After what many consider a poor debate performance, several Democratic leaders and former supporters are calling on President Biden to step aside. Although this remains a long shot, this article will break down where the top candidates to replace him stand on marijuana law reform.
If President Biden were to decide to step aside and let another candidate lead the ticket, that individual would be chosen at the Democratic National Convention in August. While President Biden and his campaign have thus far shown no willingness to step aside, growing calls from even some of his staunchest supporters could change that.
Despite not supporting full legalization, President Biden has made significant strides in marijuana law reform. These include pardoning thousands of marijuana offenders, initiating the review that led to the DEA’s decision to reschedule marijuana, and signing the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act into law in December, the first standalone marijuana bill signed by a president. If he steps aside, his successor will need to decide whether to expand on these actions or let them proceed without making it a key issue.
Here’s a look at where the top five candidates to replace Biden stand on marijuana reform.*
Vice President Kamala Harris
Although Harris jailed hundreds of individuals for marijuana offenses when she was California’s attorney general, she has since taken a progressive stance on the issue.
Harris has been a staunch supporter of the move to reschedule marijuana. Following the DEA’s announcement, she said:
“So currently, marijuana is classified on the same level as heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl. We are finally changing that. I want to thank all of the advocates and everyone out there for helping to make this possible.”
Additionally, Harris became the first vice president in US history earlier this year to state her support for legalization, saying on multiple occasions, “we need to legalize marijuana.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Wilson
(Photo credit: Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press).
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been a strong advocate for marijuana law reform. She supported the state’s 2018 ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana and has continued to champion its implementation.
Whitmer has been vocal about legalization’s positive impact on the economy, especially its ability to create jobs, and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system. She has also emphasized the importance of expunging past marijuana-related convictions to ensure social justice and equity in the legal system.
California Governor Gavin Newsom
(Photo credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty).
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been a vocal supporter of marijuana law reform and legalization. As Lieutenant Governor, he endorsed Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana in California in 2016.
However, in October, to the dismay of many legalization proponents, Newsom vetoed legislation that would have legalized marijuana cafés, saying, “I am concerned this bill could undermine California’s long-standing smoke-free workplace protections. Protecting the health and safety of workers is paramount. I encourage the author to address this concern in subsequent legislation.”
The same month Newsom vetoed legislation that would have legalized certain psychedelics, including psilocybin, for those 21 and older.
Illinois Governor J B Pritzker
(Photo credit: Saul Loeb/Getty Images).
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is a strong advocate for marijuana law reform and played a pivotal role in the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state.
In 2019, he signed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, making Illinois the first state to legalize recreational marijuana through legislation rather than a ballot initiative. Pritzker has said he views marijuana legalization as a tool for social justice and economic growth.
Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown
Senator Brown, chair of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, announced his support for legalization in May, saying “It’s time to legalize marijuana across the country”.
In September, Brown’s committee passed the SAFER Banking Act to the full Senate with bipartisan support. During the process, Senator Brown advocated for the committee to pass the measure, which it did with a 14 to 9 vote.
Other Possible Candidates:
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
Governor Shapiro has been an advocate for marijuana law reform and legalization for years. During his campaign, he supported the legalization of recreational marijuana, emphasizing its potential for economic growth and social justice, and he included legalization in his most recent budget proposal.
Shapiro has also highlighted the importance of expunging past marijuana convictions, saying, “We need to right the wrongs of the past and ensure equity in our justice system.” As Attorney General, Shapiro was supportive of medical marijuana initiatives.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been a strong proponent of marijuana law reform and legalization. During his presidential campaign in 2020, he advocated for the federal legalization of marijuana and the expungement of past convictions, saying “The safe, regulated, and legal sale of marijuana is an idea whose time has come.”
Senator Cory Booker
Senator Booker has been a longtime supporter of legalizing marijuana. He has sponsored numerous marijuana-related measures; most recently he was one of 18 sponsors of the recently filed Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, which would deschedule and legalize marijuana nationwide.
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Amy Klobuchar does not support legalizing recreational marijuana. However, she does support nationwide decriminalization and the federal legalization of medical marijuana. Klobuchar is also one of the sponsors of the STATES Act to force the federal government to respect state marijuana laws.
