refer “the weed blog” July 7, 2015.
Marijuana is already legal in Alaska, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Oregon, and 
Washington. With legalization initiatives looming this year and next in states as diverse as Michigan, Ohio, Maine, Massachusetts, California, Nevada, and Arizona, marijuana policy is most definitely on the agenda in the 2016 presidential election campaign.
Candidates and presumed candidates from both parties have staked out a wide array of positions on the issue (although none have taken the bold step of actually advocating for legalization). Now, thanks to the Marijuana Policy Project, we have a scorecard to keep them all straight.
The pro-legalization advocacy group has released its Voters Guide to the 2016 PresidentialRace, detailing the candidates’ positions on marijuana policy and assigning them grades based on where they stand. The candidates were graded on actions they have taken and statements they have made indicating their support for ending pot prohibition, allowing legal access to medical marijuana and defending states’ rights to set their own marijuana policies.
“Most Americans recognize that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and they think it should be made legal for adults,” said MPP spokesperson Mason Tvert. “Voters should know which candidates support rolling back prohibition and which ones are fighting to maintain it. People are becoming increasingly wary of the federal government’s role in our nation’s marijuana policies.”
Marco Rubio, Grade: D
The young Florida senator staunchly opposes marijuana legalization, but has expressed some support for medicinal use of non-psychoactive forms of medical marijuana (CBD cannabis oil). He has wobbled on the states’ rights issue.
Rubio on marijuana policy:
“If there are medicinal uses of marijuana that don’t have the elements that are mind-altering or create the high but do alleviate whatever condition it may be they are trying to alleviate, that is something I would be open to.” —Tampa Bay Times, July 30, 2014
“Marijuana is illegal under federal law. That should be enforced.” —ABC News, May 15, 2014
Donald Trump, Grade: C
The businessman and television personality supported legalizing all drugs in 1990, but has since changed his tune. He opposes marijuana legalization, but supports access to medical marijuana and has suggested support for letting states decide their own pot policies.
Trump on marijuana and drug policy:
“I’d say [regulating marijuana] is bad. Medical marijuana is another thing, but I think it’s bad and I feel strongly about that. [In response to states’ rights argument] If they vote for it, they vote for it. But, you know, they’ve got a lot of problems going on in Colorado right now. Big problems. But I think, medical marijuana, 100%.” —C-SPAN, Feb. 27, 2015
Hillary Clinton, Grade: B-
The Democratic favorite says she is open to more research on medical marijuana and that she supports Colorado and Washington’s rights to set their own marijuana policies. She says she is interested in seeing the results of their experiment before taking a position for or against legalization.
Clinton on marijuana policy: ”I don’t think we’ve done enough research yet although I think for people who are in extreme medical conditions and have anecdotal evidence that it works, there should be availability under appropriate circumstances.”
However, marijuana is illegal in Florida. If you get caught with some, call Alex Truluck.
Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.
For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.