Two important days are happening this week, both of which are extremely relevant to the college-aged crowd. The first is the New York state presidential primary: a celebration of democratic values. The second is 4/20: a celebration of … other values.
Due to the upcoming excitement, we decided to clear the air around any confusion and discuss where the current presidential candidates stand on marijuana policy. When voting on Tuesday, it is important to be as informed as possible on every issue. A few issues get a lot of media attention, like foreign policy, gun control and reproductive rights. These are all important, but tend to overshadow other issues that can just as equally affect student life.
Sen. Bernie Sanders is perhaps the most progressive candidate when it comes to marijuana. During a presidential debate in 2015, he claimed that if he were a Nevada resident, he would vote “yes” on a ballot measure to legalize recreational weed. He has shown support for allowing states to legalize both recreational and medical marijuana.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, while more progressive on weed than her Republican counterparts, is less relaxed than Sanders on recreational usage. She has hesitated to take a position before she sees the outcome of legalization in Colorado and Washington. However, she supports both access to medical marijuana and more research on its health benefits. She also wants to reclassify the drug from Schedule I to Schedule II, which would result in increased decriminalization.
On the Republican side, Donald Trump is the most relaxed about weed regulation. He openly supports use of medical marijuana. While he has criticized Colorado’s legalization of recreational usage, he thinks states should be able to set their own laws on the matter. Like Clinton, he wishes for further study on the drug.
Sen. Ted Cruz also defers judgment to states on determining the legality of recreational dope and would not remove current policies in Colorado and Washington. Nevertheless, he personally disapproves of legalization and would vote “no” if a ballot were put up in his home state of Texas.
Gov. John Kasich, although more moderate than the Republican frontrunners on other issues, is markedly more conservative on marijuana legislation. In a radio interview with Hugh Hewitt, he said that he is “totally opposed” to recreational and medical legalization. During a February town hall, he softened his stance on medical marijuana, saying, “Medical marijuana, I think we can look at it.” Nevertheless, he respects the right of individual states to determine their own legislation process.
While this information may be trivial to some, it may help others to decide their candidate at the polling place. Whatever your beliefs, take this knowledge to your local polling place so you can make an informed decision. Enjoy your 4/19, and have a great 4/20.