The 2020 field of Democratic Candidates is filling up. Eight competitors had announced their intentions by January. That number has since more than doubled to eighteen, making this the largest race in decades. Remarkably, marijuana reform has emerged as a central subject that no one can avoid. The discussion regarding legalization covers five sub-topics for the potential succeeding President to address: banking, medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, state’s power, and prior marijuana-related convictions.
Some “pro-cannabis” candidates are only “pro” certain subjects, others are all in. Corey Booker, for example, wants to fully legalize marijuana recreationally complete with banking access and criminal expungement. Amy Klobuchar, on the other hand, wants cannabis banking but falls short of full-on federal repeal, stating instead that each state should decide their own policy.
We thought it would be helpful to break down the specific views of the presidential candidates so you can factor them in when completing your ballot. Bookmark this page. We're going to keep updating this list through the campaign season as candidates announce their intentions or drop their bids.
Cory Booker
Who: Senator Cory Booker
Age: 49
State: New Jersey
Stance: Pro Recreational Legalization, Pro Cannabis-crime Expungement, Pro Federal Reform
Comments: Booker's said, "black folks are no different in their usage rates or even the dealing rates, but are almost four times more likely to be incarcerated for marijuana.” In favor of marijuana legalization and drug reform.
Beto O’Rourke
Who: Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke
Age: 46
State: Texas
Stance: Pro Recreational Legalization, Pro Cannabis-crime Expungement, Pro Federal Reform
Comments: Criticizing the “school-to-prison pipeline,” O’Rourke wrote that "one in four black children have had a parent in the criminal justice system, compared to just four percent of white children."
O'Rourke lambasted a "school-to-prison pipeline" that he said disproportionately results in black children being more likely to be suspended or expelled from school. Believes in repeal federal prohibition on marijuana usage and the records of those incarcerated for marijuana possession expunged, alleging a correlation between racial incarceration disparities and federal marijuana penalties.
Marianne Williamson
Who: Spiritual author Marianne Williamson
Age: 66
State: Texas
Stance: Pro Recreational Legalization, Pro Federal Reform
Comments: “In states where medical marijuana is legal, there is 25% less opioid use.“
“Isn't something backwards when assault weapons are legal, but marijuana is not?”
“If marijuana were legal, it would be MORE of a controlled substance...not less.”
“When was the last time marijuana was used to kill someone?”
“I'd have someone stoned over someone with an assault weapon anytime.”
She supports marijuana legalization. Not much is known about the details of Oprah’s spiritual advisor’s views.
Bernie Sanders
Who: Sen. Bernie Sanders
Age: 77
State: Vermont
Stance: Pro Recreational Legalization, Pro Cannabis-crime Expungement, Pro Federal Reform
Comments: He called the War on Drugs a disaster in a recent speech. He favors legalization of recreational cannabis and expungement.
“What we learned is that the American people, including many conservatives, understand that we need fundamental reform of a broken criminal justice system, which includes, by the way, ending this disastrous War on Drugs which has destroyed many lives,” he said in a recent speech.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Who: Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Age: 69
State: Massachusetts
Stance: Pro Recreational Legalization, Pro Cannabis-crime Expungement, Pro Federal Reform
Comments: Warren sponsored more than half a dozen pieces of cannabis reform including the 2018 STATES Act. Supports states' decision to legalize and industry access to banking.