The 2020 Puff, Puff, Pass Presidential Race
Posted by Toker Grace on Mar 6, 2020 2:19:02 PM
Unsurprisingly, most of the candidates for the 2020 Presidential Election are in support of the federal legalization of cannabis. Candidates have noted that the war on drugs is a grand waste of time. Moreover, the racial disparities caused by the war on drugs does not set well these candidates nor the constituents they serve. The following candidates have been vocal about their support regarding the legalization of cannabis on a federal level:
- Bernie Sander
- Tulsi Gabbard (yes, she is still in the running)
Former Candidates who Support Federal Legalization
With Super Tuesday having come and gone, so have a handful of candidates. Here are a few candidates who support legalization on a federal level who recently dropped out of the presidential race:
- Michael Bennett
- Cory Booker
- Pete Buttigieg
- Julian Castro
- Bill DeBlasio
- Elizabeth Warren
- Kirsten Gillibrand
- Kamala Harris
- John Hickenlooper
- Jay Inslee
- Seth Moulton
- Beto O’Rourke
- Tim Ryan
- Eric Swalwell
- William Weld
- Marianne Williamson
- Andrew Yang
Who is Anti-Federal Legalization?
Currently, the only two candidates who do not support the legalization of cannabis on a federal level is current President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. However, it is worth noting that the Trump Administration has been strategically steering away from cannabis-related issues since Trump’s arrival into the White House. Joe Biden has stated that although he does not directly support the legalization of cannabis on a federal level, he is not against states choosing how they govern their cannabis cultivation and consumption. Moreover, Mike Bloomberg holds values that closely identify with President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.
Which Candidates Have a Conflicting Past with Cannabis?
If you were to ask a politician what his or her favorite pastime happens to be, chances are they would reply ‘pandering.’ As cannabis becomes more socially and legally acceptable, some of these candidates are hopping on the coattails of cannabis, hoping the voters would forget their former conflicting views. However, we do not forget. These candidates have a different past with cannabis:
- Joe Biden
- Mike Bloomberg
- Donald Trump
Who is Championing the Change of Cannabis Laws?
With all of these candidates who support the legalization of cannabis on a federal level, someone must be at the forefront of cannabis advocates. Most cannabis consumers will aim their joints at Senator Bernie Sanders or Tulsi Gabbard. Senator Bernie Sanders has been vocal about legalizing cannabis on a federal level. Tulsi Gabbard has also been a champion for change in the legalization, as well as the decriminalization of cannabis across the board. At times, Senator Bernie Sanders can see conflicting on cannabis with some dissenters accusing Senator Bernie Sanders of pandering to the pro-cannabis crowd with no true substance. However, we must not forget that Senator Sanders has been extremely vocal in his stance, aside from the federal legalization of cannabis in his previous presidential campaign. The Senator’s home state implemented cannabis-friendly laws years ago. Tulsi Gabbard is now the last woman standing in the presidential race.
Moreover, she is an Army veteran who knows the effects of PTSD first hand. This revelation leads Tulsi Gabbard to be open to abolishing cannabis prohibition if it means that her fellow servicemen and servicewomen have a chance at combating their PTSD. The pragmatic approach embodied by Tulsi Gabbard may be precisely what the nation needs to further the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis across the country.
Be sure to register to vote for the 2020 Presidential Elections as primaries are right around the corner.