Donald Trump: Legalize Drugs?
Will Donald, Hillary, or Bernie legalize it before 2020? What about one of “the other” candidates?
It is clear that the GOP has one option: Donald Trump. While many are wondering whether this man will make America great again, there is one looming issue for our community. What will happen to marijuana legislation and policy?
Not one to keep quiet, Trump has shared a few opinions regarding marijuana policy. Bottom line, he is for medicinal marijuana, but when it comes to legalizing recreational use, he wants to leave that issue up to the states.
This position differs from his previous thoughts on legalizing marijuana. In fact, he once suggested legalizing all drugs. “We’re losing badly the war on drugs. You have to legalize drugs to win that war,” Trump said in a 1990 interview. “You have to take the profit away from these drug czars.”
Sarasota Herald-Tribune – Apr 14, 1990
The reason behind Trump’s reluctance to declare a solid stance on marijuana legalization could be the demographic of his constituents. According to a PEW study conducted in Feb. 2015, majority GOP voters 36 and older oppose the legalization of marijuana. The same cannot be said about the party’s Millennials, as 67 percent said they support legalization in the same study.
That may sound like great news for marijuana supporters as the Millennial generation’s numbers have surpassed the reigning champ of “largest population,” the Baby Boomers. Unfortunately, Millennials are notorious for being absent at the voting booths. Those who cast their votes will most likely be that large group of Baby Boomers and beyond.
It may be a smart political rule of thumb to reach out to those who will show up to turn in their ballot this November.
Love him or hate him, Trump could be a friendly candidate to marijuana policy. Senator Hillary Clinton and Trump may share different opinions when it comes to how to run the country, but they are best buds when it comes to marijuana.
Clinton’s attitude towards marijuana use has also changed, a move she shares with many of her constituents. She too agrees with the medicinal use of the plant, but she still has yet to take a stance, believing that much more research is needed to understand how the use will affect patients. Clinton has also said that she supports the idea of taking marijuana off of Schedule I.
As for Senator Bernie Sanders, he has long been a supporter of state’s rights to legalize and regulate marijuana without government interference. He supports recreational use, decriminalization, and allowing incarcerated offenders access to medicinal marijuana.
Or if you want to bring back voting for principles over parties, there are plenty of third party candidates to choose. Here’s a crash course into some of the front runners and their public positions on cannabis:
Gary Johnson, Libertarian
alibertarianfuture.com
Sound familiar? That’s because he was the CEO of Cannabis Sativa, before announcing his run for the White House. Johnson has been advocating for the legalization of marijuana since 1999.
Jill Stein, Green
jill2016.com
Stein thinks it’s time to end crime and violence related to marijuana trafficking. Stein says let’s legalize it already.
James Mitchell, Independent
p2016.org
Mitchell wants the government to distribute hard narcotics, and medical marijuana, for free to those who request it. Mitchell believes this will take the money away from illegal drug dealers, and more addicts will seek help by decriminalizing their vices.
Cover Photo Courtesy of AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps
Marijuana use in pregnancy is major risk for pre-term birth Chasing Bigger High, Marijuana Users Turn to ‘Dabbing’ – New York Times
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