully carried out will of CO voters re: legalizing marijuana. http://ow.ly/CkR57 #copolitics”
    October 9, 2014 Twitter
  • “[email protected] says CO should repeal legalized marijuana. #copolitics”
    October 9, 2014 Twitter
  • “When faced w/unprecedented events – floods&fires, legalizing marijuana – we’ve come through for CO. #leadership #collaboration #copolitics”
    October 9, 2014 Twitter
  • “There’s more work to do, but we’ve successfully carried out will of CO voters re: legalizing marijuana. http://ow.ly/CkR57 #copolitics”
    October 15, 2014 Twitter
  • “There’s more work to do, but we’ve successfully carried out will of CO voters re: legalizing marijuana. http://ow.ly/CkR57 #copolitics”
    October 24, 2014 Twitter
  • “MT @CDPHE: Whether you use #marijuana or not, it’s good to know laws, health effects. http://GoodToKnowColorado.com #goodtoknowco @goodtoknowco”
    January 5, 2015 Twitter
  • “Today's bill signings address workforce development, health services, ballot reform & marijuana regulation #StateOfCO”
    May 18, 2015 Twitter
  • “Providing marijuana businesses access to banking will protect the safety & well-being of our residents: http://1.usa.gov/1NS3hIA #StateOfCO”
    July 9, 2015 Twitter
  • “I think where states do legalize marijuana, the federal government should get out of the way #CNNtownhall”
    March 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “In CO, we made same day registration and mail-in ballots happen so that more people can vote. We legalized recreational marijuana and changed the focus of sentencing for drug use to rehabilitation and treatment. We granted clemency and commuted sentences for hundreds of people.”
    April 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “We have to stop ruining young lives because of punitive and outdated federal marijuana laws. I was the first Governor in America to implement fully legalized medical and recreational marijuana.”
    July 29, 2019 Twitter
  • “History will judge harshly a society that once locked up millions of people - mostly young men of color - for possessing small amounts of marijuana.”
    July 29, 2019 Twitter
  • “As President we will get out of the way and allow states to legalize weed. We will reverse Trump’s refusal to allow federal studies on the impacts of marijuana for reducing opioid addiction and a treating illnesses like cancer.”
    July 29, 2019 Twitter

  • Marijuana Financial Services Cooperatives Act (Colorado): Creates first state-level banking system for legal cannabis companies.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Medical Marijuana Health Effects Grant Program (Colorado): Invests $9 million in grants to fund research into medical marijuana.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Use of Medical Marijuana During Probation (Colorado): Allows patients on probation or parole to use medical marijuana.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Medical Use As A Condition Of Bond (Colorado): Prohibits courts from banning people awaiting trial from using medical marijuana.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Retail Marijuana Sunset (Colorado): Increases amount of marijuana out-of-state visitors can purchase from a quarter ounce to one ounce.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • School Nurse Give Medical Marijuana At School - "Quentin's Amendment" (Colorado): Allows for the administration of medical marijuana to qualifying students while at school.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Marijuana Owner Changes (Colorado): Loosens residency requirements for ownership of, and investment in, cannabis businesses in Colorado.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Seal Misdemeanor Marijuana Conviction Records (Colorado): Allows those with prior misdemeanor marijuana convictions to petition the courts to have their records cleared.
    Signed Into Law See more
  • Allow Medical Marijuana Use For Stress Disorders (Colorado): Expands state's list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana to include PTSD.
    Signed Into Law See more

• 

  

  Beto O’Rourke

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Beto O’Rourke

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “We’ve agreed that when these veterans come back and transition into civilian life that we’re going to be there for their medical needs whatever they are. Right now we’re talking about making sure that in those states where marijuana is already legal, VA doctors are able to discuss marijuana as a possible treatment option.”
    August 4, 2016 See more
  • “Ending the prohibition on marijuana—not making it a state-by-state issue and hiding behind this baloney states’ rights defense, but instead making the tough but important decision to federally end the prohibition on marijuana—is gonna save lives, save billions of dollars, move us from a country that imprisons more of its own citizens than any other country on the face of the planet into one that sees more of those same citizens leading productive, taxpaying, constructive lives in communities all over our state.”
    April 6, 2017 See more
  • “[W]e are doing to almost ensures that marijuana’s going to be more available to them in middle school and certainly in high school than if it were controlled and regulated in its sale. We have to reform our drug laws. We have to end the war on drugs.”
    October 1, 2017 See more
  • “We have an opportunity, after more than half the states in this union have stopped locking people up for marijuana convictions—have filled our jails so that we imprison more of own people than any other country—and make sure that we help those who are struggling with addiction, with drug use, find a better way, a connection to the help and the care that they deserve."
    March 31, 2018 See more
  • "Not only must we end the prohibition on marijuana, we must expunge the arrest records of those who arrested solely for the possession of something."
    August 21, 2018 See more
  • “Who is going to be the last man—more likely than not a black man—to languish behind bars for possessing or using marijuana when it is legal in more than half of the states in this country? We should end the federal prohibition on marijuana and expunge the records of those who were locked away for possessing it, ensuring that they can get work, finish their education, contribute to their full potential and to the greatness of this country.”
    August 27, 2018 See more
  • “Let me ask you this: in a country where the majority of the states in the union have already decided to make marijuana legal in one form or another—where people in California and Colorado and the Northwest are getting filthy rich legally selling marijuana today—who is going to be the last African American boy or man to rot behind bars in Texas for something that’s legal in almost every other single part of the country?”
    September 18, 2018 See more
  • "I want to end the war on drugs and specifically want to end the prohibition on marijuana. What I do want to ensure is that where, in this country, most states have decided that marijuana will legal at some form—for medicinal purposes or recreational purposes or at a minimum be decriminalized—that we don’t have another veteran in this state, prescribed an opioid because the doctor at the VA would rather prescribe medicinal marijuana but is prohibited by law from doing that.”
    September 21, 2018 See more
  • "I don't want to legalize narcotics. I do think we should end the prohibition on Marijuana and effectively control and regulate its sale and make sure those who need it for medicinal purposes are able to obtain it."
    October 18, 2018 See more
  • “End the global war on drugs. An imprisonment- and interdiction-first approach has not worked, has accelerated the erosion of civil society in much of Latin America and has militarized a public health issue to the detriment of all concerned.”
    February 8, 2019 See more
  • “We should end the federal prohibition on marijuana and expunge the records of those who were locked away for possessing it, ensuring that they can get work, finish their education, contribute to the greatness of this country.”
    March 4, 2019 See more
  • “We need real criminal justice reform. We need to end the prohibition of marijuana, expunge the arrest records for everyone arrested for possession of something that’s legal in so many other places, and make sure that we have a full prosecution and accountability for those who are responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans in this country.”
    March 19, 2019 See more
  • “I would argue that ending the prohibition would give us a better chance from keeping kids from being able to purchase it due to the black market. (Illegal) dealers don’t ID.”
    May 7, 2019 See more
  • "We are busting people for possession of marijuana. Putting them in jail, forcing them to check a box on every employment application after their lease. Making it impossible to attend Drake (University) because they no longer qualify for federally backed student loans. And yet no one from Purdue Pharma has spent a night in jail or paid any significance consequence. We gotta do better."
    May 21, 2019 See more
  • “Let’s not wait for a state by state decision. Let’s do this on a federal basis now. End that prohibition once and forever.”
    July 19, 2019 See more
  • “We need to not only end the prohibition on marijuana, but also repair the damage done to the communities of color disproportionately locked up in our criminal justice system or locked out of opportunity because of the War on Drugs.​ These inequalities have compounded for decades, as predominantly white communities have been given the vast majority of lucrative business opportunities, while communities of color still face over-policing and criminalization. It’s our responsibility to begin to remedy the injustices of the past and help the people and communities most impacted by this misguided war.”
    September 19, 2019 See more

  • “Excellent piece by Mary O’Grady on implications of marijuana reform votes in the U.S. for Latin America http://t.co/RdEG13DF”
    November 13, 2012 Twitter
  • “Hudspeth County Sheriff Arvin West as drug war busts budget: “either legalize marijuana or do something about it.” http://t.co/wKpg6Cuf5x”
    June 22, 2013 Twitter
  • “A great case for a more compassionate, humane and rational approach to marijuana in Texas. https://t.co/lfncBbIcH0”
    July 11, 2017 Twitter
  • “We're not going to let Jeff Sessions drag us backwards. His decision on marijuana is terrible policy.”
    January 8, 2018 Twitter
  • "Our country has an incarceration rate higher than any other nation on the planet. This at a time when Jeff Sessions wants to double down on the failed war on drugs. Let's end it altogether."
    March 15, 2018 Twitter
  • “We must end the federal prohibition on marijuana in this country.”
    April 20, 2018 Twitter
  • “From young children with epilepsy to veterans living with PTSD, families across Texas know that criminalizing marijuana often means criminalizing the medication that could improve their lives. It’s time we end the federal prohibition on marijuana.”
    April 25, 2018 Twitter
  • “Grateful that you'd join us for a donut town hall in Sonora, Sutton County. Questions covered a range of important topics including protecting healthcare, keeping Dreamers in our communities, supporting our public schools, and ending the federal prohibition on marijuana.” https://youtu.be/p5lQdsn-bwE”
    April 28, 2018 Twitter
  • “We've got to allow doctors to prescribe what's in the best interests of our veterans, including cannabis. The research is clear: we need to stop denying legal access to something that will significantly ease the pain many of our veterans are living with.”
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • “We must urgently address imbalances in our criminal justice system. Start by ending mandatory minimums for minor drug offenses, ending the fed. prohibition on marijuana, ending cash bail, stopping the use of private prisons, and providing an environment that welcomes re-entry.”
    June 28, 2018 Twitter
  • “Let's start by ending private prisons, mandatory minimums for minor drug offenses, the federal prohibition on marijuana, and the current system of cash bail that that punishes the poor.”
    July 28, 2018 Twitter
  • “It’s time to end the war on drugs. That starts by ending the federal prohibition on marijuana.”
    September 21, 2018 Twitter
  • “'O’Rourke spoke about reforming the justice system, ending prohibition on marijuana charges, ensuring universal health care & making those implicated in the opioids crisis accountable. He received the biggest cheers for promising action on climate change' https://t.co/UCRvn5Ef2c”
    March 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “'Beto O’Rourke visited South Carolina State University's campus Friday afternoon, touting a message of ending corporate corruption, decriminalizing marijuana, ending racial and economic injustices, and pushing criminal justice reform.. https://t.co/ccGtcSzwxE”
    March 22, 2019 Twitter
  • “If we believe in real justice reform in the face of the largest prison population on the face of the planet — one disproportionately comprised of people of color — let us not just end the prohibition of marijuana but expunge the record of those arrested solely for possession.”
    March 30, 2019 Twitter
  • “‘His ambitious, progressive agenda included promoting greater voter participation by ending gerrymandering...He would also end the prohibition of marijuana and curb the school-to-prison pipeline that severely impacts communities of color.’”
    March 31, 2019 Twitter
  • "Des Moines for the 5th neighborhood party of the day. Talking about strengthening unions, reestablishing our role as a leader abroad, addressing poverty, getting the backs of our educators, & ending private prisons, mandatory minimums, and the federal prohibition on marijuana.”
    April 6, 2019 Twitter
  • “Let us not just end the prohibition of marijuana and expunge the records of those arrested solely for possession but let us also end cash bail, prisons for profit, mandatory minimums, and the schoolhouse to jailhouse pipeline. – at Nau Hall”
    April 16, 2019 Twitter
  • “‘O'Rourke spoke about equal pay, eliminating discrimination, healthcare for all, paid family leave and decriminalizing marijuana possession in his speech, before he took questions from the audience. He also spoke about immigration.’ https://t.co/cgnd3QwWy0”
    April 17, 2019 Twitter
  • “‘O’Rourke said the influence of money can be seen in the criminal justice system, because people are jailed for using non-addictive drugs like marijuana, but Purdue Pharma executives who had a hand in marketing dangerous opioids are not serving jail time.’ https://t.co/Lvw3csHk1v”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “‘O’Rourke spoke to an enthusiastic crowd then answered questions. He said he would fight for equal rights for everyone, end the ban on marijuana and expunge those charges, favors universal background checks, and said universal health care is needed.’ https://t.co/Ru41gMGz3q”
    May 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “‘In Waverly, O’Rourke talked a considerable amount about ending the so-called “war on drugs” by ending marijuana prohibition, expunging the records of those convicted of possession, ending the cash-bail system and eliminating for-profit prisons.’ https://t.co/2EdDhN8bSu”
    May 7, 2019 Twitter
  • “First, we end a failed war on drugs that has long been a war on people, waged on some more than others. We must end the federal prohibition on marijuana and expunge the records of those who were locked away for possessing it.”
    May 16, 2019 Twitter
  • “In Davenport, O’Rourke shared a sense of urgency around a $15 minimum wage, paid family leave, passing the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive autonomy for women, the legalization of marijuana, an end to the Trump tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. https://t.co/1AFdChz7Pa"
    May 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “Beto wants to reform our justice system by ending the federal prohibition on marijuana, expunging the records of those arrested solely for possession, eliminating private prisons, ending cash bail, ending the use of mandatory minimums, & providing meaningful reentry. #CNNTownHall”
    May 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “Last night, we outlined 6 ways to reform the justice system: 1. End a war on drugs that has become a war on people 2. End the prohibition on marijuana 3. Expunge the records of those locked away for possessing it 4. Eliminate private prisons 5. End mandatory minimums 6. End cash bail”
    May 22, 2019 Twitter
  • “To permanently reshape the justice system, we must not just end the prohibition of marijuana and expunge the records of those arrested for possession but we must end cash bail, prisons for profit, mandatory minimums, & the schoolhouse to jailhouse pipeline. As president, I will.”
    June 16, 2019 Twitter
  • “Too many fathers are unjustly away from their kids today because of a failed war on drugs waged disproportionately on communities of color, a cash bail system that punishes people for being poor, and a private prison industry funded by needlessly putting more people behind bars.”
    June 16, 2019 Twitter
  • "Let's decriminalize marijuana, a drug that's legal in much of the United States—and turn our attention to executives at companies like Perdue Pharma, who knowingly and deliberately pushed for highly addictive opioid medications to be over-prescribed."
    June 26, 2019 Twitter
  • "We need to end the federal prohibition on marijuana—and expunge the records of those incarcerated for low-level drug offenses."
    June 26, 2019 Twitter
  • “We must end solitary confinement, but we also need to: 1. End the school-to-prison pipeline 2. End the War on Drugs 3. End prohibition on marijuana & expunge records 4. End private prisons 5. End mandatory minimums 6. End cash bail Thanks for the question, Matthew. #TownHallForAmerica”
    July 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “Legalizing marijuana isn't enough. We also need to make sure those most impacted by the War on Drugs have a chance to benefit from this growing industry. Thanks to everyone at Equity First Alliance and Cage-Free Cannabis in L.A. for sharing their stories with me today.”
    September 17, 2019 Twitter
  • “When I was on the El Paso City Council, I started advocating for legalizing marijuana and ending a War on Drugs I had seen become a War on People—devastating black and brown communities on both sides of the border. In 2011, I published a book about it: https://t.co/F9YWcjDpPV?amp=1”
    September 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “I believe today what I believed then: We don’t only need to legalize marijuana. We also need to repair the damage done to communities of color that have been locked up in our criminal justice system, or locked out of opportunity, because of the War on Drugs.”
    September 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “Even as marijuana has been legalized in states across our country, inequities have persisted—as white communities have benefited from new business opportunities, while communities of color still face over-policing and criminalization.”
    September 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “Today, we are releasing our plan to legalize marijuana and ensure that we repair the injustices of our nation’s drug policies—so they aren’t visited on future generations. Read it here: https://t.co/Vp2RpFUH6H?amp=1”
    September 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “Our plan starts with: Legalizing marijuana, providing clemency for those currently serving time, and expunging the records of everyone who has been convicted for possession in the past. But we don’t stop there.”
    September 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “We will also invest in the communities that have long been most impacted by the War on Drugs—providing a “Drug War Justice Grant” to everyone who was formerly incarcerated for a nonviolent marijuana offense, funded entirely by a tax on the marijuana industry.”
    September 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “Let’s ensure those most impacted by the drug war benefit from the economic opportunities surrounding marijuana—by making sure they receive a majority of the licenses and waiving licensing fees for low-income people who have been convicted of marijuana offenses.”
    September 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “We will never erase the damage done by the drug war—the lives lost, the years spent behind bars—but we can begin to remedy the injustices of the past by ending the cruelty today. Read our full plan here: https://t.co/Vp2RpFUH6H?amp=1”
    September 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “Imagine if instead of prescribing our veterans opioids, we could prescribe them marijuana, because we made it legal in our country. Let's hold drug companies responsible for the opioid crisis—and end the war on drugs. https://twitter.com/i/status/1184289507996262400”
    October 15, 2019 Twitter
  • "Mass incarceration begins in kindergarten—when a child of color is more likely to be suspended or expelled. We need to end the school-to-prison pipeline, end for-profit prisons, end cash bail, end the War on Drugs, and bring about transformative justice. https://twitter.com/i/status/1189171659548307456"
    October 29, 2019 Twitter

  • STATES Act: Allows states to make their own decisions on how to regulate marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • CARERS Act: Protects medical marijuana from federal enforcement efforts, allows for cannabis business banking, and allows vets to access medical cannabis.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Respect State Marijuana Laws Act: Amends Controlled Substances Act to permit states to legalize marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act: Authorizes Veterans Affairs to research the therapeutic potential of cannabis for veterans.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act: Addresses various aspects of the federal-state marijuana policy gap.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act: Federally deschedules marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Clean Slate Act: Automatically seals the criminal records of those convicted of non-violent federal marijuana offenses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Second Chance for Students Act: Allows students who have a cannabis possession conviction to maintain their federal financial aid.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Medical Cannabis Research Act: Expands research into medical cannabis.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Data Collection Act: Directs the federal government to study the impact of legalized marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Charlotte’s Web Medical Access Act: Exempts CBD from the Controlled Substances Act.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Veterans Equal Access Amendment: Allows Veterans Affairs physicians to recommend medical marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor, Voted Yes See more
  • Industrial Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Small Business Tax Equity Act: Allows cannabis businesses to take advantage of tax credits or deductions.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Rohrabacher of California Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Perry of Pennsylvania Amendment: Blocks federal government from interfering with state CBD medical cannabis laws.
    Voted Yes See more
  • McClintock of California Amendment: Protects state medical and recreational marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Heck of Washington Amendment: Secures marijuana businesses access to banks.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Better Drive Act: Repeals requirement that federal government withhold federal-aid highway funds if a state fails to revoke or suspend the driver’s license of those convicted of drug offenses.
    Lead Sponsor See more

• 

  

  Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “Our outdated policies on marijuana are having devastating ripple effects on individuals and communities across the country. They have turned everyday Americans into criminals, torn apart families, and wasted huge amounts of taxpayer dollars to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate people for non-violent marijuana charges. Differences in state and federal law have also created confusion and uncertainty for our local businesses, who face contradictory regulations that affect their bottom line and ability to operate. I urge our colleagues to support our bipartisan legislation which would decriminalize marijuana, bringing about long overdue and common sense reform."
    March 21, 2017 See more
  • "FBI reports have shown that in 2011 alone an individual in the United States was arrested for marijuana use, sale or possession every 42 seconds, mostly in poor and minority communities. Our current laws are turning everyday Americans into criminals, sending them to jail, ruining their lives, tearing apart families and wasting huge amounts of taxpayer dollars to arrest, prosecute and incarcerate people for marijuana use -- a drug that has been proven time and time again to be far less dangerous than alcohol, both for individual consumers as well as for the people around them.”
    March 25, 2017 See more
  • “Our archaic Federal laws relating to marijuana are hurting people, tearing families apart, turning everyday Americans into criminals, and negatively impacting our economy, all at a tremendous cost to taxpayers as billions are spent on an over-burdened and broken criminal justice system. As the opioid addiction epidemic continues to spread across the country, states that have legalized medical marijuana have seen addiction rates drop and opioid abuse deaths decrease by over 20%. Medical marijuana has helped children like Haley Smith living with Dravet syndrome reduce her seizures and other symptoms. But her mother Lisa lives with the fear of Federal prosecution every day. Our current policy makes no sense. This bill is a bipartisan effort that will be a great step forward in solving many of the fiscal and social challenges that our current policy is causing, and I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.”
    May 17, 2017 See more
  • "As the opioid addiction epidemic continues to spread across the country, states that have legalized medical marijuana have seen addiction rates drop and opioid abuse deaths decrease by over 20%. I’m calling on the Department of Health and Human Services to allow medical marijuana to serve as an alternative pain management treatment to opioids to help curb the ongoing opioid epidemic."
    November 22, 2017 See more
  • “The reality is, whether or not any individual chooses to consume cannabis is irrelevant. The important question is, should we really be sending people to jail and turning them into criminals for using a substance that is far less dangerous and harmful than alcohol? The answer is no. The fiscal and social impacts of our current policy, are having devastating effects on individuals and our communities and are only perpetuating the problem.”
    November 27, 2017 See more
  • “As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, we must pursue every available path to prevent, treat, and ultimately end America’s reliance on these highly addictive drugs. In Hawai‘i alone, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and opioid-related deaths have doubled over the last decade. Studies have found a correlation in states that have legalized medical marijuana with a drop in addiction rates and opioid abuse deaths, some by over 20%. With 91 lives lost every single day to the opioid epidemic, Acting Secretary Hargan should immediately authorize additional research into medical marijuana as an alternative treatment to urgently address this opioid crisis.”
    December 7, 2017 See more
  • “By continuing to pour billions of dollars down the drain with our archaic marijuana policies, we stifle our economy, society, and criminal justice system and leave the people of Hawai‘i and millions more devastated – all for a substance that is far less dangerous and harmful than alcohol. Our laws should accurately reflect scientific consensus – not misplaced stigma and outdated myths about marijuana.”
    January 4, 2018 See more
  • “Attorney General Sessions' reversal of the current non-interference policy that essentially allowed states to implement their own marijuana laws without federal interference, tramples on states’ rights and is a dangerous escalation of the failed so-called War on Drugs. This overreach by the federal government undermines state governments like Hawaii’s that have legalized medical marijuana and threatens the livelihoods and rights of the people of Hawai‘i and those of the 29 states and Washington DC who have legalized some form of marijuana."
    January 4, 2018 See more
  • “Our outdated and contradictory federal laws on marijuana have created disorder in our economy, leaving state-licensed businesses and banks in confusion and uncertainty. For five years, our federal government ensured protection for financial institutions doing business with state-licensed marijuana-related businesses, only to face a complete reversal of policy under the Trump Administration. Until we remove marijuana from the Federal Controlled Substances List, we must uphold the 2014 U.S. Treasury guidance that improves public safety, reduces fraud, promotes opportunity, and strengthens our economy. That’s why I’m pushing this bipartisan initiative to ensure the U.S. Treasury maintains safe business practices and financial security for legal marijuana businesses in Hawai‘i and across the country.”
    January 23, 2018 See more
  • "As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage our communities in Hawai‘i and across the country, we must explore every available option to prevent, treat, and ultimately end America’s reliance on these highly addictive drugs. We have seen report after report that decriminalizing marijuana leads to a drop in addiction rates and opioid-related deaths. This is why Congress needs to pass my bill, HR 1227, and end the federal marijuana prohibition. http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2018/04/14/opinion/feds-dont-fight-pot-enlist-it-in-opioid-war/"
    March 9, 2018 See more
  • “We are in the middle of an ongoing opioid epidemic in this country and Hawai’i is on the front lines – there are 191 drug-related deaths per year, as well as almost 500,000 active opioid prescriptions, which is enough to serve a third of our population. With such a stark increase in prescription opioid use and dependence, heroin and synthetic drug overdose, and emergency room visits over the last decade, we must allow legal access to medical marijuana to help prevent opioid addiction and opioid-related deaths. This legislation has the potential to save people’s lives in Hawaii - states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey that have adopted similar policies have seen addiction rates drop and opioid abuse deaths decrease by over 20%. Understanding that people’s lives are at stake, I urge Governor Ige to reconsider and sign this legislation into law now.”
    June 27, 2018 See more
  • “For decades, bad data and misinformation have fueled the failed War on Drugs that has ruined people's lives, torn families apart, and wasted billions of taxpayer dollars incarcerating Americans for nonviolent marijuana charges. In 2016 alone, nearly 600,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession. Our laws must be informed by facts — not emotion, manufactured stigma and myths. Our bipartisan legislation, the Marijuana Data Collection Act, will lay the groundwork for real reform by producing an objective, evidence-based report on current marijuana laws that exist in 31 states across the country, and their impact on our communities."
    July 24, 2018 See more
  • “With such a stark increase in prescription opioid use and dependence, heroin and synthetic drug overdose, and emergency room visits over the last decade, we must allow legal access to medical marijuana to help prevent opioid addiction and opioid-related deaths."
    June 27, 2018 See more
  • “It is unfortunate that the Trump Administration is choosing to perpetuate biased information and outdated myths to fuel the failed War on Drugs that has ripped families apart and wasted billions of taxpayer dollars. Our bipartisan legislation takes the politics out of this debate by reporting facts on the impact of marijuana laws on our communities. I urge my colleagues to stand with us in setting the record straight by supporting the Marijuana Data Collection Act.”
    August 30, 2018 See more
  • “Stop throwing people in prison for smoking a joint and instead go after those like Purdue Pharma who are proliferating their opioids on our streets and taking people’s lives.”
    February 21, 2019 See more
  • “Our archaic marijuana policies– based on stigma and outdated myths–have been used to wage a failed War on Drugs. Families have been torn apart, communities left fractured, and over-criminalization and mass incarceration have become the norm. In 2017 alone, our country arrested 600,000 people just for possession of marijuana. Our bipartisan legislation takes a step toward ending the failed War on Drugs, ending the federal prohibition on marijuana, and ensuring that our policies are guided by facts and the truth.”
    March 27, 2019 See more
  • “Millions of Americans have fallen victim to the failed War on Drugs, tearing families apart, disproportionately harming minority communities, and overcrowding an already strained prison system. Marijuana use is a personal choice and should not be a criminal act. For many years I have worked to end the marijuana prohibition and am proud to push this legislation forward that will begin to right the wrongs of the past, and invest in communities who have been most harmed.”
    July 24, 2019 See more
  • “America means freedom. So how can we still be incarcerating people for using marijuana? This is counter to everything we stand for as Americans. As President, I’ll end the federal prohibition on marijuana, end mass incarceration, and reform our criminal justice system.”
    August 3, 2019 See more
  • “I’ve never smoked marijuana. I never will. I’ve never drank alcohol. I’ve chosen not to in my life. This is about free choice, and if somebody wants to do that, our country should not be making a criminal out of them.”
    October 8, 2019 See more
  • “I've never done drugs in my life, and I don't drink. That's my choice, but I don't believe that if someone else makes different choices in their lives that they should be penalized and punished and made a criminal of.”
    January 5, 2020 See more
  • “If we take that step to legalize and regulate, then we're no longer treating people who are struggling with substance addiction and abuse as criminals and instead getting them the help that they need."
    January 17, 2020 See more
  • “The costs and the consequence to this failed war on drugs is so vast and far reaching, socially and fiscally, that if we take these necessary steps, we'll be able to solve a lot of other problems that we're dealing with in this country."
    January 17, 2020 See more

  • “We must enact long overdue #CriminalJusticeReform and pass bipartisan HR 1227 to decriminalize marijuana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX8Ddu7T4bA”
    March 21, 2017 Twitter
  • “I introduced #HR1227 to remove marijuana from the federal list of controlled substances. RT if you support ending this bad policy.”
    March 31, 2017 Twitter
  • “My bill H.R. 1227 allows doctors to treat their patients more effectively and further research medical marijuana. https://t.co/ai0wQ8ksqh”
    April 28, 2017 Twitter
  • “Our outdated drug policies are having devastating ripple effects across the US. It's time we decriminalize marijuana”
    May 9, 2017 Twitter
  • “There is bipartisan consensus to end the War on Drugs. Congress can start by passing HR 1227, our Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act”
    May 12, 2017 Twitter
  • “1/ Studies have shown opioid abuse deaths dropped at least 25% in states that passed medical marijuana laws. https://t.co/NqXsRQhil9”
    May 17, 2017 Twitter
  • “2/ It's clear our laws on marijuana are long out of date. Working w/ @Rep_Tom_Garrett to remove it from Federal Controlled Substances List”
    May 17, 2017 Twitter
  • “Our archaic laws on marijuana are hurting people, tearing families apart & turning everyday Americans into criminals https://t.co/5TVr5UaUyr”
    May 17, 2017 Twitter
  • “Cancellation of workers’ comp at Hawaii dispensaries is yet another reason we must End Federal Marijuana Prohibition https://t.co/Wcp2BMtrkt”
    July 7, 2017 Twitter
  • “My bill to end marijuana prohibition and Rep. Grijalva’s bill to ban private prisons are needed reforms to fix our criminal justice system.”
    October 1, 2017 Twitter
  • “Federal marijuana policy has to change. Let's unburden our criminal justice system by passing the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act.”
    October 11, 2017 Twitter
  • “Insys spent $500K to keep marijuana illegal but bribed doctors & provided kickbacks to make the #opioidcrisis worse. https://t.co/RWnJZWz4H9”
    October 26, 2017 Twitter
  • “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition is critical for research on the correlation between legal access and reduced opioid addiction+overdoses”
    October 28, 2017 Twitter
  • “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition helps businesses, medical research, & reforms a broken criminal justice system. https://t.co/luJaY1EzEQ”
    November 6, 2017 Twitter
  • “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition helps businesses, medical research, & reforms a broken criminal justice system. https://t.co/luJaY1EzEQ”
    November 6, 2017 Twitter
  • “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition will allow greater medical research into treatments for epilepsy, PTSD, addiction, pain relief & more.”
    November 8, 2017 Twitter
  • “The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act will make it easier for patients like Alexis to obtain the medicine they need to treat epilepsy. For medical researchers, it means an expanded opportunity to develop new treatments. https://t.co/SmWsza6kJw”
    November 20, 2017 Twitter
  • “As the opioid addiction epidemic continues to spread across the country, states that have legalized medical marijuana have seen addiction rates drop and opioid abuse deaths decrease by over 20%. 1/2”
    November 28, 2017 Twitter
  • “I’m calling on @HHSGov to allow medical marijuana to serve as an alternative pain management treatment to opioids to help curb the ongoing opioid epidemic. 2/2”
    November 28, 2017 Twitter
  • “The International Cannabis Business Conference is being held on Kauai this weekend. In Congress, I'm working with a bipartisan group of veterans, healthcare professionals, business leaders, & criminal justice reformers to End Federal Marijuana Prohibition. https://t.co/RACFUsS3TE”
    November 29, 2017 Twitter
  • “The International Cannabis Business Conference starts today on Kauai! Check out my interview with @sfgate on the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act and what it means for healthcare, criminal justice reform, and businesses like those in Kauai today. https://t.co/rQZDhSi1Qq”
    December 1, 2017 Twitter
  • “#ICYMI: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Members of Congress Call on @HHSGov to Allow Research of Medical Marijuana as Pain Management Alternative to Opioids http://bit.ly/2ADFtZZ”
    December 7, 2017 Twitter
  • “In #Hawaii alone, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and opioid-related deaths have doubled over the last decade. Studies have found a correlation in states that have legalized medical marijuana with a drop in addiction rates and opioid abuse deaths, some by over 20%.”
    December 7, 2017 Twitter
  • “With 91 lives lost every single day to the opioid epidemic, Acting Secretary Hargan should immediately authorize additional research into medical marijuana as an alternative treatment to urgently address this opioid crisis.”
    December 7, 2017 Twitter
  • “Studies show up to a 20% drop in addiction rates and opioid abuse deaths in states with legal medical marijuana. Today I sent a letter to @HHSGov asking to increase research into medical marijuana as a pain management substitute to combat the opioid crisis.”
    December 7, 2017 Twitter
  • “We need common sense criminal justice reform. That means Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition and holding the drug companies that lied about opioids accountable for the crisis they have caused.”
    December 7, 2017 Twitter
  • “[email protected] Acting Secretary Hargan should immediately authorize additional research into medical marijuana as an alternative treatment to urgently address the opioid crisis https://t.co/bRfEWx6Lll”
    December 8, 2017 Twitter
  • “ICYMI: Legislators Seek to Allow Research of Medical Marijuana as Alternative to Opioids” https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard/status/939222898157506560 December 8, 2017: “[email protected] Acting Secretary Hargan should immediately authorize additional research into medical marijuana as an alternative treatment to urgently address the opioid crisis https://t.co/bRfEWx6Lll”
    December 8, 2017 Twitter
  • “Federal marijuana laws hurt people, tear families apart, turn everyday Americans into criminals, and negatively impact our economy, all at a tremendous cost to taxpayers as billions are spent on an overburdened and broken criminal justice system. https://t.co/4jN036F32Y”
    December 14, 2017 Twitter
  • “Our outdated policies on marijuana are turning everyday Americans into criminals, tearing apart families, and wasting huge amounts of taxpayer dollars to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate people for non-violent marijuana charges. https://t.co/fazszVapcv”
    December 26, 2017 Twitter
  • “With recreational marijuana now legal in California, and Massachusetts set to begin retail sales on July 1, it's time for Congress to take a serious look at my bill H.R. 1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act.”
    January 2, 2018 Twitter
  • “Attorney General Sessions' reversal of the current non-interference policy that essentially allowed states to implement their own marijuana laws without federal interference, tramples on states’ rights and is a dangerous escalation of the failed so-called War on Drugs.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “This overreach by the federal government undermines state governments like Hawaii’s that have legalized medical marijuana and threatens the livelihoods and rights of the people of #Hawaii and those of the 29 states and Washington DC who have legalized some form of marijuana.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “This decision reinforces our outdated and destructive policies on marijuana that turn everyday Americans into criminals, tear families apart, and waste billions of taxpayer dollars to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate people for nonviolent marijuana charges.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “By continuing to pour billions of dollars down the drain w/ our archaic marijuana policies, we stifle our economy, society, & criminal justice system& leave the people of Hawai‘i and millions more devastated –all for a substance that is far less dangerous and harmful than alcohol”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our laws should accurately reflect scientific consensus – not misplaced stigma and outdated myths about marijuana.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, which would decriminalize marijuana by removing it from the federal controlled substances list, treating it the same as alcohol and tobacco.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our bipartisan legislation will end this unnecessary and costly debate once and for all by federally decriminalizing marijuana and kick-starting long overdue, common sense criminal justice reform.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “RT if you think it's time Congress takes up my bill H.R. 1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act to remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances. https://twitter.com/NBCNews/status/948921688519008256“
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Let’s be clear about who Sessions’ decision will hurt. More than eighty percent of veterans in the American Legion voted two months ago in favor of a resolution legalizing medical marijuana at the federal level.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “I’ve met with parents of children with epilepsy, cancer, and other serious and chronic conditions, who are fighting for greater research and legal use of medical marijuana, and who have rallied behind my bill H.R. 1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Sessions’ actions to protect the bottom lines of the for-profit private prison industry, and Big Pharma whose opioids and drugs flourish in part due to the marijuana prohibition, while trampling on states' rights and turning everyday Americans into criminals is an injustice.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Millions of people have been arrested for possession or use of marijuana, incarcerated without the means to make bail, and mired in a hopelessly backlogged court system that punishes non-violent offenders with felonies and years behind bars.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “States with medical marijuana have seen a correlating drop in opioid-related deaths. Sessions' decision will exacerbate an inhumane, ineffective system that tears families apart. We need criminal justice reform that reduces recidivism and the share of people that we lock up.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • "Every member of Congress should take up the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act to remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances. Anything less compromises the safety and well-being of the people who need our protection the most.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Jeff Sessions is waging war against everyday Americans while letting Big Pharma perpetuate the opioid crisis. Let's work together and #StopSessionsNow - become a citizen cosponsor of the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act: https://t.co/NSeIHA980R”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Jeff Sessions is turning everyday Americans into criminals while giving Big Pharma a pass for the opioid crisis. We need to #StopSessionsNow. Join me and become a citizen cosponsor of HR 1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act today: https://t.co/NSeIHzRx9j”
    January 5, 2018 Twitter
  • “This is worth your time to read. As AG Sessions escalates the war on those using marijuana, a substance far less dangerous than alcohol, he turns a blind eye to Purdue & big pharma whose lies & opioid proliferation are killing people & ruining lives. They must be prosecuted! https://twitter.com/NewYorker/status/949536098019172352”
    January 7, 2018 Twitter
  • “@DJKnoxs That’s what I’m doing. I worked with my Republican colleague Rep Garrett and introduced HR 1227 to end the federal marijuana prohibition by removing it from Controlled Substances Act. Is your member of congress a co-sponsor?”
    January 7, 2018 Twitter
  • “#HR1227 decriminalizes marijuana and removes it from the federal controlled substances list. The American people want common sense criminal justice reform - our bipartisan legislation kickstarts that conversation. https://t.co/CG0hzqQDU7”
    January 18, 2018 Twitter
  • “#ICYMI: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Urges Equal Banking Access for State-Licensed Marijuana Businesses https://t.co/npkkToFW1T”
    January 23, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our outdated and contradictory federal laws on marijuana have created disorder in our economy, leaving state-licensed businesses and banks in confusion and uncertainty.”
    January 23, 2018 Twitter
  • “For five years, our federal government ensured protection for financial institutions doing business with state-licensed marijuana-related businesses, only to face a complete reversal of policy under the Trump Administration.”
    January 23, 2018 Twitter
  • “Until we remove marijuana from the Federal Controlled Substances List, we must uphold the 2014 U.S. Treasury guidance that improves public safety, reduces fraud, promotes opportunity, and strengthens our economy.”
    January 23, 2018 Twitter
  • “That’s why I’m pushing this bipartisan initiative to ensure the U.S. Treasury maintains safe business practices and financial security for legal marijuana businesses in #Hawaii and across the country.”
    January 23, 2018 Twitter
  • “The so-called War on Drugs punishes ordinary Americans for using marijuana but lets those responsible for creating the opioid crisis go unpunished. States are taking action, and Congress should too. We need to pass #HR1227 and end federal marijuana prohibition.”
    January 31, 2018 Twitter
  • “Federal marijuana prohibition has ruined countless lives without making us safer. The so-called "War on Drugs" has failed. We must pass H.R. 1227, The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, and find real solutions to the issues in our criminal justice and healthcare systems.”
    March 8, 2018 Twitter
  • “We must reform America's broken criminal justice system by working to reduce mandatory minimums for certain non-violent offenders, recidivism rates, crime rates, and the social and economic cost of an over-criminalized society. We need to end federal marijuana prohibition.”
    March 9, 2018 Twitter
  • “The opioid epidemic is killing more than 90 Americans every day. We need new solutions. Ending federal marijuana prohibition is the right thing to do for criminal justice reform, to end our overreliance on opioids, & put people before Big Pharma's profits. https://t.co/B4tJ80Niz7”
    April 3, 2018 Twitter
  • “We are losing 115 people every day to opioid overdoses. There is an obvious answer: ending federal marijuana prohibition can help fix our broken criminal justice system, and help save the lives of those who are suffering from opioid addiction. https://t.co/Zp2m10immK”
    April 24, 2018 Twitter
  • “Check out this article - Getting off opioids with medical marijuana: Patients turn to pot over pills - CNNhttps://apple.news/AytV3ytx1SG2tGggBHrgQtQ”
    Twitter
  • “The time to end the federal marijuana prohibition is long overdue. Congress must pass bipartisan HR 1227 now. With the opioid epidemic ravaging our country, there's no time to waste. Lives hang in the balance. Thank you @drsanjaygupta for your work in raising awareness. https://twitter.com/CNN/status/991254802079371265”
    May 1, 2018 Twitter
  • “We have seen report after report that decriminalizing marijuana leads to a drop in addiction rates and opioid-related deaths. This is why Congress needs to pass my bill, HR 1227, and end the federal marijuana prohibition. https://t.co/fazszVapcv”
    May 9, 2018 Twitter
  • “I urge our colleagues to support our bipartisan legislation which would decriminalize marijuana, bringing about long overdue and common sense reform. https://t.co/fazszUSNNV”
    May 23, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our outdated marijuana policies have turned everyday Americans into criminals, torn apart families, and wasted huge amounts of taxpayer dollars to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate people for non-violent marijuana charges. https://t.co/fazszVapcv”
    May 23, 2018 Twitter
  • “#ICYMI: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, @RepHanabusa Oppose Governor's Intent to Veto Bill Allowing Medical Marijuana to Treat Opioid Abuse in #Hawaii https://t.co/2IBaCrlcmK”
    June 27, 2018 Twitter
  • “With such a stark increase in prescription #opioid use and dependence, heroin and synthetic drug overdose, and emergency room visits over the last decade, we must allow legal access to medical marijuana to help prevent opioid addiction and opioid-related deaths.”
    June 27, 2018 Twitter
  • This is a good first step and provides further evidence to the White House and Congress on why we need to end the ridiculous and destructive federal marijuana prohibition, as many states have done through legalizing medical and/or non-medical marijuana. https://cnn.it/2twmkHh”
    June 27, 2018 Twitter
  • "#ICYMI Read why @BrookingsInst says all sides in Congress can get behind Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s bipartisan Marijuana Data Collection Act https://t.co/3hcW4LeAd9”
    July 25, 2018 Twitter
  • “Hawaii is on the front lines of the opioid epidemic:191 drug related deaths per year & nearly 500,000 active opioid prescriptions, enough for a third of our state. SB 2407 would provide access to medical marijuana to help them get off opioids. But @GovHawaii says he will veto.”
    July 2, 2018 Twitter
  • “[email protected]: In 2017, you signed a bill into law that allowed those with lupus, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, & multiple sclerosis to access medical marijuana, which is legal in Hawaii. Why veto SB2407 now & exclude the many in our state who are suffering from opioid addiction?”
    July 2, 2018 Twitter
  • “Medical marijuana is legal in 30 states. It is fully legal in 9 states. Yet people still live under threat of federal prosecution, esp with AG Sessions escalating war on drugs. Congress needs to act now & pass my bipartisan bill, HR1227 Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act.”
    July 2, 2018 Twitter
  • “[email protected] vetoed SB2407 which would've allowed Hawaii patients to use medical marijuana to treat opioid addiction - a shocking decision given there are 191 drug-related deaths per year and almost 500,000 active opioid prescriptions in Hawai'i. https://t.co/oSSIThW7T6”
    July 11, 2018 Twitter
  • “Gov Ige vetoed the bill saying people need to go thru bureaucratic red-tape & apply for approval from HI Dept of Health instead - knowing DOH won't approve because they don't think there's evidence that medical marijuana can effectively help those suffering from opioid addiction.”
    July 11, 2018 Twitter
  • “But multiple studies and statistics show that in states where medical marijuana is legal, there have been significant decreases in opioid addiction and opioid-related deaths. https://t.co/B4tJ80Niz7”
    July 11, 2018 Twitter
  • “Yet another reason I'm supporting @ColleenHanabusa for Governor. Hawaii needs bold leadership at the helm of our state. Colleen is a co-sponsor of my bill HR1227 to end the Federal Marijuana Prohibition. As Governor, she would've signed this bill into law.”
    July 11, 2018 Twitter
  • “@obelau24 @ColleenHanabusa @RepHanabusa Yes. Colleen and I put out an official statement weeks ago urging Governor Ige to sign this bill into law (https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswomen-hanabusa-and-gabbard-oppose-governor-ige-s-intent-veto …). She is a co-sponsor of my bill, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act.”
    July 11, 2018 Twitter
  • “Legalizing adult use of marijuana is common sense and long overdue. We need to remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances, stop turning everyday Americans into criminals, and pass real criminal justice reform now. https://t.co/6m0sycQQ52”
    July 17, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our criminal justice system is broken & unsustainable, both for our government and society. Ending the marijuana prohibition is a long overdue common-sense step to take to end the destructive cycle that is turning everyday Americans into criminals. https://t.co/w5I9AZx8Ih”
    July 24, 2018 Twitter
  • “#ICYMI: Gabbard, @RepCurbelo Bill Builds Bipartisan Momentum Behind Federal Marijuana Reform https://t.co/idJnPYADtj”
    July 24, 2018 Twitter
  • “For decades, bad data and misinformation have fueled the failed #WarOnDrugs that has ruined people's lives, torn families apart, and wasted billions of taxpayer dollars incarcerating Americans for nonviolent marijuana charges.”
    July 24, 2018 Twitter
  • "In 2016 alone, nearly 600,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession. Our laws must be informed by facts — not emotion, manufactured stigma and myths.”
    July 24, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our bipartisan legislation, the Marijuana Data Collection Act, will lay the groundwork for real reform by producing an objective, evidence-based report on current marijuana laws that exist in 31 states across the country, and their impact on our communities.”
    July 24, 2018 Twitter
  • “[email protected]: "Gabbard’s Marijuana Data Collection Act takes a step that more people in Congress should consider: using data to inform policy" https://t.co/3hcW4LeAd9”
    July 25, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our bipartisan legislation takes the politics out of this debate by reporting facts on the impact of marijuana laws on our communities. I urge my colleagues to stand with us in setting the record straight by supporting the Marijuana Data Collection Act.”
    August 30, 2018 Twitter
  • “This heartbreaking trend continues across the country. Congress must hold companies like Purdue Pharma accountable and end the Federal marijuana prohibition, so those who need medicinal marijuana can access it without being targeted as criminals. https://t.co/13dBDgdOKr”
    September 5, 2018 Twitter
  • “Federal policies should be based on facts, not misplaced stigmas and myths. The bipartisan bill I introduced with @RepCurbelo, the Marijuana Data Collection Act, aims to do just that. Support #HR6495. https://t.co/83dizUIdkT”
    September 7, 2018 Twitter
  • “Thank you, @NORML, for your endorsement. I look forward to continuing our work to end the federal marijuana prohibition, and provide relief to millions who’ve been needlessly sucked into our broken criminal justice system.”
    September 19, 2018 Twitter
  • “Another way that we can support veterans’ care: ending the federal marijuana prohibition. In 2017, more than 80% of veterans in the American Legion voted in favor of a resolution legalizing medical marijuana at the federal level. #CannabisForVets https://twitter.com/iava/status/1047812939103780864”
    October 11, 2018 Twitter
  • “Legalizing recreational adult use of marijuana in Hawai’i & across our country is long overdue. We need to pass The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, which decriminalizes marijuana & removes it from the federal controlled substances list in 2019. https://t.co/UPVln9rvUB”
    January 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “Today @repdonyoung and I introduced the only bipartisan legislation in Congress that reschedules marijuana thereby ending the federal prohibition. This is long overdue. We must end the failed War on Drugs before we lose another generation to this war. https://t.co/wgaFKGqYeX”
    March 7, 2019 Twitter
  • “Our archaic marijuana policies– based on stigma and outdated myths–have been used to wage a failed War on Drugs. Families have been torn apart, communities left fractured, and over-criminalization and mass incarceration have become the norm. https://t.co/KuG384QhnJ”
    March 7, 2019 Twitter
  • “In 2017 alone, our country arrested 600,000 people just for possession of marijuana. Our bipartisan legislation takes a step toward ending the failed War on Drugs, ending the federal prohibition on marijuana, and ensuring that our policies are guided by facts and the truth.”
    March 7, 2019 Twitter
  • “# of people arrested for marijuana law violation in 2017: 659,700 # of those charged with marijuana law violations arrested for possession only: 599,282 (90.8 percent) I intro'd bipartisan bill today to END THE FEDERAL MARIJUANA PROHIBITION. Congress must act now #EndTheDrugWar”
    March 7, 2019 Twitter
  • “60% of voters support marijuana legalization—great to see Florida coming around! We just introduced a bill to end federal #marijuana prohibition because American citizens should not be made into criminals for choosing to smoke marijuana. Join us http://tulsi.to/efmp #TULSI2020”
    March 8, 2019 Twitter
  • “The drug pushers at Big Pharma have enough crooked politicians in their pocket to maintain the appearance of legality - that’s the only difference between them & every other global drug cartel. I’m for legalizing marijuana & holding Big Pharma accountable https://t.co/V4e5ypvyKq”
    March 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “New reports show legal marijuana to be the fastest-growing industry in the country: 65,000 full-time jobs added to the US job market in 2018 and 60% of voters supporting legalization. This underscores the fact that it’s time to decriminalize marijuana nationwide.”
    March 25, 2019 Twitter
  • “Bankers, insurance providers, marijuana dispensary owners are frustrated & confused about the contradiction between state & federal laws. They operate daily under threat of federal prosecution…”
    March 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “We must stand up against for-profit, private prisons and a criminal justice system that favors the rich and powerful and punishes the poor, locking up people who smoke marijuana and ignoring corps like Purdue Pharma responsible for thousands of opioid-related deaths. #Tulsi2020”
    March 29, 2019 Twitter
  • “Legalizing marijuana is a basic question of fairness & freedom for the American people. We must legalize marijuana, expunge the records of those w/ marijuana possession charges/convictions & hold Big Pharma accountable for the opioid epidemic that has killed thousands #420”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “The recent arrest of a grandmother at the Dallas Fort Worth airport for possession of CBD oil—a resin from the cannabis plant used to treat arthritis and other ailments —underscores the absurdity and hypocrisy of federal laws related to marijuana.”
    May 30, 2019 Twitter
  • “This week's top tweet: The Hypocrisy of Marijuana Laws.”
    June 1, 2019 Twitter
  • “These veterans should not be penalized or risk losing their VA benefits for working in the state-legalized cannabis industry. This must be corrected immediately by the VA, and Congress must pass my bipartisan Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act. (2/2)”
    June 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “As president I’ll end the failed war on drugs, legalize marijuana, end cash bail, and ban private prisons and bring about real criminal justice reform. I’ll crack down on the overreaching intel agencies and big tech monopolies who threaten our civil liberties and free speech”
    July 9, 2019 Twitter
  • “Come January, possession of small amounts of marijuana will be decriminalized in Hawai'i. This is one step forward toward fixing archaic marijuana policies. (1/2) https://t.co/T4ANZc79n2”
    July 17, 2019 Twitter
  • “I’ll keep pushing to end the Federal Marijuana Prohibition so no person, business, or state lives in fear of federal prosecution. (2/2)”
    July 17, 2019 Twitter
  • "Millions of Americans have fallen victim to the failed War on Drugs, tearing families apart, disproportionately harming minority communities & overcrowding an already strained prison system. Marijuana use is a personal choice & shouldn't be a criminal act. https://t.co/D2Vr1yWcEW"
    July 24, 2019 Twitter
  • "For many years, I have worked to end the marijuana prohibition and am proud to push the MORE Act forward that will begin to right the wrongs of the past, and invest in communities who have been most harmed. https://t.co/wenMgBegfX?amp=1”
    July 24, 2019 Twitter
  • “Our criminal justice system benefits the rich and punishes the poor. This is why I’ve introduced legislation like the “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act” #TULSI2020 → (link: http://tulsi.to/Join-us) tulsi.to/Join-us -Tulsi2020”
    August 1, 2019 Twitter
  • “America means freedom. How can we still be incarcerating people for using marijuana? This is counter to everything we stand for. As president, I'll end the federal prohibition on marijuana, end mass incarceration, and reform our criminal justice system. —TeamTulsi #TULSI2020"
    August 16, 2019 Twitter
  • "As president I’ll end the failed war on drugs, legalize marijuana, end cash bail, and ban private prisons and bring about real criminal justice reform. I’ll crack down on the overreaching intel agencies and big tech monopolies who threaten our civil liberties and free speech."
    August 22, 2019 Twitter
  • “More than half the states across America have legalized/decriminalized marijuana in some form. It's time for Congress to catch up.”
    September 10, 2019 Twitter
  • “The so-called War on Drugs turns ordinary Americans into criminals for using marijuana but lets those responsible for creating the opioid crisis go unpunished. We must act now and pass my bipartisan bill, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act. #TULSI2020”
    October 7, 2019 Twitter
  • "As president I’ll end failed war on drugs, legalize marijuana, abolish mandatory minimum sentences and expunge criminal records for nonviolent drug offenses, end cash bail, ban private prisons, shut down the school-to-prison pipeline... watch full speech: https://youtu.be/vUWWYWt5jqU"
    October 29, 2019 Twitter

  • Hemp for Victory Act: Mandates federal studies into hemp’s wide-range of potential applications.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act: Federally deschedules marijuana.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Data Collection Act: Directs the federal government to study the impact of legalized marijuana.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Justice Act: Removes marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and directs federal courts to expunge past cannabis-related criminal records.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • CARERS Act: Protects medical marijuana from federal enforcement efforts, allows for cannabis business banking, and allows vets to access medical cannabis.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018: Encourages the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to study how marijuana can treat conditions like PTSD and chronic pain.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • REFER Act: Protects states and individuals participating in state-legal medical and recreational marijuana markets from interference by the Justice Department.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • STATES Act: Allows states to make their own decisions on how to regulate marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Businesses Access to Banking Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Small Business Tax Equity Act: Provides tax fairness for the cannabis industry.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Responsibly Addressing the Marijuana Policy Gap Act: Addresses various aspects of the federal-state marijuana policy gap.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Charlotte’s Web Medical Access Act: Exempts CBD from the Controlled Substances Act.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Industrial Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Department of Veterans Affairs Policy for Medicinal Cannabis Use Act: Blocks the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from denying benefits to patients who use marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • VA Survey of Cannabis Use Act: Requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to survey patients and caregivers on marijuana use.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Department of Veterans Affairs Medicinal Cannabis Education Act: Supports medical cannabis education for VA primary healthcare providers.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • RESPECT Resolution: Calls on states and local governments to address disparities in the cannabis marketplace.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under State Laws Act: Protects federal employees from being fired for state-legal marijuana use.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Rohrabacher of California Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • McClintock of California Amendment: Protects state medical and recreational marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Blumenauer of Oregon Amendment: Allows Veterans Affairs doctors to recommend medical marijuana.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Heck of Washington Amendment: Protects banks that work with marijuana businesses.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Perry of Pennsylvania Amendment: Blocks federal government from interfering with state CBD medical cannabis laws.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Bonamici of Oregon Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Massie of Kentucky Amendment: Protects state industrial hemp programs from federal interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop. (Voted Yes)
    Voted Yes See more
  • To decriminalize marijuana, and for other purposes: Removes cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and uses some tax revenue from sales to grants to help assist socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals to participate in the legal industry. Part of the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • A bill to decriminalize marijuana, and for other purposes: Federally deschedules marijuana, while setting aside money to support the expungement of past marijuana convictions and to provide grants to help socioeconomically disadvantaged people to participate in the industry. Part of the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • HR 3055: A large-scale appropriations bill that includes an amendment to prevent the Department of Justice from interfering with state marijuana laws.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act: Decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level, enabling states to set their own policies. Applies retroactively to prior and pending convictions, and requires that federal courts expunge prior convictions. It also authorizes 5% sales tax revenue to fund grant programs aimed at correcting historical injustices that have disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income communities.
    Co-Sponsor See more

• 

  

  Sen. Michael Bennet

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Sen. Michael Bennet

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • "Colorado and dozens of other states have made medical marijuana legal for patients who are suffering. It's time for the federal government to respect and recognize these decisions by states for the benefit of patients across the country. Colorado doctors and patients deserve to know with confidence that they can access medical marijuana without fear of federal legal ramifications. This bill would ease those restrictions and give patients peace of mind."
    March 28, 2015 See more
  • "With more states joining Colorado to legalize medical and recreational marijuana, we need a tax code that doesn't unfairly penalize these small businesses that are trying to operate within the law. This bill would make important updates to our tax code to allow legal marijuana businesses to take the same tax deductions as other small businesses."
    April 21, 2015 See more
  • “Scientists in Colorado are eager to study marijuana to help advance its medicinal use and to promote a broader understanding of it. Unfortunately, the status quo doesn’t meet the needs of researchers across the country. Our amendment would help advance legitimate research, while also protecting against abuse.”
    July 13, 2016 See more
  • “This bipartisan legislation provided needed clarity for farmers in Colorado who want to grow industrial hemp legally. This is a necessary measure to fix conflicting federal policies that are slowing the implementation of the Farm Bill pilot program and stifling new business opportunities in rural Colorado.”
    July 18, 2017 See more
  • “At a time when we should be investing in objective and peer-reviewed scientific research on marijuana and the effects of legalization, the White House is instead using taxpayer money to spread a politically-driven narrative. What’s perhaps most unfortunate is that my state and others stand ready to work as partners with the federal government to gather the data and research necessary to ensure we are protecting public health and safety.”
    August 30, 2018 See more
  • “This long-overdue change will help bring our marijuana laws into the 21st century. It’s past time we bring fairness and relief to communities that our criminal justice system has too often left behind.”
    February 28, 2019 See more
  • "The lack of access to banking services for marijuana businesses is a public safety issue in Colorado. Operating on a cash-only basis results in unnecessary safety risks for both employees and customers and creates compliance and oversight challenges. This common-sense bill would allow our banking system to serve marijuana companies the same way they serve any other legal place of business."
    April 11, 2019 See more

  • “Attorney General Sessions’ decision to rescind the Cole Memorandum completely disregards the steps Colorado has taken to regulate legal #marijuana dispensaries and retail stores. Read my letter to the Attorney General: https://www.scribd.com/document/368483904/Letter-Bennet-Urges-Sessions-Rescind-Overreaching-Marijuana-Guidance"
    January 5, 2018 Twitter
  • “Introduced legislation earlier this year to ensure legal #marijuana businesses can access banking services. AG Sessions’ actions yesterday will make this even more difficult and may raise significant public safety issues. Another reason why DOJ must rescind #marijuana guidance.”
    January 5, 2018 Twitter
  • “The majority of states have some form of reduced restrictions on #marijuana. In light of AG Sessions rescinding critical guidance for federal-state regulations, we're urging Senate Approps to respect state laws & alleviate confusion for local govs & biz: https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/2/bennet-leads-bipartisan-effort-to-ensure-senate-appropriators-respect-state-marijuana-laws”
    February 13, 2018 Twitter
  • “Heading into the Senate Ag Hearing to question @SecretarySonny on implementing the #FarmBill. From legalizing #hemp to funding drought resilience, we have our work cut out for us. We must ensure the Trump administration stands ready to help Colorado implement the bill.”
    February 28, 2018 Twitter
  • “Industrial #hemp is an important & legitimate agricultural crop in Colorado, which is why I’m working in Washington to make this true across the country. Grateful to State Sen. Don Coram for his leadership on this issue & for showing us his greenhouse in Montrose today.”
    March 30, 2018 Twitter
  • “Joined @SenCoryGardner to introduce STATES Act to provide more certainty to patients, businesses, & consumers in CO. Congress needs to join 21st century on marijuana regulation. This bill even more important since AG Sessions upended the will of our state by rescinding Cole Memo.”
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • “New report shows that the White House created a committee to spread a politically-driven narrative, using cherry-picked data, about #marijuana. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/dominicholden/trump-secret-committee-anti-marijuana”
    August 30, 2018 Twitter
  • “The Trump admin should be investing in scientific research on marijuana, not intentionally misleading the American people. Sent a letter urging the WH to stop misusing data for political purposes & instead work with states like Colorado on this issue. https://www.scribd.com/document/387414205/bennet”
    August 30, 2018 Twitter
  • “Latest on Trump Admin marijuana committee: @ONDCP commits to present objective marijuana info to the public & I intend to hold them to this promise. Government-sponsored propaganda shouldn’t undermine use of fact-based data to inform marijuana policy: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/dominicholden/white-house-admits-marijuana-policy-committee-real"
    October 1, 2018 Twitter
  • “This bipartisan #FarmBill will legalize hemp, conserve land and water, combat climate change & bolster economic security in rural communities. The finish line is in sight. Now Congress needs to do what’s right for Colorado & send this bill to @POTUS' desk by the end of the year.”
    December 11, 2018 Twitter
  • “Congress just sent #2018FarmBill to @POTUS’ desk. Because of Colorado’s input, this bill: - Legalizes #hemp - Strengthens Farm Safety Net - Expands economic opportunity - Addresses #climatechange - Improves forest health - Promotes conservation - Expands access to healthy food”
    December 12, 2018 Twitter
  • "After legalizing #hemp in the Farm Bill, we should be expanding opportunities for growers. Instead, the #TrumpShutdown has halted implementation & increased uncertainty for the industry. With @SenatorTester, calling on @usbr to update its policies: https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/1/bennet-tester-press-administration-to-update-hemp-policies-following-legalization”
    January 17, 2019 Twitter
  • "Right now, legal marijuana businesses must operate on a cash basis—raising significant public safety concerns. The #SAFEBankingAct will give these businesses access to much-needed banking services. Congratulations to @RepPerlmutter on passing this important bill out of committee."
    March 28, 2019 Twitter
  • "Hemp farmers and processors have made clear that the lack of access to the banking system is a significant hurdle to growing their business. We'll keep working to remove this major barrier facing the hemp industry. https://t.co/BrxyTF8Azy?amp=1"
    August 16, 2019 Twitter

  • Industrial Hemp Water Rights Act: Ensures that the nation’s industrial hemp farmers are able to access federally controlled water.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • STATES Act: Amends Controlled Substance Act to exempt state-legal marijuana and address cannabis industry banking issues.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Banking Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Justice Act: Removes marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and directs federal courts to expunge past cannabis-related criminal records.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act: Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis for veterans.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • CARERS Act: Protects medical marijuana from federal enforcement efforts, allows for cannabis business banking, and allows vets to access medical cannabis.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act: Prevents federal officials from punishing banks that work with the marijuana industry.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Amendment to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act: Calls on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to approve at least three more marijuana manufacturers for research.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Small Business Tax Equity Act: Amends Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code to allow marijuana business to make deductions and access tax credits.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Industrial Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act: Exempts CBD from list of federally controlled substances.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop.
    Voted Yes See more

• 

  

  Sen. Bernie Sanders

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Sen. Bernie Sanders

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “Let us abolish all laws which attempt to impose a particular brand of morality or “right” on people. Let’s abolish all laws dealing with abortion, drugs, sexual behavior (adultery, homosexuality, etc.).”
    February 15, 1972 See more
  • “It is an obscenity that we stigmatize so many young Americans with a criminal record for smoking marijuana, but oddly enough not one major Wall Street executive has been prosecuted for causing the near collapse of our entire economy. Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.”
    July 31, 2015 See more
  • “Right now, marijuana is listed by the federal government as a Schedule I drug -- meaning that it is considered to be as dangerous as heroin. That is absurd. In my view, the time is long overdue for us to remove the federal prohibition on marijuana.”
    October 28, 2015 See more
  • “We must recognize that blacks are four times more likely than whites to get arrested for marijuana possession, even though the same proportion of blacks and whites use marijuana. Any serious criminal justice reform must include removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act.”
    October 30, 2015 See more
  • “If some kid in Iowa or Vermont today is picked up possessing marijuana, that kid will get a police record that will stay with him for the rest of his life. But the executives on Wall Street who drove this country into the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, whose greed and illegal behavior resulted in millions of Americans losing their jobs, their homes, their life savings, these executives who pay billions of dollars in settlement agreements with the government, not one of them has been prosecuted. Not one of them has a criminal record.”
    January 27, 2016 See more
  • “We can argue about the science and the pluses and minuses about marijuana, but everybody knows marijuana is not a killer drug like heroin. It should not be a federal crime.”
    April 4, 2016 See more
  • “God only knows how many hundreds of thousands of lives have been ruined by people who receive police records for the possession of marijuana. And I am very proud that in my state of Vermont and here in California, we're making progress by legalizing possession of marijuana and in other parts decriminalizing it."
    October 27, 2018 See more
  • “No more war on drugs that has destroyed so many lives. When we talk about criminal justice reform, we are going to change a system in which tens of thousands of Americans every year get criminal records for possessing marijuana, but not one major Wall Street executive went to jail for destroying our economy in 2008. No, they didn’t go to jail, they got a trillion dollar bailout.”
    March 4, 2019 See more
  • “Right now you have a federal Controlled Substances Act in Washington that says if you’re caught with heroin, he’s caught with marijuana, it’s both the same level. That’s insane. I believe in the legalization of marijuana, which by the way will be a major step forward in the struggle for a fairer, less racist criminal justice system.”
    March 4, 2019 See more
  • “I’m proud that during my campaign in 2016, we talked about the insanity of having at the federal level marijuana at the same level, treated the same way as heroin. We talked about decriminalizing marijuana, legalizing marijuana, and that’s beginning to happen around this country.”
    March 4, 2019 See more
  • “Thank you Illinois for doing the right thing by expunging marijuana convictions. Tens of thousands of Americans every year get criminal records for possessing marijuana. Meanwhile ZERO major Wall Street executives went to jail for destroying our economy in 2008 as a result of their greed, recklessness and illegal behavior. When we are in the White House we are going to expunge criminal records for marijuana possession and decriminalize it nationwide.”
    June 29, 2019 See more
  • “If someone had said ten years ago that more than half the states in the country will decriminalize marijuana, people would have called them crazy. A movement for criminal justice reform made it possible. Congratulations Hawaii on becoming the 26th state to end the failed criminalization of marijuana.”
    July 10, 2019 See more
  • "I’ve smoked marijuana twice in my life and I ended up coughing, that’s what it did to me. I don’t want to see who lots of people get arrested and thrown in jail because of the war on drugs.”
    July 20, 2019 See more
  • "When I ran for president for the Democratic nomination in 2016, I talked about a broken criminal justice system, which ends up having in the United States more people in jail than any other country. And what I call for then, and I call for now, is the legalization of marijuana in America."
    August 7, 2019 See more
  • “You can argue the plusses and minuses of marijuana, but marijuana ain't heroin. So we have to end that and that's what I will do as President of the United States. I believe we can do that through executive order and I will do that."
    August 7, 2019 See more
  • "I'm not telling you to do marijuana - in fact I'm telling you not to do it - but people are going to do it whether I want it or not. I don't want your lives destroyed if you choose to do it."
    September 23, 2019 See more
  • “We will take executive action to deschedule and legalize marijuana nationwide and expunge as many prior marijuana-related convictions as possible."
    September 24, 2019 See more
  • "When marijuana is legal all over America we are not going to allow a handful of corporations to control that industry, we are gonna do everything we can make sure they are the people who have suffered the most benefit and profit from the legalization of marijuana"
    October 27, 2019 See more
  • “This is what we do. Right now, unbelievably, under the Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is at the same level as heroin, which is insane. So we take it out of that, which essentially legalizes marijuana all over this country.”
    October 31, 2019 See more
  • “We will end the destructive war on drugs. On my first day in office through executive order we will legalize marijuana in every state in this country.”
    February 1, 2020 See more
  • “We are in fact are going to reform a broken and racist criminal justice system. We do not want to continue a situation where we have more people in jail than any other country including China, four times our size. And the people in jail are disproportionately African American, Latino and Native American. And that is why we are going to invest in our young people in jobs and education, not more jails and incarceration. That is why we are going to end private prisons and detention centers. That is why we are going to end the war on drugs and legalize marijuana in every state in this country.”
    February 22, 2020 See more
  • “We are going to move forward to expunge the record for those who have been arrested for possession of marijuana.”
    February 22, 2020 See more
  • “We have a criminal justice system today that is not only broken, it is racist. We’ve got more people in jail than in any other country on earth, including China. One of the reasons for that is a horrific war on drugs. I do believe that on day one, we will change the federal Controlled Substances Act which, if you can believe it, now equates heroin with marijuana. That’s insane.”
    February 25, 2020 See more
  • “What we are also going to do is move to expunge the records of those people arrested for possession of marijuana. And I’ll tell you what else we’re going to do. We’re going to provide help to the African American, Latino, Native American community to start businesses to sell legal marijuana rather than let a few corporations control the legalized marijuana market.”
    February 25, 2020 See more

  • “It is an obscenity that we stigmatize so many young Americans with a criminal record for smoking marijuana…”
    July 28, 2015 Twitter
  • “I find it strange that the kid who smokes marijuana gets arrested but the crooks on Wall Street get off scot free.”
    August 3, 2015 Twitter
  • “It is not acceptable that many youth have criminal records for smoking marijuana, while the CEOs of banks do not”
    September 12, 2015 Twitter
  • “Must Read: Every minute someone gets arrested for marijuana possession in the U.S. @_cingraham http://1.usa.gov/1ME4ns4”
    September 29, 2015 Twitter
  • “It is an obscenity that we stigmatize so many young Americans with a criminal record for smoking marijuana.”
    September 29, 2015 Twitter
  • “It is obscene that people are getting arrested at near record rates for smoking marijuana, but not one Wall Street CEO has been prosecuted.”
    October 8, 2015 Twitter
  • “Too many Americans have seen their lives destroyed because they have criminal records as a result of marijuana use. That has got to change.”
    October 28, 2015 Twitter
  • “It is obscene that people are getting arrested at near record rates for smoking marijuana, but not one Wall Street CEO has been prosecuted.”
    October 28, 2015 Twitter
  • “Today’s News: Sanders stands up against Islamophobia, calls for removing marijuana from list of illegal drugs. https://t.co/amCsmvp0S7”
    October 29, 2015 Twitter
  • “The time is long overdue for us to take marijuana off the federal government’s list of outlawed drugs.”
    October 29, 2015 Twitter
  • “Although use is about the same, a black person is almost four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than a white person.”
    October 30, 2015 Twitter
  • "The time is long overdue for us to remove the federal prohibition on marijuana. Must read: https://t.co/J9H87ep9C8”
    October 30, 2015 Twitter
  • “Today's News: Sanders calls for end to death penalty & federal prohibition on marijuana https://t.co/JmDFoqGxrV”
    October 30, 2015 Twitter
  • “In 2014, there were 620,000 marijuana possession arrests. That’s one every minute.”
    October 30, 2015 Twitter
  • “African Americans are much more likely to be arrested for using marijuana than will whites. That is unacceptable.”
    November 2, 2015 Twitter
  • “Classifying marijuana in the same category as cocaine ignores the major issue. http://bernie.to/marijuana-law”
    November 7, 2015 Twitter
  • “We need to rethink the so-called "War on Drugs" and take marijuana out of the federal Controlled Substance Act.”
    November 30, 2015 Twitter
  • “Any serious criminal justice reform must include removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. #DemDebate”
    December 19, 2015 Twitter
  • “How is it that a kid who smokes marijuana gets a police record, but the CEO of a company that ruins people’s lives has no criminal record.”
    January 3, 2016 Twitter
  • “It is not acceptable that so many young people have criminal records for smoking marijuana, while the CEOs of banks do not.”
    January 7, 2016 Twitter
  • “Kids are jailed for possessing marijuana or other minor crimes. Nothing happens to Wall Street execs whose illegal behavior harmed millions.”
    January 15, 2016 Twitter
  • “It's unacceptable that many kids have criminal records for smoking marijuana while the CEOs of banks do not.”
    January 20, 2016 Twitter
  • “Millions of people have been arrested for using marijuana. That is absurd and it is destroying lives.”
    January 30, 2016 Twitter
  • “It makes no sense that kids who get caught with marijuana get police records while Wall St. CEOs who helped destroy the economy get raises.”
    January 30, 2016 Twitter
  • “It is time to take marijuana off the federal list of controlled substances and let states decide.”
    February 21, 2016 Twitter
  • “If you're a kid caught with marijuana, you get a record. If you're an exec on Wall St. that destroyed the economy, you get off scot-free.”
    March 17, 2016 Twitter
  • “Too many Americans have seen their lives destroyed because they have criminal records as a result of marijuana use.”
    March 30, 2016 Twitter
  • “It is time to take marijuana off the federal list of controlled substances and let states decide. Sign if you agree: https://t.co/6BlaUnQgTU”
    April 11, 2016 Twitter
  • “Right now, under the Federal Controlled Substance Act, marijuana is a schedule one drug alongside heroin. That's pretty crazy.”
    April 11, 2016 Twitter
  • “It is outrageous that the kid who smokes marijuana gets arrested but the crooks on Wall Street get off scot free. https://youtu.be/zWdZPG4iGyQ”
    April 15, 2016 Twitter
  • “It is time to lift the federal ban on marijuana. No one sincerely believes that marijuana deserves to be classified beside heroin.”
    May 7, 2016 Twitter
  • “It makes no sense for a 19-year-old kid to be denied a job because they were arrested for smoking marijuana.”
    May 28, 2016 Twitter
  • “Too many Americans in this country have seen their lives destroyed because they have criminal records as a result of marijuana use.”
    June 8, 2016 Twitter
  • “If we are serious about criminal justice reform, we must remove marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act.”
    June 17, 2016 Twitter
  • “I find it strange that the kid who smokes marijuana gets arrested but the crooks on Wall Street get off scot free.”
    June 17, 2016 Twitter
  • “In my view, the time is long overdue for us to take marijuana off of the federal government’s list of outlawed drugs.”
    June 17, 2016 Twitter
  • “Millions of Americans have police records as a result of marijuana possession, which should be decriminalized.”
    June 25, 2016 Twitter
  • “It's time to end the federal ban on marijuana.”
    July 9, 2016 Twitter
  • “It’s well past time for us to take marijuana off the federal government’s list of outlawed drugs.”
    August 11, 2016 Twitter
  • “People can argue about the pluses and minuses of marijuana, but everyone knows it's not a killer drug like heroin.”
    August 11, 2016 Twitter
  • “Keeping marijuana in the same category as heroin is absurd. The time is long overdue for us to remove the federal prohibition on marijuana.”
    August 11, 2016 Twitter
  • “Why is it that kids are jailed for possessing marijuana but nothing happens to Wall Street execs whose illegal behavior harmed millions?”
    August 29, 2016 Twitter
  • “No one seriously believes that marijuana deserves to be classified beside heroin. It should not be a Schedule 1 drug.”
    September 8, 2016 Twitter
  • “How many people at Wells Fargo are going to jail? Zero. But if you smoke marijuana in this country, you get a criminal record.”
    September 20, 2016 Twitter
  • “No one sincerely believes that marijuana deserves to be classified beside heroin.”
    December 2, 2016 Twitter
  • “Even though the same proportion of blacks and whites use marijuana, a black person is almost 4x more likely to be arrested for possession.”
    December 17, 2016 Twitter
  • “No rational person really believes marijuana should be a Schedule 1 drug next to killer drugs like heroin. And yet that’s how it’s treated.”
    February 24, 2017 Twitter
  • “We should be moving toward decriminalization of marijuana, not reverting progress that states have made.”
    February 26, 2017 Twitter
  • “No, Attorney General Sessions. Marijuana is not the same as heroin. No one who has seriously studied the issue believes that. Quite the contrary. We should allow states the right to move toward the decriminalization of marijuana, not reverse the progress that has been made.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Instead of Attorney General Sessions intensifying the failed war on drugs, states should be allowed to make their own decisions regarding the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana.”
    January 6, 2018 Twitter
  • "Despite Jeff Sessions' war on marijuana, a growing majority of the American people understand that we should allow states the right to move toward the decriminalization of marijuana, not reverse progress that has been made.”
    February 6, 2018 Twitter
  • “Join me and @CoryBooker as we talk about ending the federal prohibition on marijuana.” https://twitter.com/SenSanders/status/986992955637583874 February 6, 2018: “Despite Jeff Sessions' war on marijuana, a growing majority of the American people understand that we should allow states the right to move toward the decriminalization of marijuana, not reverse progress that has been made.”
    April 19, 2018 Twitter
  • “Now is the time to remove the ridiculous federal prohibition on marijuana. I'm proud to co-sponsor the Marijuana Justice Act.”
    April 20, 2018 Twitter
  • “The time is long overdue for us to remove the absurd federal prohibition on marijuana.”
    April 24, 2018 Twitter
  • “A number of states are now rethinking the "war on drugs" and are either decriminalizing possession of marijuana or making it legal.”
    April 30, 2018 Twitter
  • “In Seattle, officials recently announced that they have filed a motion to vacate all convictions and drop all charges for marijuana possession for anyone arrested in the city in the past few decades. This is progress. Much more needs to be done.”
    April 30, 2018 Twitter
  • “We need to stop imprisoning people for smoking marijuana and start prosecuting the crooks on Wall Street whose greed and illegal behavior caused the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression.”
    May 16, 2018 Twitter
  • “Congratulations to Seattle for clearing past misdemeanor convictions for marijuana possession that were prosecuted before marijuana was legalized. We must decriminalize marijuana nationally and expunge federal marijuana use and possession crimes.”
    September 25, 2018 Twitter
  • “600,000 people, disproportionately people of color, were arrested for possession of marijuana in 2017. It is time to decriminalize marijuana, expunge past marijuana convictions and end the failed war on drugs.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “Tens of thousands of Americans every year get criminal records for possessing marijuana. Meanwhile ZERO major Wall Street executives went to jail for destroying our economy in 2008 as a result of their greed, recklessness and illegal behavior. Unacceptable.”
    March 4, 2019 Twitter
  • “In my view, it is long past time that we in the United States end the federal prohibition on marijuana. Now is the time to decriminalize marijuana and expunge criminal records associated with the drug.”
    April 16, 2019 Twitter
  • “Nearly 7 in 10 Americans—and a majority of both Republicans and Democrats—support marijuana legalization. The American people agree. It is time our federal government listens. We must end the criminalization of marijuana in this country.”
    April 19, 2019 Twitter
  • "The fact that the United States continues to arrest hundreds of thousands of black and brown Americans every year for possession of marijuana, while wealthy investors on Wall Street make huge profits off of it, is completely outrageous."
    June 17, 2019 Twitter
  • "Congratulations to Illinois for legalizing marijuana and expunging 770,000 marijuana-related cases. It is time to legalize marijuana nationwide."
    June 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “Instead of giving criminal records to people who possess marijuana, maybe we should give them to the crooks on Wall Street who crashed our economy.”
    July 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “It makes no sense for young people to be denied jobs because they were arrested for smoking marijuana. It is time to decriminalize marijuana, expunge past marijuana convictions and end the failed war on drugs.”
    July 30, 2019 Twitter
  • “We must legalize marijuana nationally, expunge past marijuana convictions and ensure revenue from legal marijuana is reinvested in the communities most impacted by the failed War on Drugs.”
    August 18, 2019 Twitter
  • “The business model of Wells Fargo is fraud. Yet how many people at Wells Fargo are going to jail? Zero. But if you smoke marijuana in this country, you get a criminal record. That is unacceptable.”
    August 20, 2019 Twitter
  • "We must legalize marijuana nationwide and expunge past convictions."
    August 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “We have a corrupt criminal justice system where if you're a kid caught selling marijuana, you go to jail, but if you're a fossil fuel CEO who knowingly destroys the planet and harms thousands of people, nothing happens to you. That's a system I intend to change.”
    September 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “The criminalization of marijuana has been a disaster for communities of color. We will legalize marijuana, expunge past convictions and invest revenue from legal marijuana back into those communities.”
    September 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “I am proud to stand with these civil rights organizations. In the fight for marijuana legalization, we must prioritize racial and economic justice—that means revenues from this industry must be invested in the communities that have been devastated by the so-called "war on drugs." https://twitter.com/MarijuanaMoment/status/1174121552172015617”
    September 21, 2019 Twitter
  • "Too many lives were ruined due to the disastrous criminalization of marijuana. Today I am releasing my plan to: ✅ Legalize marijuana with executive action ✅ Expunge past marijuana convictions ✅ Invest in communities most affected by the War on Drugs https://t.co/0xQSHn6F3U?amp=1"
    October 24, 2019 Twitter
  • "Today, the government considers marijuana as dangerous as heroin. That’s idiotic. As president I will immediately issue an executive order to declassify marijuana as a controlled substance."
    October 24, 2019 Twitter
  • “When we said four years ago that we needed to legalize marijuana, it was considered a "radical" idea. Today, 11 states plus DC have legalized it. Not so radical anymore. When we're in the White House we will do so nationwide.”
    October 24, 2019 Twitter
  • “Marijuana should be legal.”
    October 25, 2019 Twitter
  • “We must legalize marijuana, but that is not all. We will also ensure that revenue from legal marijuana is reinvested in communities hit hardest by the War on Drugs, especially African-American and other communities of color.”
    October 25, 2019 Twitter
  • "A Wall Street executive commits fraud, he gets bailed out by the American people and handed enormous tax breaks. A young kid gets arrested for smoking marijuana, he ends up with a criminal record. We're going to end that absurdity.”
    October 25, 2019 Twitter
  • “Philadelphia police stopped 25,000 cars because they "smelled marijuana." 84% were African American drivers. They found marijuana only 12% of the time. Our job must be to end the War on Drugs—and get racial bias out of law enforcement at the same time. https://t.co/6luwr6TayC?amp=1”
    November 7, 2019 Twitter
  • “No more cash bail. No more death penalty. No more "war on drugs." No more mandatory minimums. No more private prisons and detention centers. We are going to fundamentally reform our broken and racist criminal justice system.”
    November 13, 2019 Twitter
  • “The American people are united on issue after issue. We must legalize marijuana now—and expunge all past marijuana convictions as a matter of racial and economic justice. https://twitter.com/tomangell/status/1195022247175561217”
    November 17, 2019 Twitter
  • “The criminalization of marijuana has been a disaster. We are going to legalize it, expunge past convictions and invest in communities of color that have been devastated by the War on Drugs. https://t.co/0xQSHn6F3U?amp=1”
    November 17, 2019 Twitter
  • “When young people say they want to go to college without taking on mountains of debt, we must listen. When young people say they want to end the criminalization of marijuana, we must listen. When young people say they want a planet that is healthy and habitable, we must listen.”
    December 11, 2019 Twitter
  • “We are not only going to legalize marijuana; we are going to expunge past convictions for marijuana possession. Thank you to @KimFoxxforSA for leading the way on this important issue. https://twitter.com/KimFoxxforSA/status/1204906706549059585”
    December 12, 2019 Twitter
  • “The War on Drugs has been a disaster. We need to legalize marijuana nationwide, invest in the communities that have been destroyed by its criminalization, and expunge past marijuana-related convictions.”
    December 23, 2019 Twitter
  • “The criminalization of marijuana has been a disaster. We need to legalize it. We need to expunge past convictions. And we need to invest in communities destroyed by the war on drugs.”
    January 17, 2020 Twitter
  • "Marijuana must be legalized. All our people imprisoned because of it must be returned home to their families and their records expunged."
    January 18, 2020 Twitter
  • “We must finally put an end to the disastrous, so-called "War on Drugs." This includes legalizing marijuana, releasing those imprisoned because of it, expunging their records, and investing in the communities devastated by this decades-long assault.”
    February 2, 2020 Twitter
  • “Donald Trump has no problem pardoning white collar criminals. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Black and Brown Americans are sitting in jail because of marijuana convictions or because they can't afford bail. That injustice is what we're going to end.”
    February 19, 2020 Twitter
  • “We are going to legalize marijuana on day one of my presidency. #DemDebate”
    February 25, 2020 Twitter
  • “The time is long overdue for us to legalize marijuana and expunge past marijuana convictions."
    March 11, 2020 Twitter

  • Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act: Amends Controlled Substances Act to remove marijuana and THC from Schedule I.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Justice Act: Removes marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and directs federal courts to expunge past cannabis-related criminal records.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act: Authorizes Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct research into therapeutic potential of cannabis for veterans.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Business Access to Banking Act: Allows banks to serve marijuana-related businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Banking Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Industrial Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • To provide for the therapeutic use of marihuana in situations involving life-threatening or sense-threatening illnesses and to provide adequate supplies of marihuana for such use (H.R.2618): Legalizes and regulates medical marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Hinchey of New York Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Farr of California Amendment: Protects state medical marijuana laws from Department of Justice interference.
    Voted Yes See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop.
    Voted Yes See more
  • To decriminalize marijuana, and for other purposes: Removes cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and uses some tax revenue from sales to grants to help assist socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals to participate in the legal industry. Part of the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • A bill to decriminalize marijuana, and for other purposes: Federally deschedules marijuana, while setting aside money to support the expungement of past marijuana convictions and to provide grants to help socioeconomically disadvantaged people to participate in the industry. Part of the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act: Provides “safe harbor” for veterans to use and possess cannabis in legal states, while also allowing doctors at the VA to recommend medical cannabis.
    Co-Sponsor See more

• 

  

  Sen. Amy Klobuchar

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Sen. Amy Klobuchar

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “Finally, I have opposed efforts to roll back the Obama Administration policy that the federal government would not interfere with state laws legalizing marijuana, and I cosponsored the STATES Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Gardner to protect the ability of states to regulate marijuana.”
    January 1, 2019 See more
  • “I support the legalization of marijuana and believe that states should have the right to determine the best approach to marijuana within their borders.”
    February 22, 2019 See more
  • "I'll start with marijuana. I think that each state should be able to make that decision [whether it's legalized]. I do support making it legal state-by-state. And I know it's something that my state [Minnesota] is considering right now. We have medical marijuana. But, I think beyond that it's a much bigger question about our criminal justice system. And, to me, that begins with what's happens when you put people in prison with an incarceration rate that's so high, like our country has, with such long sentences for nonviolent offenders.”
    May 8, 2019 See more
  • “It is realistic to want to legalize marijuana. I want to do that too. I also think you need to look back at people’s records. You maybe can’t do that on day one, as he said. I think you want a process that you go through because there are too many people that have things on their records that stopped them from getting jobs.”
    February 25, 2020 See more

  • “At the ag committee for the farm bill markup! Good safety net for farmers, nutrition and conservation programs...and hemp is in! Mitch McConnell joined markup today and said the bill will go to the floor before 4th of July...(When the corn is knee high)”
    June 13, 2018 Twitter

  • STATES Act: Amends Controlled Substance Act to exempt state-legal marijuana and address cannabis industry banking issues.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • MEDS Act: Expands research into marijuana by increasing research-grade growing facilities.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act: Requires federal agencies to reassess whether CBD should be a controlled substance.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act: Removes CBD and “CBD-rich plants” from federal definition of marijuana.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop.
    Voted Yes See more

• 

  

  Sen. Cory Booker

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Sen. Cory Booker

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “I believe too many of my young people are being unfairly punished and chewed up by the criminal justice system over small amounts of marijuana. Their lives are being severely and adversely affected by the sheer number of arrests and incarcerations we are making. When a young person enters a system, it often leaves them worse off than other lower cost interventions would.”
    July 15, 2012 See more
  • “We need policies that empower states to legalize medical marijuana if they so choose—recognizing that there are Americans who can realize real medical benefits if this treatment option is brought out of the shadows.”
    March 10, 2015 See more
  • “While this announcement is a step in the right direction, the DEA’s failure to reclassify marijuana is disappointing. There are Americans who can realize real medical benefits if this treatment option is brought out of the shadows, and choosing to ignore the medical value of marijuana defies common sense and the scientific evidence.”
    August 12, 2016 See more
  • “Federal marijuana policy has long overstepped the boundaries of common sense, fiscal prudence, and compassion. This bill will help ensure that people who can benefit from medical marijuana – from children suffering from chronic illnesses to veterans battling PTSD – can do so without worrying about the federal government standing in the way.”
    June 15, 2017 See more
  • “Descheduling marijuana and applying that change retroactively to people currently serving time for marijuana offenses is a necessary step in correcting this unjust system. States have so far led the way in reforming our criminal justice system and it's about time the federal government catches up and begins to assert leadership."
    August 1, 2017 See more
  • “Jeff Sessions’ determination to revive the failed War on Drugs knows no bounds. History has shown that our deeply broken drug laws disproportionately harm low-income communities and communities of color and cost us billions annually in enforcement, incarceration, and wasted human potential, without making us any safer. This unjust, backwards decision is wrong for America, and will prove to be on the wrong side of history.”
    January 4, 2018 See more
  • “I am pleased to see public sentiment moving as it is, but I have an approach to marijuana legalization that sees it as a justice issue and not just as an adult-use issue. The damage that the enforcement and prohibition has done to our country is outrageous, unacceptable, and violates our values.”
    February 26, 2019 See more
  • "New Jersey is the first state in the country to couple decriminalizing marijuana with strong criminal justice reform measures to redress the decades of immense harm inflicted by an unfair system. All too often, communities of color and low-income individuals are unjustly impacted by our broken drug policies, but by including measures to expunge records and reinvest in the communities most impacted, our state has the opportunity to lead in prioritizing social justice. With this bill, New Jersey legislators can send a strong message to the country that marijuana legalization and social justice must be inextricably linked. I'm hopeful our state will succeed in setting this example."
    March 22, 2019 See more
  • “I feel that I have a role and a responsibility that every time someone is talking about legalization, if they don’t talk about expungement, they’re not talking about restoring justice provisions by reinvesting tax dollars in those communities disproportionately impacted, we are not doing anything to address the injustices that are festering in our country.”
    April 16, 2019 See more
  • “It’s not, ‘Hey, just looking forward, suddenly let’s give states the right to do what they want to do. We’ve got to correct for the absolute injustice of marijuana enforcement, the racial biases in marijuana enforcement, how it’s disproportionately affected poor and low income communities.”
    April 16, 2019 See more
  • “How can we talk about legalization and not talk about expunging the records of people who still can’t get jobs, who still can’t vote in many states, still can’t get business licenses because of doing things that congresspeople and senators now readily admit to doing? We’ve got to expunge records. We’ve got to get people who are in prison now for marijuana crimes a pathway out of prison. And we’ve got to take the resources — the incredible tax revenue that is going to come [from the legal trade in cannabis] — and reinvest it in those communities that were disproportionately targeted by the war on marijuana.”
    May 2, 2019 See more
  • “The War on Drugs has been a war on people — and not all people equally — overwhelmingly on poor people, and disproportionately on black and brown people. There’s no difference in America in marijuana usage between blacks and whites. But African-Americans, for example, are almost four times more likely to be arrested. And this has had a profound impact on our society — driving injustice, driving disparities.”
    May 2, 2019 See more
  • “The War on Drugs has been a war on people, tearing families apart, ruining lives, and disproportionately affecting people of color and low-income individuals — all without making us safer. Granting clemency won’t repair all the damage that has been done by the War on Drugs and our broken criminal justice system, but it will help our country confront this injustice and begin to heal.”
    June 20, 2019 See more
  • “I came from Yale and Stanford, where people were using marijuana, using drugs, but lived in a country where there’s no difference between drug usage and drug selling between blacks and whites. But African Americans are almost four times more likely to be incarcerated for those things.”
    June 30, 2019 See more
  • “While it’s encouraging to see Vice President Biden finally come around to supporting many of the ideas I and others have proposed, his plan falls short of the transformative change our broken criminal justice system needs. Any comprehensive plan simply must include the legalization of marijuana, an overhaul of policing practices, ambitious use of presidential clemency power to right past wrongs, and reinvestment in the communities that have borne the costs of mass incarceration. Joe Biden’s plan doesn’t do that.”
    July 23, 2019 See more

  • “I know u want 2 hear bout med marijuana but I'm on a live show. Get a prescription & chill please RT @originalpotsnob: u only answer easy ?s”
    June 16, 2011 Twitter
  • “I do support medical marijuana and at this point would support a store selling to those with perscriptions here in Nwk @RhinoHut”
    May 15, 2012 Twitter
  • “However, I'm with you on medical marijuana. And NJ should do more to make it real for those who need it @msupolitical”
    May 23, 2012 Twitter
  • “RT @HuffingtonPost: Cory Booker: "Medical marijuana, heck yes. http://t.co/03f3P4iS" https://twitter.com/CoryBooker/status/280842036104552448 May 23, 2012: “However, I'm with you on medical marijuana. And NJ should do more to make it real for those who need it @msupolitical”
    December 17, 2012 Twitter
  • “Don't agree with everything or endorse but this is a thought provoking vid on Marijuana legalization/decriminalization: http://wayw.re/XRnlW2”
    January 10, 2013 Twitter
  • “Yes, RT @MorenoM wether u agree with/endorse it. There need obviously needs to be discussion about Marijuana legalization/decriminalization”
    January 10, 2013 Twitter
  • “I am. RT @LVKen7: Cory Booker Tell the Voters - You are FOR Medical Marijuana Research.”
    August 18, 2013 Twitter
  • “RT @gordonfox6907: What about people who are now felons because they used marijuana? How about an expungement program so they may work again”
    August 18, 2013 Twitter
  • “Yes & that Feds shouldn't be arresting ppl abiding by the marijuana laws of their state MT @Blingblong20 do you support medical marijuana?”
    August 21, 2013 Twitter
  • “RT @starledger: Cory Booker calls for prison reform, decriminalizing marijuana on anniversary of March on Washington http://nj-ne.ws/olOl2”
    August 28, 2013 Twitter
  • “Yes, If u throw in reforming Fed Hemp & Marijuana laws u've got a deal! RT @SenRandPaul: How about mandatory min sentencing reform instead?”
    December 23, 2013 Twitter
  • “100% for that. Proper Medical Marijuana usage should be allowed under fed law MT @Hopsman24Why wouldn't you be for legalizing a medicine?”
    December 23, 2013 Twitter
  • “I am for med marijuana MT @RedigerB would like speak with your advisor re Medical Cannabis policy. Saving & improving lives, creating jobs-”
    January 14, 2014 Twitter
  • “MT @BobBrigham: @SenRandPaul, Cory Join Forces 2 Protect Med Marijuana From Feds http://t.usnews.com/Z1vstn Paul+Booker = kick-ass sponsor team!”
    June 19, 2014 Twitter
  • “RT @TheStreet: @SenRandPaul &Booker propose amendment that ends fed money from undermining states w/ legal marijuana: http://t.co/436U7in5DN”
    June 20, 2014 Twitter
  • “I am a strong supporter of making med marijuana available & affordable to people with illnesses. @TheBigBurrini”
    August 23, 2014 Twitter
  • “Thanks, proud of that MT @e3artistmgmt Anyone who did bipartisan bill 2 stop fed prosecution of marijuana in states where legal has my vote!”
    September 14, 2014 Twitter
  • “Thanks for your activism! MT @freedomisgreen Thanks Cory 4 stopping by at NJ medical #marijuana rally in Trenton Thurs! Made activists' day”
    October 3, 2014 Twitter
  • “@AnnMarieBee @NickKristof But you have to point to clear truths: there is NO difference for marijuana usage between blacks & whites but”
    December 1, 2014 Twitter
  • “My speech about Marijuana and allowing Washington DC to change their laws without Congressional interference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ta25okdQBY”
    December 12, 2014 Twitter
  • “Mandatory minimums must be changed: 55 yrs for selling marijuana with a gun. More than for murder: http://t.co/PzBEL75hPN”
    February 25, 2015 Twitter
  • “I'll fight for him in the Senate MT @Skepacabra My dad suffers chronic osteoarthritis. Legal med marijuana w/ easier restrictions may help.”
    March 10, 2015 Twitter
  • “RT @QuorumCall: #Senate Booker and Rand Paul propose bill lifting restrictions on medical marijuana http://dlvr.it/8wN2bW @CoryBooker”
    March 11, 2015 Twitter
  • “Our bill addresses the research issue by changing marijuana from schedule 1 to 2 it would then allows research. @thegooddrlaura”
    March 11, 2015 Twitter
  • “Thanks, @SenDeanHeller, for joining us in calling for an end to years of misguided medical marijuana laws http://on.msnbc.com/18EjHFK #CARERsAct http://t.co/FLn89JEr6g”
    March 12, 2015 Twitter
  • “Truly my pleasure. Marijuana should not be a schedule 1 drug. @misteratkins”
    March 13, 2015 Twitter
  • “For those children as well as our veterans we should legalize medical marijuana for so many, it's a pathway out of suffering @DrugPolicyNews”
    March 15, 2015 Twitter
  • “RT @GailTolstoiMill @DrugPolicyNews I know first hand that medical marijuana is the only drug that provides relief during chemotherapy”
    March 15, 2015 Twitter
  • “Your question reflects a lack of understanding RT @speaktruth22 @DrugPolicyNews do you suggest we tell our teens marijuana is good for them?”
    March 15, 2015 Twitter
  • “Fed govt wrongly views medical marijuana patients as criminals. Joined @SenGillibrand to call for ending the fed ban: http://t.co/sR0fi9aRrv”
    March 16, 2015 Twitter
  • “Thanks to u & Amanda for standing up for sensible medical marijuana laws. Amanda's story is reason enough to pass this bill @MaryanneHouser”
    March 18, 2015 Twitter
  • “Growing support for our medical marijuana bill is encouraging. Great to have @SenatorBoxer as #CARERSAct cosponsor http://t.co/adzzOgpILf”
    March 19, 2015 Twitter
  • “Thanks, working hard to get our bill passed. RT @tripleAgenetics Thanks for supporting medical marijuana”
    March 22, 2015 Twitter
  • “"A rollback of federal marijuana laws is long overdue." Another editorial board supports #CARERSAct: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/marijuana-655032-medical-federal.html …, via @ocregister”
    March 23, 2015 Twitter
  • “Allowing our veterans the treatment they need should be a priority. #CARERSAct would expand med marijuana access: http://t.co/vFiNwSfBD5”
    March 31, 2015 Twitter
  • "Thanks, Marijuana should definitely not be schedule one. @Najones33”
    April 9, 2015 Twitter
  • “Medical marijuana can change lives. Parents shouldn't have to move to treat their critically ill children: http://trib.in/1GjBRtG #CARERSAct http://t.co/u80yvFGprK”
    April 11, 2015 Twitter
  • “Momentum for fixing our medical marijuana laws picking up: House version of #CARERSAct now has 14 cosponsors—7 Democrats & 7 Republicans”
    April 16, 2015 Twitter
  • "Momentum to fix medical marijuana laws picking up: @RepCohen & @repdonyoung's #CARERSAct version now w/ 14 cosponsors—7 Dems & 7 Republicans”
    April 16, 2015 Twitter
  • “"We should legalize medical marijuana. We should do it nationally. And, we should do it now." Read @drsanjaygupta: http://ow.ly/LMHtX”
    April 18, 2015 Twitter
  • “Here's a preview from tonight's @cnnhealth #weed3 documentary on medical marijuana. @SenGillibrand & I are featured: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n68IsY1vGgA&feature=youtu.be”
    April 19, 2015 Twitter
  • “Thanks for watching. I hope it enlightens & gives greater momentum to our bill to change Marijuana to schedule 2. https://t.co/cvHYOX1QnT”
    April 19, 2015 Twitter
  • “On @CNN in 15 minutes: The new @cnnhealth/@drsanjaygupta doc #Weed3—@SenGillibrand & I are featured on our efforts to legalize med marijuana”
    April 19, 2015 Twitter
  • “Patients need access to their medicine. Plain & simple: Medical marijuana can improve lives, & patients rely on it. http://s.nj.com/G97TdJS”
    May 2, 2015 Twitter
  • “Need to fix our misguided fed. medical marijuana laws, allow our veterans and the chronically ill access to treatment http://t.co/j1Xv7BtJSw”
    June 4, 2015 Twitter
  • “Great seeing @WhiteHouse supporting more research on marijuana's benefits. It's medicine—& time to end the fed ban: http://t.co/DzG1sGxJst”
    June 24, 2015 Twitter
  • “Thank you for your feedback. We will continue to push on this CBD issue and our medical marijuana legislation.”
    June 24, 2015 Twitter
  • “Spot on: Patients—the chronically ill, children w/ serious conditions, our veterans—need access to medical marijuana”
    July 5, 2015 Twitter
  • “@DahmPublishing Not sure you heard my remarks, or know of the legislation I introduced on med marijuana. Hope you will google it.”
    July 16, 2015 Twitter
  • “Thanks. And as a Libertarian, I hope you agree with me on ending the drug war and legalizing medical marijuana.”
    September 4, 2015 Twitter
  • “I introduced fed legislation on medical marijuana. Federal laws undermining states on this issue are wrong.”
    December 23, 2015 Twitter
  • “I've intro'd bipartisan bill 2 have fed govt respect states who have med marijuana laws & reduce barriers 2research. https://t.co/HgS19NgVIR”
    January 13, 2016 Twitter
  • “The CARERS ACT would allow States to decide what is legal regarding medical marijuana:”
    February 2, 2016 Twitter
  • “"Children suffering from 100 seizures a day now have zero a day, thanks to medical marijuana." w @SenGillibrand http://cor.bo/1L3fY7y”
    March 5, 2016 Twitter
  • “[email protected] "The federal ban on medical marijuana research is outrageous." http://cor.bo/1Ldcdw8”
    March 12, 2016 Twitter
  • “The CARERS Act puts states in charge of regulating medical marijuana.
    March 17, 2016 Twitter
  • “The CARERS Act allows VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to veterans in need.”
    March 30, 2016 Twitter
  • “[email protected], "A perscription for fixing our broken medical marijuana policies:" http://buff.ly/1qohHv3”
    April 7, 2016 Twitter
  • “DEA Plans To Decide Whether To Reschedule Marijuana By Mid-Year: http://buff.ly/1SgqHbj”
    April 8, 2016 Twitter
  • “"A prescription for fixing our broken medical marijuana policies" http://cor.bo/1qohHuX via @BrookingsInst”
    April 9, 2016 Twitter
  • “The CARERS ACT would allow States to decide what is legal regarding medical marijuana:”
    April 11, 2016 Twitter
  • “Got an illness that marijuana could help? NJ wants to know: http://buff.ly/29itHW8 via @njdotcom”
    July 14, 2016 Twitter
  • “[email protected] Statement in Response to DEA Announcement on Medical Marijuana: http://buff.ly/2b3PfJm”
    August 12, 2016 Twitter
  • “I've not only said it but I've introduced legislation (with GOP cosponsors) to do that and more regarding marijuana.”
    March 1, 2017 Twitter
  • “Charles what does pot policy have to do with this? Unless u think fed government should finally allow Med marijuana. I'm that case I agree!”
    March 12, 2017 Twitter
  • “[email protected], @SenGillibrand, @RepCohen reintroduce bipartisan, bicameral medical marijuana bill: http://buff.ly/2rwtITO”
    June 15, 2017 Twitter
  • “[email protected] Introduces Landmark Bill to End the Federal Prohibition on Marijuana: http://buff.ly/2u0JI1X #MarijuanaJustice”
    August 1, 2017 Twitter
  • “Watch @CoryBooker introduce the #MarijuanaJustice Act to legalize marijuana on the federal level: http://buff.ly/2vkxkJr”
    August 1, 2017 Twitter
  • “Today at 12:30pm ET I'm introducing the Marijuana Justice Act to legalize marijuana at federal level. Watch live: http://cor.bo/2tX20Rx”
    August 1, 2017 Twitter
  • “I’m about to introduce critical criminal justice reform legislation called the Marijuana Justice Act. Watch live: http://cor.bo/2vlJgvn”
    August 1, 2017 Twitter
  • “RT: It's time to legalize marijuana, and end the War on Drugs. #MarijuanaJustice”
    August 2, 2017 Twitter
  • “RT: Legalize marijuana. End the War on Drugs. #MarijuanaJustice”
    August 2, 2017 Twitter
  • “[email protected] & members of law enforcement rally in support of @CoryBooker's bill to end federal prohibition on marijuana #JerseyRoadTrip”
    August 4, 2017 Twitter
  • “My op-ed on my ending the War on Drugs starting with my new bill that will end the prohibition on marijuana: http://cor.bo/2uj7Tsh”
    August 9, 2017 Twitter
  • “New poll shows record high support for legalizing marijuana. This is an urgent matter to bring about justice. https://t.co/s9HaYwpUeV”
    October 25, 2017 Twitter
  • “Excited to have @RonWyden sign on as the first co-sponsor to my bill, the Marijuana Justice Act, which aims to end the federal prohibition of marijuana. Join us tonight @ 6:30pm ET as we discuss the bill and answer your questions live on my Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/2Ba6W9d “
    December 18, 2017 Twitter
  • “Joining @RonWyden right now to discuss my bill, the Marijuana Justice Act. Watch live on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2BuFHDa”
    December 18, 2017 Twitter
  • “In about 5 minutes I'll be joining @RonWyden to discuss my bill, the Marijuana Justice Act, and answer your questions about the bill. Watch live on my Facebook Page starting at 6:30pm ET: http://www.facebook.com/corybooker”
    December 18, 2017 Twitter
  • “Jeff Sessions is reviving a losing war on marijuana that is devastating low-income Americans & our communities of color and dashing our ideals of equal justice. We can't let this happen. That's why I introduced the Marijuana Justice Act to legalize marijuana. Who's with me?”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “We must stop Jeff Sessions' backwards actions. There is now great urgency to pass the Marijuana Justice Act to legalize marijuana on the federal level. Now is the time. Call your Senator. http://bit.ly/2EVR6gT”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “[email protected] Statement on DOJ’s Rollback of Federal Marijuana Policy: http://bit.ly/2lZI0YD”
    January 5, 2018 Twitter
  • “And that’s why in the Senate I’ve introduced over 20 bills to help fix our broken criminal justice system, including my latest bill to end the War on Drugs –– the Marijuana Justice Act.”
    January 9, 2018 Twitter
  • “[email protected] joins @joshuabraff & @AdamTitelbaum on @TheCannabisPod to discuss the Marijuana Justice Act and ending an era of injustice with marijuana prohibition. Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/98549/633439-cannabis-corner_2_ep1_corybooker-mp3”
    January 30, 2018 Twitter
  • “San Francisco took a big step forward for justice by dismissing 1000s of marijuana-related convictions. For too long, the failed drug war has locked up millions of nonviolent offenders at an incredible cost, disproportionately affecting Americans of color.”
    February 1, 2018 Twitter
  • “I’ve introduced legislation called the Marijuana Justice Act that would deschedule marijuana and apply that change retroactively to people currently serving time for marijuana offenses.”
    February 1, 2018 Twitter
  • “Thank you governor. Marijuana prohibition in NJ is bias against low income communities and communities of color. Prohibition has devastated lives and families. Economically harmed communities and wasted so many tax dollars. I applaud your leadership and support your efforts.”
    March 14, 2018 Twitter
  • “Commitments mean little from President Trump. The only way to truly protect states that have legalized marijuana is for Congress to act. https://t.co/rslGaHqEFC”
    April 13, 2018 Twitter
  • “Honored @SenSanders joined my bill, the Marijuana Justice Act, to end the federal prohibition on marijuana. It's time we reverse decades of failed drug policy that has disproportionately impacted low-income individuals and people of color. Watch live: https://www.facebook.com/senatorsanders/videos/10156940407757908/ …”
    April 19, 2018 Twitter
  • “Federal marijuana policy has long overstepped the boundaries of common sense, fiscal prudence & compassion. We should legalize marijuana now & help those who have suffered due to its prohibition.”
    April 20, 2018 Twitter
  • “We should legalize marijuana AND help those who have suffered due to its prohibition. My bill the Marijuana Justice Act legalizes marijuana & aims to right some wrongs of our failed drug war which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on Americans of color & the poor. https://twitter.com/mic/status/987335214715285504”
    April 20, 2018 Twitter
  • “We should legalize marijuana AND help those who have suffered due to its prohibition. My bill legalizes marijuana & aims to right some wrongs of our failed drug war which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on Americans of color & the poor. https://twitter.com/mic/status/987335214715285504”
    May 3, 2018 Twitter
  • “It’s time to not only legalize marijuana, but to expunge the records of those who have been carrying the burdens of past convictions for too long. Grateful to have my friend & colleague @KamalaHarris cosponsor my bill, the Marijuana Justice Act.”
    May 10, 2018 Twitter
  • “LIVE NOW: @SenJeffMerkley & @CoryBooker discuss the Marijuana Justice Act — a bill that aims to end the federal prohibition of marijuana in the US: https://www.facebook.com/corybooker/videos/10157955612627228/ …”
    May 23, 2018 Twitter
  • “Great chatting with @EBROINTHEAM on @HOT97 about everything from marijuana legalization, to fixing our broken criminal justice system, to our need for a revival of civic grace in this country. Watch: https://t.co/iPD1gYtECC”
    December 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Criminal justice reform made some huge strides with the First Step Act—but that’s just the beginning. This #MLKDay we need to commit to more change: Marijuana Justice Act, bail reform, juvenile justice, ending the sexual-assault-to-prison pipeline & more. 2/”
    January 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s not enough to just legalize marijuana at the federal level—we should also expunge records of those who have served their time, and reinvest in communities hardest hit by the failed War on Drugs—which has really been a war on people."
    February 23, 2019 Twitter
  • “The Marijuana Justice Act doesn’t just end the federal prohibition on marijuana—it also incentivizes states to change their marijuana laws if those laws are being enforced in a way that disproportionately impacts people of color and the poor.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “Black people are 3.7 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than their white peers even though they use marijuana at similar rates. If we truly want to be a fair and just nation we need to correct for this disparate treatment of enforcement practices.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “And it’s not enough to just legalize marijuana, we should help those with records for use and possession convictions, and allow people currently in prison for marijuana-related crimes to petition for resentencing, which is why my legislation includes expungement provisions.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “A marijuana conviction is often a life sentence—people can’t get jobs or many business licenses, and they can’t get food assistance like SNAP or public housing if it's a felony. The @abaesq found over 45,000 collateral consequences facing formerly incarcerated people.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “Finally, my bill includes community reinvestment provisions like job training for areas hardest hit by the failed drug war—to make them more economically vibrant, fair and just. Let’s make marijuana legal but also invest in undoing the damage done by a war gone horribly wrong.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “Excited to announce that my Marijuana Justice Act now has strong support in the Senate & House—but we need to build support to make it law. I hope everyone who's in favor of legalization will speak up & become an advocate for a more restorative justice. https://act.corybooker.com/page/s/justice?source=social_twitter_20190228 …”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “To learn more about the Marijuana Justice Act, please text “JUSTICE” to 40203”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “TODAY: I'm reintroducing the Marijuana Justice Act – my bill to legalize marijuana on the federal level, expunge records, and reinvest in the communities that have been hurt from the war on drugs.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “LIVE right now from my Senate office talking about why the Marijuana Justice Act is so important to ending the failed War on Drugs. With my House partners on this bill – @RepBarbaraLee and @RepRoKhanna! Tune in: https://www.facebook.com/senatorcorybooker …”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “Let’s legalize marijuana at the federal level, push states to do the same, AND help those who have suffered due to its prohibition.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “The Next Step Act would end the federal prohibition on marijuana, expunge records, and reinvest in the communities most harmed by the War on Drugs.”
    March 7, 2019 Twitter
  • “NJ is set to vote on a marijuana legalization bill that has strong measures to reverse the damage of the War on Drugs. I hope this bill passes & NJ can lead the nation on this. Marijuana legalization & social justice *must* go hand in hand. We can’t have one without the other.”
    March 22, 2019 Twitter
  • “The effort to legalize marijuana –and I can't emphasize this enough– MUST include criminal justice measures like expunging records & investing in communities hurt by the failed war on drugs. I will not support legalization efforts that don't address this.”
    April 17, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s not enough to legalize marijuana at the federal level—we should also help those who have suffered due to its prohibition.”
    March 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “The federal government should do the right thing and help to not only end the prohibition of marijuana but also expunge the records of people convicted of marijuana use and possession.”
    March 7, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s not enough to legalize marijuana—we must also reinvest in areas that have been most harmed by the failed drug war which have been disproportionately communities of color and low-income.”
    March 8, 2019 Twitter
  • “Many states that have already legalized marijuana haven’t done the necessary step of expunging records of past marijuana use and possession. Any federal legalization should also include expungement provisions.”
    March 9, 2019 Twitter
  • “As president I will continue to fight to legalize marijuana, but we should go further—we need to expunge records and reinvest in communities most hurt by the failed drug war. Let's focus on restorative justice, not just ending the prohibition on marijuana.”
    March 12, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s not enough to simply decriminalize marijuana—we must repair the damage done to those communities that have been most harmed by the failed War on Drugs, and we must expunge the records of those who have served their time.”
    March 18, 2019 Twitter
  • “We can’t talk about legalizing marijuana unless we also talk about expunging the records of the millions of people who are unable to get a job—or any of the thousands of other collateral consequences—that come with having a marijuana conviction.”
    March 23, 2019 Twitter
  • “It's not enough to legalize marijuana—we should also: - use tax revenue to reinvest in communities hurt by the failed War on Drugs - penalize states that don't change their marijuana laws & continue to disproportionately arrest people of color https://t.co/Q5BYvjAXLJ”
    March 25, 2019 Twitter
  • “There are people who can’t get jobs, can’t provide for their families, because they have criminal records for using marijuana—something that two of the last three presidents did. That’s wrong and it needs to stop. #BookerTownHall”
    March 27, 2019 Twitter
  • “That's why I introduced the Marijuana Justice Act—a critical first step to address this injustice. Join me: http://bit.ly/2UaVDq7”
    March 27, 2019 Twitter
  • “Regine asked about disproportionate policing of people of color and my position on how we respond to marijuana-related sentences. This couldn’t be more important. Any time we discuss legalization, we have to discuss expungement.”
    March 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “There's a lot of talk about the legalization of marijuana. It’s about time. But there’s not nearly enough talk about restorative justice to lift minority communities gutted by the war on drugs. https://t.co/N15aDeURNA”
    April 10, 2019 Twitter
  • “We won’t wait: - for criminal justice reform - for the legalization of marijuana at a federal level - for more thoughts and prayers for the communities that have been shattered by gun violence. We won’t wait.”
    April 13, 2019 Twitter
  • “As we work to legalize marijuana nationwide, we’ve got to also ensure equity in the marijuana industry. Communities that have been historically targeted by the failed War on Drugs can't be left out of opportunities to participate in the legal marijuana economy.”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “The Marijuana Justice Act wouldn’t just legalize marijuana—it would expunge the records of millions of people who have been hurt by the War on Drugs.”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “We will boost entrepreneurship by expanding training programs and invest $1.5 billion into the State Small Business Credit Initiative. We will reform our criminal justice system so that people affected by the failed War on Drugs can apply for loans and have access to capital.”
    June 16, 2019 Twitter
  • “Right now, there are thousands of people sitting in prison serving excessive sentences. Today I’m announcing that as president, I’ll immediately start the clemency process for more than 17,000 individuals who are there due to the failed War on Drugs. https://t.co/SpFcQBI6EK”
    June 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “This is great news, we can't talk about decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana without talking about expunging records. https://twitter.com/ABC/status/1142061627954667525”
    June 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “The War on Drugs is a war on people, but not all people. It has disproportionately affected Black communities, low-income people, veterans, people living with mental illness. As president, I will fight to reform the criminal justice system like I've been doing in the Senate.”
    June 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “While more and more people are making money from the legalization of marijuana, in some states, thousands sit in prison for doing the same thing. It’s time for those people to come home.”
    June 23, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s not enough to simply decriminalize marijuana—we must repair the damage done to those communities that have been most harmed by the failed War on Drugs. That means bringing the thousands who are serving unjust sentences home. https://t.co/XKylliNRHX”
    June 25, 2019 Twitter
  • “Encouraged @HouseJudiciary held a hearing on the racial disparities in marijuana enforcement. To be clear though, pointing out the *vast* racial disparities in marijuana enforcement is not "playing the race card." It's the ugly truth. https://t.co/Hl7KmwV7jH”
    July 11, 2019 Twitter
  • “There are hundreds of thousands of people behind bars–most of them people of color–who were sentenced under draconian laws during the height of the War on Drugs that we have since recognized were unfair. But many of the changes we’ve made to these laws have not been retroactive.”
    July 16, 2019 Twitter
  • "The War on Drugs is a war on people—one that disproportionately hurts people of color & the poor. On Day One as president, I’ll use my pardon power to set in motion a historic clemency process for those serving excessive sentences from our failed drug war. https://t.co/SpFcQBI6EK"
    July 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s not enough to simply decriminalize marijuana—we must repair the damage done to those communities that have been most harmed by the failed War on Drugs & we must expunge the records of those who have served their time. The end we seek is not just legalization, it’s justice.”
    August 25, 2019 Twitter
  • "Every American should be angered by this injustice. We need to legalize marijuana nationwide but that doesn’t go far enough—we also need to expunge records & reinvest in communities hardest hit by our failed drug war. We need justice for Karla, her dad & so many others. https://twitter.com/karlitaliliana/status/1167442069243039745"
    August 30, 2019 Twitter
  • “My first day as president I’ll start a historic clemency process for those serving time for: ✅ Marijuana-related offenses ✅ Unjust sentences due to the crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity ✅ Certain mandatory minimums that were already reduced for some”
    September 9, 2019 Twitter
  • “As I said earlier this year, any marijuana legislation moving through Congress must include restorative justice for those most harmed by the War on Drugs in order to get my vote. https://t.co/Y1dOwgHbm2?amp=1”
    September 20, 2019 Twitter
  • "Any conversation about legalizing marijuana must also include expunging records and restoring justice to individuals and communities that have been devastated by the failed drug war."
    October 28, 2019 Twitter
  • "I applaud Oklahoma for this historic vote that will allow hundreds of people who are in jail for low-level drug offenses to return home to their families. The War on Drugs has been a war on people, ruining lives & not making us safer. https://twitter.com/OKJusticeReform/status/1190266532443631616"
    November 1, 2019 Twitter
  • “Excited to join @WendyWilliams on her show today—please check your local listings. Here's a sneak peek from our chat about how we need to not only legalize marijuana in this country but also expunge the records of those who have been unjustly targeted by this failed drug war. https://twitter.com/i/status/1196446688493346817”
    November 18, 2019 Twitter
  • “Don't talk to me about legalizing marijuana if you're not also talking about investing in the communities that have been ravaged by the failed War on Drugs. The end we seek is not just legalization—it's justice.”
    November 26, 2019 Twitter
  • “Ban private prisons. Legalize marijuana. End the War on Drugs. We have a lot of work to do to reform a criminal justice system that's so deeply broken—but we can start there.”
    January 10, 2020 Twitter

  • Next Step Act: Ends federal marijuana prohibition and expunges records for prior cannabis convictions.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Justice Act: Removes marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and directs federal courts to expunge past cannabis-related criminal records.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • CARERS Act: Protects medical marijuana from federal enforcement efforts, allows for cannabis business banking, and allows vets to access medical cannabis.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Remove Marijuana from Deportable Offenses Act: Prohibits the denial of citizenship to and deporting of immigrants over marijuana offenses.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • STATES Act: Amends Controlled Substance Act to exempt state-legal marijuana and address cannabis industry banking issues.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Banking Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop.
    Voted Yes See more

• 

  

  Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • "This is a common sense step for families with children suffering acute pain while awaiting the legalization of medical marijuana to go into effect. I hope the Attorney General will use his authority to help ease the pain of these families and their children who shouldn't have to wait any longer for an effective medicine.”
    September 29, 2014 See more
  • “The federal government should not get in between doctors and the families they treat who need to access to this medicine for their loved ones. I want to thank the extraordinary families with us today who are simply asking Congress to let them do the right thing for their children. With the efforts of my bipartisan Senate colleagues, these brave families, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the support of the Epilepsy Foundation I am hopeful we can finally take the long overdue step of modernizing our federal drug policies.”
    March 15, 2015 See more
  • “The federal government should not get in between doctors and the families they treat who need to access to this medicine for their loved ones. It’s time to modernize our laws and recognize the health benefits of medical marijuana. The CARERS Act will no longer put politicians between doctors and patients. It will let doctors do their job and give parents every available option to comfort their children.”
    May 11, 2015 See more
  • “The White House is right to lift a major barrier to conducting essential medical marijuana research. The onerous requirement took too long and cost too much to complete, discouraging research that would have furthered our understanding of medical marijuana and its potential treatment of illness and disease.”
    June 22, 2015 See more
  • “I know some people are saying that we should wait until there’s more research before changing the laws, but the one thing blocking the research is the law.”
    July 13, 2016 See more
  • “The CARERS Act would finally get the federal government out of the way and let families in states where medical marijuana is already legal access this medicine without fear of federal prosecution. I am proud to fight for the children and families who desperately need this medicine, and I urge all of my colleagues to put scientific progress ahead of outdated ideology and support this bipartisan bill.”
    June 15, 2017 See more
  • “No parent should ever have to watch their child suffer through hundreds of seizures a day, only to be told by the federal government that they aren’t allowed to use medicine that could help relieve their children’s suffering. Unfortunately, under our current federal laws, even if a state has decided for itself that patients should have access to medical marijuana, the federal government can still come in and prosecute patients for using that medicine. We must change this.”
    June 15, 2017 See more
  • “Attorney General Sessions's reported decision is a direct attack on patients. Parents should be able to give their sick kids the medicine they need without having to fear that they will be prosecuted. Veterans should be able to come home from combat and use the medicine they need without having to fear they will be prosecuted. This is about public health, and it's about reforming our broken criminal justice system that throws too many minorities in prison for completely nonviolent offenses. I urge my colleagues to join me in fighting this shortsighted decision and supporting my broadly bipartisan bill, the CARERS Act, to keep the federal government out of the way when doctors and patients decide that medical marijuana is the best treatment for them."
    January 4, 2018 See more
  • “The reality that my 14-year-old son would likely be treated very differently from one of his Black or Latino peers if he was caught with marijuana is shameful. Legalizing marijuana is a social justice issue and a moral issue that Congress needs to address to help fix decades of injustice caused by our nation’s failed drug policies.”
    February 14, 2018 See more
  • “Millions of Americans’ lives have been devastated because of our broken marijuana policies, especially in communities of color and low-income communities. Just one minor possession conviction could take away a lifetime of opportunities for jobs, education, and housing, tear families apart, and make people more vulnerable to serving time in jail or prison down the road."
    February 14, 2018 See more
  • “I think medical marijuana could be treatment for a lot of folks. A lot of veterans have told us that this is the best treatment for them. I do not see it as a gateway drug.”
    February 23, 2018 See more
  • “Parents should be able to give their sick children the medicine they need without having to fear that they will be prosecuted. Veterans should be able to come home from combat and use the medicine they need without having to fear that they will be prosecuted. I will continue to urge my colleagues to pass my bipartisan legislation, the CARERS Act, so that the children and families who desperately need this medicine can finally access it without fear.”
    March 27, 2018 See more
  • “It is an American principle that, no matter the law, it should be applied equally to all people, regardless of their race or background. Sadly, as you will hear from my constituents, for decades, the so-called ‘War on Drugs’ has not been pursued with equality.”
    April 22, 2018 See more
  • “Millions of Americans’ lives have been devastated because of our broken marijuana policies, especially in communities of color and low-income communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Just one minor possession conviction could take away a lifetime of opportunities for jobs, education, and housing, tear families apart, and make people more vulnerable to serving time in jail or prison down the road. The reality that my 14-year-old son would likely be treated very differently from one of his Black or Latino peers if he was caught with marijuana is shameful. Legalizing marijuana is a social justice issue and a moral issue that Congress needs to address to help fix decades of injustice caused by our nation’s failed drug policies.”
    June 22, 2018 See more
  • “Discriminatory drug policies are robbing people and families of job opportunities, time with their loved ones and their futures. In New York, black and Latino people are almost 10 times more likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana than their white neighbors – though usage rates are the same. We have to act now to fix this horrible injustice. It’s time to decriminalize and legalize marijuana so we can begin repairing the harm caused by the failed War on Drugs.”
    August 9, 2018 See more
  • “If I am President, I would use the Small Business Administration to help women and minority-owned businesses get the financial help they need in order to compete with the wealthier, established players [in the cannabis industry].”
    May 20, 2019 See more
  • "America’s federal prohibition of marijuana needs to end now, and it will be a top priority of my presidency."
    June 5, 2019 See more

  • “[email protected] & I are urging @TheJusticeDept to grant #NY a medical marijuana waiver for critically needed cannabis oil to prevent seizures.”
    September 29, 2014 Twitter
  • “As we await the full implementation of #NY's medical marijuana law, our families w/children suffering from seizures should not have to wait.”
    September 29, 2014 Twitter
  • “Strongly urge AG Holder to grant #NY a medical marijuana waiver to help ease the suffering of many of our children: https://t.co/NcEfT9Vk2O”
    September 30, 2014 Twitter
  • “[email protected] is right: "Federal government should allow #NY to speed up medical marijuana program" http://bit.ly/1pHc0Rh”
    October 6, 2014 Twitter
  • “[email protected] ed is right, when it comes to #NY's medical marijuana law, "Don’t delay the chance to save lives" http://bit.ly/1xKvQ3j”
    October 13, 2014 Twitter
  • “#MedicalMarijuana is legal in 23 states & DC, yet federal law prohibits medical use of marijuana, even where it's been legalized. #CARERSAct”
    March 10, 2015 Twitter
  • “[email protected]: #CARERSAct "makes a number of impt changes to federal marijuana policies...deserves to be passed by Congress & enacted into law.""
    March 11, 2015 Twitter
  • “[email protected] is latest paper to endorse #CARERSAct so patients get treatment they need: "End federal marijuana ban"
    March 13, 2015 Twitter
  • “[email protected]: #CARERSAct "ending a ban that has for too long ignored marijuana's medical value, and made criminals out of suffering people."”
    March 13, 2015 Twitter
  • “New @BostonGlobe editorial calls for passage of #CARERSAct: "US Senate bill shows a way forward for marijuana laws" https://t.co/qGgyWv1xDW”
    April 2, 2015 Twitter
  • “Impt @NatGeo editor's note: "research about how marijuana affects our brains & bodies is an urgent issue." http://bit.ly/1Enx5Go #CARERSAct”
    May 22, 2015 Twitter
  • “Bipartisan #CARERSAct would reclassify marijuana as Sched 2 drug & allow patients to access #medicalmarijuana in states where it's legal.”
    August 9, 2015 Twitter
  • “@ReviewJournal editorial is right: "Marijuana should be removed from Schedule 1 list" http://bit.ly/1jtZ2th #CARERSAct”
    November 30, 2015 Twitter
  • “Impt @TimesUnion editorial: "Federal prohibition of marijuana denies suffering military veterans treatment options" https://www.timesunion.com/tuplus-opinion/article/Editorial-Veterans-deserve-options-6878127.php”
    March 9, 2016 Twitter
  • “Impt @BrookingsInst piece on "Why the #CARERSAct is so significant for marijuana policy reform" http://brook.gs/1qrGuhg #medicalmarijuana”
    April 14, 2016 Twitter
  • “[email protected]: "#CARERSAct...expands opportunities for medical and scientific researchers to study marijuana and its therapeutic uses.”
    April 14, 2016 Twitter
  • “Good news for our families & long overdue: "Obama Administration Set to Remove Barrier to Marijuana Research" https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/11/science/obama-administration-set-to-remove-barrier-to-marijuana-research.html”
    August 11, 2016 Twitter
  • “Time for #DEA to remove marijuana from Sched 1 to expand #medicalmarijuana research & ensure families in need get legal access to treatment.”
    August 11, 2016 Twitter
  • “It shouldn’t take an act of Congress for #DEA to get past antiquated ideology and change marijuana from Schedule 1.”
    August 12, 2016 Twitter
  • “Our rules around medical marijuana should respect scientific research and respect our families. It’s common sense.”
    May 25, 2017 Twitter
  • “Right. That's why @CoryBooker, @RandPaul and I wrote a bill to try to expand research opportunities for medical marijuana.”
    May 31, 2017 Twitter
  • “Today, we reintroduced the bipartisan CARERS Act to finally modernize our laws around medical marijuana.”
    June 15, 2017 Twitter
  • “Studies suggest that marijuana can alleviate many serious symptoms—we owe it to our families to be able to do more scientific research.”
    June 15, 2017 Twitter
  • “Millions voted to legalize medical marijuana in several states. Now, the DOJ is looking to undermine their will. http://bit.ly/2eHuKXO”
    July 25, 2017 Twitter
  • “This is about public health. You can join me in fighting back by calling for support for my bill, the CARERS Act, which keeps the federal government out of the way when doctors and patients decide that medical marijuana is the best treatment for them.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our country is in the midst of an opioid crisis and the AG is going to divert resources to cracking down on medical marijuana? This is either willfully ignorant or cowing to corporate greed on behalf of pharma special interest profits.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “DOJ should investigate how pharma helped create the opioid crisis, not institute policies that take marijuana based medicines from patients and needlessly target non-violent minority youths.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “Attorney General Sessions' decision to restrict states’ ability to legalize and decriminalize marijuana is either willfully ignorant of the medical science or an act of greed on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry. In either case, it's an attack on patients, and it's wrong.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “I’m proud to announce that I will be cosponsoring the Marijuana Justice Act introduced by my friend @CoryBooker We're going live from my Facebook page for a few minutes to talk about the bill. Join us! http://facebook.com/KirstenGillibrand/ …”
    February 14, 2018 Twitter
  • “Big pharma keeps pushing back against legalizing medical marijuana because, in many cases, they want to continue to sell addictive drugs and dominate the market for drugs that address chronic pain. That's wrong. It is time to rework our cannabis laws.”
    February 28, 2018 Twitter
  • “The Marijuana Justice Act takes steps to fix stark inequalities in our criminal justice system and protects patients who need medication. It’s a commonsense bill – and I’m proud to join @CoryBooker as a cosponsor. Americans have spoken and demanded change. It’s time to act.”
    March 3, 2018 Twitter
  • “You cannot discuss criminal justice reform without talking about decriminalizing marijuana. It is a moral and a social justice issue.”
    March 30, 2018 Twitter
  • “Black and Latino people in NYC are arrested at TEN times the rate of white people for virtually the same rate of marijuana usage. Along with @CoryBooker and @SenSanders, I’m cosponsoring a bill to legalize and decriminalize marijuana. Raise your voices and join us in this fight.”
    April 20, 2018 Twitter
  • “Black and Latino New Yorkers are almost 10 times more likely to be arrested for the possession of marijuana than their white neighbors – though usage rates are about the same.”
    April 22, 2018 Twitter
  • “I’m cosponsoring the Marijuana Justice Act with @CoryBooker and @SenSanders because we need to come together and raise our voices for a system that is fairer and more equitable.”
    April 22, 2018 Twitter
  • “We need to end the federal prohibition and ensure marijuana is available to anyone who needs it. Criminalization has to end.”
    April 22, 2018 Twitter
  • “Our approach to policing marijuana has failed. Unfair laws continue to rob people and families of job opportunities, time with their loved ones and even their futures.”
    April 22, 2018 Twitter
  • “Sadly, communities of color in New York know all too well that this is true, and it's time to do something about it. That's why I'm fighting so hard to pass the Marijuana Justice Act.”
    April 25, 2018 Twitter
  • “People of color are arrested at 10 times the rate of white people for marijuana possession, despite similar rates of usage. We need to pass the Marijuana Justice Act: It’s a step toward much-needed criminal justice reform. This is about equality and doing what’s right.”
    July 27, 2018 Twitter
  • “Marijuana laws in this country are discriminatory and unjust. That’s why I’m working to pass the Marijuana Justice Act. It’s time to end a system that robs people and families of their hopes, dreams and potential. It’s time for justice.”
    August 2, 2018 Twitter
  • “Marijuana laws in this country are discriminatory and unjust – and communities of color are paying the price. Congress needs to pass the Marijuana Justice Act to finally address the decades of harm caused by our failed drug policies.”
    August 24, 2018 Twitter
  • “Just one conviction of marijuana possession can tear families apart and take away a lifetime of opportunities related to jobs, education and housing. It’s time to pass the Marijuana Justice Act and end the harm caused by the misguided war on drugs.”
    August 28, 2018 Twitter
  • “We should call this country’s war on drugs what it really is: a war on communities of color. It’s time to end this discrimination. We need to pass the Marijuana Justice Act.”
    August 31, 2018 Twitter
  • “We’ve got a long way to go before we right the wrongs of America’s failed war on drugs, which has allowed the legal discrimination of communities of color for too long. But I’m co-sponsoring the Marijuana Justice Act because it’s a great start. Let’s fight for what’s right.”
    September 9, 2018 Twitter
  • “We should call this country’s war on drugs what it really is: a war on communities of color. It’s time to end this discrimination. We need to pass the Marijuana Justice Act."
    October 15, 2018 Twitter
  • “We need to decriminalize marijuana. The fight to pass the Marijuana Justice Act is about combating discrimination against communities of color. It’s about putting a stop to injustice. It’s about creating a fairer, more equal society.”
    November 11, 2018 Twitter
  • “Injustice against one of us is an injustice against all of us. We need to fight discriminatory marijuana policies, end mass incarceration and come together to create an economy where the playing field is fair for everyone.”
    November 16, 2018 Twitter
  • “Millions of Americans’ lives have been devastated by our broken marijuana laws. I’m cosponsoring the Marijuana Justice Act because we need to right the wrongs caused by the failed war on drugs.”
    November 17, 2018 Twitter
  • “Passing the Marijuana Justice Act to end the drug policies in our country that disproportionately target communities of color and reinforce systemic imprisonment of people of color.”
    January 13, 2019 Twitter
  • “The fact that a black woman in New York City is 12 times more likely to die in childbirth is outrageous, and it's all of our responsibility to fix that. The fact that a young black or brown man is 10 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession is all of our burden.”
    January 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “Big pharma keeps pushing back against legalizing medical marijuana because, in many cases, they want to continue to sell addictive drugs and dominate the market for drugs that address chronic pain. That's wrong. It is time to rework our cannabis laws.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “The disparity in who gets arrested for marijuana possession is one sign of how unjustly our drug laws are enforced. It's time to legalize marijuana nationwide and start repairing the harm done to communities of color by the War on Drugs. We need the Marijuana Justice Act.”
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “We need to dismantle institutional racism. We need solutions both targeted and broad—like higher standards for maternity care, a national commitment to full employment, postal banking, ending cash bail and legalizing marijuana. #BraveWins”
    March 24, 2019 Twitter
  • “65% of Americans agree: We have to legalize marijuana. It's critical to dismantling mass incarceration and institutional racism, and to achieving fundamental justice.”
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “Marijuana legalization is a criminal justice issue, a health care issue, and an economic issue. It's past time to make this happen at the federal level. Here's my plan to do it: https://t.co/iVfVHvQeWZ”
    June 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “Under my plan, we'll decriminalize marijuana and expunge all non-violent marijuana charges, expand access to medical marijuana, nationally legalize and tax recreational marijuana, and create economic equity and justice through marijuana-driven programs. It's 2019. It's time.”
    June 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “Thank you, @WandaLJames. You're right: Marijuana legalization is not only about criminal justice, but economic justice. We will start to make this right and give people the chance to take back the years that racist drug laws stole from them. https://t.co/q9PUmVwnHM”
    June 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “A state-by-state patchwork isn't enough to tackle the deeply rooted racial, social, and economic injustices within our marijuana laws, or to unleash the economic equity and opportunity of marijuana legalization. Let's fully legalize marijuana nationwide. https://t.co/iVfVHvQeWZ”
    June 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “With my national marijuana legalization plan, we can begin to dismantle the institutional racism in our criminal justice system, open up important new medical and economic horizons, and lift up communities who need and deserve a fair shot at opportunity. https://t.co/iVfVHvQeWZ”
    June 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “Nothing proposed today can ever undo the devastating harm done to generations of communities of color by the War on Drugs. But it’s long past time to start making this right. It's time to legalize marijuana nationwide. https://t.co/uXOPgAYyzN”
    June 6, 2019 Twitter
  • “With this marijuana legalization plan, we can start working to not only heal the damage done by racist drug laws, but tap into the medical and economic opportunity that marijuana offers.”
    June 7, 2019 Twitter
  • "We can't settle for half-steps on marijuana legalization. If we don't expunge marijuana records and specifically support the communities who've been most hurt by the war on drugs, it's not true justice."
    June 20, 2019 Twitter

  • Marijuana Justice Act: Removes marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and directs federal courts to expunge past cannabis-related criminal records.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • CARERS Act: Protects medical marijuana from federal enforcement efforts, allows for cannabis business banking, and allows vets to access medical cannabis.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • MEDS Act: Expands research into marijuana by increasing research-grade growing facilities.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Industrial Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Hemp Farming Act: Legalizes hemp.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act: Encourages the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to study how marijuana can treat conditions like PTSD and chronic pain.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop.
    Voted Yes See more
  • To decriminalize marijuana, and for other purposes: Removes cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and uses some tax revenue from sales to grants to help assist socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals to participate in the legal industry. Part of the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • A bill to decriminalize marijuana, and for other purposes: Federally deschedules marijuana, while setting aside money to support the expungement of past marijuana convictions and to provide grants to help socioeconomically disadvantaged people to participate in the industry. Part of the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act.
    Co-Sponsor See more

• 

  

  Sen. Kamala Harris

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Sen. Kamala Harris

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “And while I don’t believe in legalizing all drugs, as a career prosecutor I just don’t but I will tell you this, we need to do the smart thing and the right thing and finally decriminalize marijuana.”
    May 16, 2017 See more
  • “Right now in this country people are being arrested, being prosecuted, and end up spending time in jail or prison all because of their use of a drug that otherwise should be considered legal.”
    May 22, 2018 See more
  • “Legalizing marijuana is the smart thing to do and the right thing to do in order to advance justice and equality for every American.”
    February 28, 2019 See more
  • “There is the broader point about the failed war on drugs. There is no question it was a failure, and part of the problem is that what was essentially a public health issue became a criminal justice issue.”
    April 24, 2019 See more
  • “We have to have the courage to recognize that there are a lot of folks who have been incarcerated who should not have been incarcerated and are still in prison because they were convicted under draconian laws that have incarcerated them … for what is essentially a public health issue.”
    April 24, 2019 See more
  • “Times have changed — marijuana should not be a crime. We need to start regulating marijuana, and expunge marijuana convictions from the records of millions of Americans so they can get on with their lives. As marijuana becomes legal across the country, we must make sure everyone — especially communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs — has a real opportunity to participate in this growing industry. I am thrilled to work with Chairman Nadler on this timely and important step toward racial and economic justice.”
    July 23, 2019 See more
  • “We must ensure that as marijuana becomes a bigger business, we are committing ourselves to rebuilding communities that have been disproportionately targeted by failed drug policies and creating a diverse industry going forward. If we fail to address a system that has historically been infected by racial bias, communities of color will continue to shoulder the devastating impacts of the past.”
    October 2, 2019 See more

  • "Sessions has threatened that USDOJ may renew focus on marijuana use, even in states like California where it is now legal."
    May 16, 2017 Twitter
  • "While I don’t believe in legalizing all drugs, we need to do the smart thing, the right thing, and finally decriminalize marijuana."
    May 16, 2017 Twitter
  • "Instead of going after drug cartels, and violent crime, and major traffickers, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is going after recreational marijuana users. That’s not being smart on crime."
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • “California needs federal support in dealing with transnational criminal organizations. What we don’t need is Jeff Sessions going after grandma’s medicinal marijuana.”
    January 5, 2018 Twitter
  • “Jeff Sessions should spend less time targeting recreational marijuana users and more time going after transnational drug cartels and violent crime. Add your name if you agree: http://kamala.to/decriminalize”
    January 6, 2018 Twitter
  • "Sessions needs to leave grandma’s medical marijuana alone. "
    January 6, 2018 Twitter
  • "Sessions should be focusing on issues like transnational criminal organizations and investigating and prosecuting human trafficking, not going after Californians who are using recreational and medicinal marijuana. "
    January 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "Jeff Sessions should be focused on issues like transnational criminal organizations and investigating and prosecuting human trafficking, not going after people who are using recreational and medicinal marijuana."
    March 31, 2018 Twitter
  • "It’s time to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. It’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes of the past."
    April 20, 2018 Twitter
  • “As our country moves toward decriminalizing marijuana, let's remember how many lives have been ruined because of our regressive policies. We must also focus on restorative justice.”
    April 21, 2018 Twitter
  • "We need to change the system and decriminalize marijuana."
    April 24, 2018 Twitter
  • "Decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level is about stopping our country from repeating the same mistakes of the past. Too many lives have been ruined because of the War on Drugs and our regressive policies."
    April 26, 2018 Twitter
  • "Making marijuana legal at the federal level is the smart thing to do and it’s the right thing to do. Today, I’m announcing my support for @CoryBooker’s Marijuana Justice Act."
    May 10, 2018 Twitter
  • "The fact is​,​ marijuana laws are not applied and enforced in the same way for all people. That’s why I'​ve signed onto @CoryBooker’s Marijuana Justice Act​ to make marijuana legal at the federal level​. It’s the smart thing to do​."
    May 10, 2018 Twitter
  • "The priority of our law enforcement needs to be serious and violent crime, not somebody smoking a joint. We need to legalize marijuana at the federal level."
    May 11, 2018 Twitter
  • "Here’s the quantifiable truth: America’s marijuana laws are not applied or enforced in the same way for all people. We can’t let our country keep making the same mistakes of the past — it’s time to legalize marijuana at the federal level."
    May 15, 2018 Twitter
  • "Voters across America are already working to stop our country from repeating the same mistakes of the past. We need to move a step further -- it’s time to legalize marijuana at the federal level."
    May 17, 2018 Twitter
  • "It’s time to get with the times and make marijuana legal at the federal level. The priority of our law enforcement needs to be serious and violent crimes, not somebody smoking a joint on the street."
    June 5, 2018 Twitter
  • "Marijuana laws are not applied and enforced in the same way for all people. I’m happy to see some members of the law enforcement community taking steps to address disparities, but we must go further. It’s time to legalize marijuana at the federal level."
    June 12, 2018 Twitter
  • "Congratulations to Canada on moving forward with the legalization of marijuana. As the world moves forward, we can’t afford to keep making the same mistakes of the past — it’s time to legalize marijuana at the federal level."
    June 22, 2018 Twitter
  • "Too many lives have been ruined because of the War on Drugs. Federal marijuana legalization and restorative justice are about stopping our country from repeating the same mistakes of the past."
    June 23, 2018 Twitter
  • "Decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level isn’t just the smart thing to do, it’s also the right thing to do. We can’t keep repeating the same mistakes of the past. Too many lives have been ruined by these regressive policies."
    August 13, 2018 Twitter
  • "Reason #6 why you should vote: to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. Too many lives have been ruined because of our regressive policies."
    October 16, 2018 Twitter
  • "It’s time for the United States to follow suit. Legalizing marijuana at the federal level would make our justice system more fair—it’s the smart thing to do and it’s the right thing to do."
    October 17, 2018 Twitter
  • "With rising support for marijuana legalization, it’s clear we need to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. It’s the smart thing to do."
    October 23, 2018 Twitter
  • "Decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level isn’t just a smart thing to do —it’s the right thing to do. We can’t keep repeating the same mistakes of the past. Too many lives have been ruined by these regressive policies."
    December 10, 2018 Twitter
  • "As states moves toward legalizing marijuana, let's remember how many lives have been ruined because of our regressive policies. We must focus on restorative justice."
    December 11, 2018 Twitter
  • "Here’s the quantifiable truth: America’s marijuana laws are not applied or enforced in the same way for all people. We can’t let our country keep making the same mistakes of the past — it’s time to legalize marijuana at the federal level."
    December 19, 2018 Twitter
  • "It’s past time America legalized marijuana and regulated it. But when doing so, we need to expunge nonviolent marijuana-related offenses from the records of millions of people who have been arrested and incarcerated so they can get on with their lives."
    January 9, 2019 Twitter
  • "Let me be clear: It’s time we legalized marijuana at the federal level. Marijuana laws are not applied or enforced in the same way for all Americans, many whose lives have been ruined by these regressive policies. We must change the system."
    February 11, 2019 Twitter
  • "Too many lives have been ruined because of the War on Drugs. That’s why I am proud to co-sponsor @corybooker’s legislation to legalize marijuana and expunge the records of those convicted of offenses related to marijuana use and possession."
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • "It’s past time for us to address the harrowing issue of mass incarceration in our country. Legalizing marijuana can begin to set things on a better path by ending some of the misplaced priorities that have made our criminal justice system less just."
    March 3, 2019 Twitter
  • "Legalizing marijuana is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. But it can't end there. We need to invest in communities that have been impacted by the failed War on Drugs & expunge nonviolent marijuana-related convictions. #LegalizeItRight"
    March 28, 2019 Twitter
  • "It’s clear that our country’s marijuana laws at the local and federal levels are not fair or practical in application or enforcement, and disproportionately harm communities of color. It's time to legalize marijuana nationwide and restore justice to our communities."
    March 30, 2019 Twitter
  • "America must legalize and regulate marijuana. Then, we need to expunge nonviolent marijuana-related offenses from the records of the millions of people who have been arrested and incarcerated so they can get on with their lives."
    April 2, 2019 Twitter
  • "We must not only legalize and regulate marijuana, but we need to expunge nonviolent marijuana-related offenses from the records of the millions who have been arrested or incarcerated."
    April 16, 2019 Twitter
  • "Marijuana laws have not been applied & enforced in the same way for all people. Too many lives have been ruined by these regressive policies and while more states are moving to legalize marijuana through ballot initiatives, it is not enough. Time to legalize at the federal level."
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • "It’s time we legalize marijuana at the federal level and restore justice to our communities. Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. We must reverse this trend."
    April 20, 2019 Twitter
  • "As the marijuana industry continues to grow, there are people of color sitting behind bars for doing the exact same thing. It's time we changed the system. #SheThePeople2020"
    April 24, 2019 Twitter
  • "Our justice system continues to target and imprison young Black and Latinx Americans at high levels due to outdated, unjust marijuana laws. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: we must legalize marijuana across the country."
    April 25, 2019 Twitter
  • "If we're going to legalize marijuana, we need to do it right. That means not having two systems where some are benefiting from a growing industry while others face legal consequences. We must legalize marijuana at the federal level."
    April 26, 2019 Twitter
  • "Here’s the problem with how marijuana legalization is happening in the U.S. right now: some are benefiting from a growing industry while others continue to face legal consequences. That’s why Congress must legalize marijuana at the federal level."
    May 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “June 6, 2005, the Supreme Court ruled medical marijuana could be prosecuted despite state laws. As San Francisco’s DA, I wasn’t having it. We were not using our resources to prosecute patients. It’s on us to legalize marijuana at the federal level.”
    June 6, 2019 Twitter
  • “Thankful states like Illinois are stepping up to correct the mistakes of our past. It’s time to do the same at the federal level. https://twitter.com/ABC/status/1143556369297104902”
    July 1, 2019 Twitter
  • “It's wrong that people who were selling marijuana and are now felons for life are excluded from this industry. It's wrong, and it has to change.”
    July 24, 2019 Twitter
  • “People of color—especially Black and Latino men—are more likely to go to jail for a marijuana-related offense. It’s time we correct this injustice. My comprehensive bill is the first step. https://twitter.com/HuffPost/status/1153620846411468801”
    July 24, 2019 Twitter
  • “I'll say it again: If we're going to legalize marijuana, we have to do it right. Yesterday I introduced a bill with @RepJerryNadler to not only decriminalize marijuana but also help ensure people of color have a chance to succeed in the legal marijuana industry.”
    July 24, 2019 Twitter
  • "The War on Drugs disproportionately impacted communities of color. My new bill would ensure that as marijuana becomes legal, people negatively affected by marijuana criminalization have a real opportunity to participate in this growing industry."
    July 25, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s time to legalize marijuana at the federal level. https://twitter.com/CNNPolitics/status/1153621053303922688”
    July 27, 2019 Twitter
  • “It's time we brought justice to those harmed by the failed War on Drugs. My bill will: ✅ decriminalize marijuana ✅ expunge marijuana convictions ✅ create economic opportunities for communities disproportionately impacted by the failed War on Drugs.”
    July 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “We have to ensure that communities of color—who were disproportionately affected by the failed War on Drugs—have a chance to participate in the legal marijuana industry. That's why I introduced a bill to decriminalize marijuana & bring economic opportunities to these communities.”
    August 8, 2019 Twitter
  • “Black & brown communities—who were disproportionately affected by the failed War on Drugs—are being shut out of the legal marijuana industry. My bill would not only decriminalize marijuana but also ensure economic justice for these communities.”
    September 6, 2019 Twitter
  • “It’s time to end mass incarceration. This includes legalizing marijuana, sentencing reforms, and abolishing private prisons. With the addition of job training and education, these actions will reduce crime and help build healthy communities.”
    September 9, 2019 Twitter
  • “There’s no question that people of color continue to be hit the hardest by the failed War on Drugs. Enough. It’s time we passed my bill to legalize marijuana and expand opportunities for communities of color.”
    September 13, 2019 Twitter
  • “I agree. We shouldn’t do this without addressing the reality that people of color are being shut out of the legal marijuana industry. That means not only legalizing marijuana but also expunging criminal records and providing a path for people of color to enter the industry. https://twitter.com/MarijuanaMoment/status/1174121552172015617”
    September 21, 2019 Twitter
  • “The fact is that if we're going to legalize marijuana at the federal level, then we have to do it right. That means correcting the historical injustices of failed drug policies. I wrote an op-ed on how we can start doing this right. https://t.co/lnenVBtERI?amp=1”
    September 29, 2019 Twitter
  • “The fact is that if we're going to legalize marijuana at the federal level, then we have to do it right. That means correcting the historical injustices of failed drug policies. I wrote an op-ed on how we can start doing this right. https://t.co/lnenVBtERI?amp=1”
    October 2, 2019 Twitter
  • “Times have changed. We have to get smart on marijuana reform and give people of color the opportunity to reap the benefits that come from the legal marijuana industry. Read my op-ed on how we can legalize marijuana the right way. https://t.co/lnenVBLfJg?amp=1”
    October 5, 2019 Twitter
  • “As the legal marijuana industry grows, it’s vital that people of color— who were disproportionately targeted by the failed War on Drugs— are the first in line to enter the industry. My Marijuana Opportunity Act would help do just that. https://t.co/GQiFYH7tcs?amp=1”
    October 15, 2019 Twitter
  • “We must legalize marijuana the right way. That means correcting failed drug policies that disproportionately hurt people of color, & creating new opportunities for people of color to participate in the industry. Read my op-ed on how we can get this done. https://t.co/lnenVBtERI?amp=1”
    October 20, 2019 Twitter
  • "The War on Drugs was a war on our own people. https://twitter.com/i/status/1188932751988346885"
    October 28, 2019 Twitter
  • “The War on Drugs was an abject failure. It's time to legalize marijuana and bring justice to people of color harmed by failed drug policies. Grateful for @RepJerryNadler’s partnership on this issue. I look forward to getting our bill one step closer to becoming law. https://twitter.com/RepJerryNadler/status/1196543873482461184”
    November 18, 2019 Twitter
  • “Let's be clear: marijuana isn't a gateway drug and should be legalized. Glad to see my bill with Rep. Nadler take the next step in the House this week. https://twitter.com/mmcauliff/status/1196443981657333760”
    November 18, 2019 Twitter
  • “There are thousands of people labeled felons for life for selling marijuana, while people out there are making a fortune from the marijuana industry. This is an injustice, and as president, I’ll fix it. https://twitter.com/i/status/1196950282506264576”
    November 19, 2019 Twitter
  • “Last week, my bill to legalize marijuana passed through House committee with bipartisan support. I’ll say it again: we can't legalize marijuana without addressing the injustices to people of color caused by the War on Drugs. My bill would do just that.”
    November 26, 2019 Twitter

  • Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act: Decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level, enabling states to set their own policies. Applies retroactively to prior and pending convictions, and requires that federal courts expunge prior convictions. It also authorizes 5% sales tax revenue to fund grant programs aimed at correcting historical injustices that have disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income communities.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Fair Chance at Housing Act: Protects people with low-level drug convictions from being evicted from or denied access to public housing.
    Lead Sponsor See more
  • Marijuana Justice Act: Removes marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and directs federal courts to expunge past cannabis-related criminal records.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • SAFE Banking Act: Protects banks that service cannabis businesses.
    Co-Sponsor See more
  • Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill): Includes provisions to legalize hemp as an agricultural crop.
    Voted Yes See more

• 

  

  Sen. Elizabeth Warren

  See Candidate Stance More Information

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  

  Sen. Elizabeth Warren

  • Supports Medical Marijuana
  • Supports Recreational Marijuana
  • Introduced/Co-sponsored Cannabis Legislation
  • Approved/Voted in Favor of Cannabis Legislation

  Public Statements

  Tweets

  Legislative Support

  • “Another option to tackle the opioid crisis is to invest in more research on alternative pain therapies, including physical therapy and new drugs that don’t have abuse potential. Medical marijuana might also be a viable alternative, but the truth is we just don’t know.”
    February 24, 2016 See more
  • “Forcing legitimate marijuana businesses to operate a cash-only business is dangerous. It creates unnecessary public safety issues for communities and business owners. The SAFE Banking Act is a common sense bill that would advance state efforts to regulate the sale of marijuana and support businesses working to establish reliable business operations.”
    May 17, 2017 See more
  • “Outdated federal marijuana laws have perpetuated our broken criminal justice system, created barriers to research, and hindered economic developments. States like Massachusetts have put a lot of work into implementing common sense marijuana regulations – and they have the right to enforce their own marijuana policies. The federal government needs to get out of the business of outlawing marijuana.”
    June 7, 2018 See more
  • “I do believe in full legalization. But I will also work with Republicans to allow it to be legalized state by state, if that is the best way.”
    February 26, 2019 See more
  • “I think it makes no sense for marijuana to be a Schedule I drug, which means the federal government has decided in advance that there is no medicinal value to marijuana and just completely bans it and makes it very difficult to do research.”
    February 26, 2019 See more
  • “Marijuana should be legalized, and we should wipe clean the records of those unjustly jailed for minor marijuana crimes. By outlawing marijuana, the federal government puts communities of color, small businesses, public health and safety at risk.”
    February 28, 2019 See more
  • “African Americans and whites all use (marijuana) at about the same rates. But people of color are far more likely to be arrested. We have criminalized too much behavior in America.” “Race matters in our correctional system and until we acknowledge that, we cannot fix it. .. If we talk about criminal justice reform, we need to start with the things we make illegal. One of the best places we could start with is the legalization of marijuana."
    April 22, 2019 See more
  • “I support full marijuana legalization, and have also introduced and worked on a bipartisan basis to advance the STATES Act, a proposal that would at a minimum safeguard the ability of states, territories, and Tribal Nations, to make their own marijuana policies.”
    August 16, 2019 See more
  • “This failure [of the drug war] has been particularly harmful for communities of color, and we need a new approach. It starts with legalizing marijuana and erasing past convictions, and then eliminating the remaining disparity between crack and powder cocaine sentencing.”
    August 20, 2019 See more
  • “I support delisting marijuana as a Schedule I drug to limit federal intervention when states have already legalized marijuana … I also support the full legalization of marijuana and restorative justice for those unjustly jailed for marijuana crimes.”
    September 24, 2019 See more
  • “Legalizing marijuana is about more than just allowing recreational use, or the potential medicinal benefit, or the money that can be made from this new market. It’s about undoing a century of racist policy that disproportionately targeted Black and Latinx communities. It’s about rebuilding the communities that have suffered the most harm. And it’s about ensuring that everyone has access to the opportunities that the new cannabis market provides.”
    February 23, 2020 See more
  • “Even as the federal government has held fast to its outdated marijuana policy, states have led the charge in adopting thoughtful, evidenced-based marijuana policy. And what have we learned in the eight years since the first states legalized marijuana? Legalization works.”
    February 23, 2020 See more
  • “Legalizing marijuana gives us an opportunity to repair some of the damage caused by our current criminal justice system, to invest in the communities that have suffered the most harm, and to ensure that everyone can participate in the growing cannabis industry. We have an opportunity now to get this right, and I’ll fight to make that happen.”
    February 23, 2020 See more

  • "Today we asked @HHSGov, @ONDCP & @DEANEWS: What are you doing to coordinate medical marijuana research? "
    July 13, 2015 Twitter
  • "Medical marijuana might be a viable alternative to opioids for pain treatment, but truthfully, there's a lot we just don't know."
    February 25, 2016 Twitter
  • "Serious medical research on medical marijuana is largely blocked by outdated federal laws & policies."
    February 25, 2016 Twitter
  • "Medical experts agree: Whatever you think of medical marijuana, it's irresponsible not to study the science: https://youtu.be/EASH1NIG0Ok "
    February 25, 2016 Twitter
  • "Good news: @DEAHQ is eliminating outdated barriers to marijuana research. Common sense given growing pool of med marijuana patients."
    August 11, 2016 Twitter
  • "Bad news: @DEAHQ refused to reschedule marijuana. This has wide implications for med research, law enforcement & business."
    August 11, 2016 Twitter
  • "I'll keep pushing our federal agencies to reschedule marijuana as part of crafting a rational research & public health strategy."
    August 11, 2016 Twitter
  • "It's time that Congress listen to Americans & have a serious conversation about rescheduling marijuana."
    April 20, 2017 Twitter
  • "States like Massachusetts have put a lot of work into implementing common sense marijuana regulations."
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • "Congress needs to take immediate action to protect state marijuana laws, and the patients that rely on them.”
    January 4, 2018 Twitter
  • "States have the right to enforce their own marijuana policies – and I’m working on legislation to make sure it stays that way. Stay tuned."
    January 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "When @realdonaldtrump ran for president he said marijuana policies should be left up to states. He should stick to his word and let states implement their own regulations – upending them only creates confusion, and puts our public health & safety at risk"
    January 25, 2018 Twitter
  • “The federal government needs to get out of the business of outlawing marijuana. States should make their own decisions about enforcing marijuana laws.”
    April 20, 2018 Twitter
  • "It’s time to reform American’s outdated marijuana policies. Watch live as @SenCoryGarder and I discuss our new legislation that would let states, territories, & tribes decide for themselves how best to regulate marijuana – without federal interference."
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "The federal government’s marijuana policies are broken, outdated, and disregard the rights of states like MA & CO that have taken their own thoughtful approaches. @SenCoryGardner and I are introducing new legislation to protect them."
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "By outlawing marijuana, the federal government puts communities of color, small businesses, & public health & safety at risk. My new bill with @SenCoryGardner will let states, territories, & tribes decide for themselves how to regulate marijuana – without federal interference."
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "No one should go to jail for a joint. But more Americans are arrested for marijuana possession than all violent crimes combined. And black Americans are nearly 4x more likely to be arrested for it than whites. My new bill will help put an end to this two-tiered justice system."
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "No veteran with chronic pain, child with a rare disease, or person struggling with a terminal illness should be denied the treatment they need. Millions of Americans currently access medical marijuana under state law. My new bill with @SenCoryGardner will help protect them.”
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "No legitimate business should be blocked from basic banking services – but that’s exactly what’s happening to law-abiding marijuana businesses. My new bipartisan bill will help decrease the public safety risk that arises when these businesses are forced to operate in all-cash."
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "No qualified scientist should have to struggle to conduct basic research on marijuana. Their findings could spur medical advances or counter the opioid epidemic. I'm introducing a new bill with @SenCoryGardner that could make it easier to study marijuana’s medical uses."
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • “There's a lot we can do to address America’s broken marijuana policies – like passing @SenBooker’s #MarijuanaJusticeAct to end the federal ban on marijuana & retroactively fix some of the harms caused by it. My new bipartisan bill is another key step to update our marijuana laws.”
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "A majority of Americans support legalizing marijuana. It’s time for Congress to listen, and pass this new bipartisan legislation."
    June 7, 2018 Twitter
  • "By outlawing marijuana, the federal government puts communities of color, small businesses, public health & safety at risk. @SenCoryGardner and I have a new bill to end the federal ban on marijuana, and let states take their own approaches:"
    June 10, 2018 Twitter
  • "Red & blue states alike have taken their own thoughtful approaches to marijuana. Now, 12 governors – led by @MassGovernor Baker – have endorsed my bipartisan bill to end the confusion between states & the federal gov't, & fix our broken marijuana policy."
    June 11, 2018 Twitter
  • "By outlawing marijuana, the federal government puts communities of color, small businesses, and public health and safety at risk. I talked with @Chris_topher_Mc of @WBSM1420 about my bipartisan bill to end the federal ban on marijuana."
    June 24, 2018 Twitter
  • "States like MA should be free to adopt their own laws on marijuana, without the federal government interfering. Elizabeth Warren is working on a bipartisan bill to protect state, territory, and tribal rights. http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/06/14/elizabeth-warren-cory-gardner-marijuana-states-act … #WGBYDebate"
    October 21, 2018 Twitter
  • "In 2016, MA voted to legalize marijuana — and the first sales begin in MA today. States should be able to decide for themselves how to regulate marijuana without federal interference. My bipartisan bill would end the federal ban on marijuana."
    November 20, 2018 Twitter
  • "Yesterday, marijuana became available for legal purchase in Massachusetts. There’s been so much progress at the state level. Now it’s time to end the federal ban on marijuana. I have a bipartisan plan to do that: https://t.co/fckXEKrTNp"
    November 21, 2018 Twitter
  • "It’s time to legalize marijuana, and stand against an unjust criminal justice system. I’m proud to co-sponsor the Marijuana Justice Act."
    February 28, 2019 Twitter
  • "Right now in this country, Black Americans are far more likely to be arrested for marijuana use than white Americans. That’s not right. We need to legalize marijuana—and I have a bipartisan bill would end the federal ban on marijuana. #WarrenTownHall"
    April 22, 2019 Twitter
  • “12 GOP & Democratic governors – led by @MassGovernor Baker & @CAgovernor Newsom – have endorsed my bipartisan bill to protect states’ right to enforce their own marijuana laws without federal interference. This is long overdue. https://t.co/ChitIdejZc”
    June 6, 2019 Twitter
  • “Our federal marijuana laws perpetuate our broken criminal justice system, impede research, restrict veterans' access & hinder economic development. Marijuana should be legalized, & I’ll work with anyone – GOP, Dem, Independent, Libertarian, vegetarian – to push for these reforms.”
    June 6, 2019 Twitter
  • “Next, we have to rethink what we choose to criminalize. That starts with repealing the 1994 crime bill—the bulk of which needs to go—and legalizing marijuana. Overcriminalization has filled prisons and devastated communities—and it's time for it to end.”
    August 20, 2019 Twitter
  • “Let’s be clear: Our government criminalizes too many things and sends too many people to jail. In a Warren administration, we will: ☑️ Repeal the 1994 Crime Bill ☑️ Legalize marijuana ☑️ Undo the legacy of the War on Drugs ☑️ End cash bail and private prisons”
    November 24, 2019 Twitter
  • “Veterans have sacrificed so much for us. But our outdated federal marijuana laws prevent vets who work in their state’s legal cannabis industry from getting a VA-backed home loan to realize the dream of homeownership. I have a bipartisan bill for that. https://t.co/2NJt0PIMvS?amp=1”