Legalisation and access to cannabis is a
big issue in the US. This year looks set to be
one of the most prof itable for the American
born industry so far, with full legalisation in
11 states and legalised medical marijuana in
33. Among Democratic nominees, legalising
cannabis has become a common stance,
but surprisingly, Republican nominees are
also on board. We examine the hopeful
nominees ahead of potential big changes
for the cannabis industry as the 2020
Presidential Race heats up.
Tulsa Gabbard, Hawaii, Democrat
Gabbard has been involved in fi ghting
for decriminalisation for years and she is
currently on the House cannabis caucus.
She has introduced two bipartisan
marijuana bills. “Our archaic marijuana policies – based
on stigma and outdated myths – have been used to wage
a failed War on Drugs. Families have been torn apart,
communities left fractured, and over-criminalisation and
mass incarceration have become the norm.” She said.
“In 2017 alone, our country arrested 600,000 people just for
possession of marijuana. Our bipartisan legislation takes
a step toward ending the failed war on drugs, ending the
federal prohibition on marijuana, and ensuring that our
policies are guided by facts and the truth.”
Bernie Sanders, Vermont, Democrat
Bernie Sanders has one of the most
ambitious plans for legalisation,
announcing his detailed plan at precisely
4:20pm. He proposes to legalise within
his fi rst 100 days of offi ce by removing the controlled
substance classifi cation and legalising at a federal level
which would allow companies to operate more easily and
remove restrictions. He wants to see cannabis investment
in communities that have been hit the hardest by the war
on drugs with a $20bn grant for entrepreneurs in these
areas. “Entrepreneurs of colour who continue to face
discrimination in access to capital,”
he said. “There are at least 51% owned or controlled by
those in disproportionately impacted areas or individuals
who have been arrested for or convicted of marijuana
offenses.” He is also openly critical of Big Tobacco and
wants to block their entry into the cannabis market.
Joe Biden, Pennsylvania, Democrat
“With regard to the total legalisation of it,
there are some in the medical community
who say it needs to be made a Schedule
II drug so there can be research studies,
as not whether it is a gateway drug but whether or not it,
when used in other combinations, may have a negative
impact on people overcoming other problems, including
in fact on young people in terms of brain development—a
whole range of things that are beyond my expertise.”
Biden told the media in November that he believes
cannabis to be a ‘gateway drug.’ His views may stem from
his involvement in the War on Drugs during the Regan
and Bush administrations that saw zero tolerance for
possession. He has attempted to distance himself from his
past involvement as studies show 76% of Democrats are in
favour of legalisation.
Donald Trump, New York, Republican
The current POTUS remains silent about
the prospect of legalising cannabis at a
federal level but believes that legalisation
should be a state issue.
“We’re going to see what’s going on. It’s a very big subject
and right now we are allowing states to make that
decision.”
Trump signed the Farm Bill in 2018 which made hemp an
ordinary agricultural commodity allowing it to be legally
farmed. Will the current US president stick to this stance
though? He has backtracked on a vape ban after vaping
voters threatened to not support him if legislation passed.
Given that 51% of Republicans are pro-legalisation, opting
for a state-by-state option could mean he doesn’t have to
move to legalise and potentially lose voters.
Bill Weld, New York, Republican
Weld has a vested interest in legalisation
as he sits on the board of directors at
Acreage Holdings, one of America’s largest
cannabis operators. Weld’s website does
not state his Acreage involvement but does note he has
been pro-legalisation since 1992.
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