State of Alabama Archives: on Drugs
Arnold Mooney:
Don't study legalizing medical marijuana
Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill to create a commission of doctors, lawyers and other professionals to study medical marijuana. It was a scaled back version of bill legalize medical marijuana, which passed the Senate but ran into resistance in the
House of Representatives. The study commission bill was a compromise.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 17-6-12, vote #683, May 9; passed House 80-19-5, vote #1275, May 31; Rep. Mooney voted NO; signed by Gov. Ivey on June 10.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama voting records: SB 236
May 31, 2019
Arnold Mooney:
Prohibit sale of fake urine to defeat drug tests
Legislative Summary: A bill to make it a crime to make or sell synthetic urine or additives to skew the results of a drug test cleared its first hurdle in the Alabama Legislature today. It would also be a crime to use real urine produced
before a drug test in order to defeat the purpose of the test.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-0-3 on 2/25/20; Passed House 93-0-9 on 3/10/20; State Rep. Arnold Mooney voted YES; Signed by Governor Kay Ivey on 3/12/20.
Source: Alabama Legislature voting records SB111
May 21, 2019
Brandaun Dean:
Enacted decriminalization of recreational marijuana use
As Mayor of Brighton, Dean served as CEO of a $2.3 million enterprise with supervision of five appointed officers; proposing and passing legislation to decriminalize the recreational use of marijuana,
providing sanctuary to immigrant families, increasing city workers pay to $15 per hour, funding the reopening of the city's only community center; and clearing public lands neglected by failed public works efforts for more than twenty years.
Source: 2021 Alabama Senate campaign website BrandaunDean.com
Oct 29, 2021
Chris Countryman:
Okay medical marijuana and study full legalization
In favor of decriminalizing marijuana for medical use under the close supervision of a doctor. State would control production, distribution, and taxing of medical marijuana. Individuals growing marijuana for private use would still
be a violation of the law. In favor of studying recreational legalization of marijuana, including researching equipment that can tell if someone is under the influence of marijuana while operating a motor vehicle.
Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial website RethinkAlabama1
Sep 1, 2017
David Carrington:
Education will lower drug use & need for Medicaid
Carrington was asked about the state's two primary funding issues--Medicaid and the prison system. For both issues, Carrington said the answer was simple--education. "When I talk to a company, they say they're looking for workers who have a high-school
degree, can pass a drug test and will show up for work," he said. He explained that if more Alabamians are educated, their chances at a better quality of life increase and thereby reduce crime rates and reliance on social services like Medicaid.
Source: Athens News Courier on 2018 Alabama gubernatorial race
May 11, 2017
Doug Jones:
Legalization for medical and recreational use
Doug Jones has spoken openly about his stance on medical cannabis. He completely supports the use and legalization of medical cannabis.
He is also a supporter of the decriminalization of cannabis because he knows the criminal justice system must get out of the business of locking up non-violent cannabis users.
Source: Chicago Now on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Oct 23, 2017
Doug Jones:
Take marijuana off federal controlled substances list
Q: Marijuana: Legalize?Doug Jones: States should decide. Take marijuana off federal controlled substances list.
Tommy Tuberville: No. Medical use is okay. "If we ever put marijuana on our streets legally, it's over."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
John Rogers:
Establish commission to study legalizing medical marijuana
Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill to create a commission of doctors, lawyers and other professionals to study medical marijuana. It was a scaled back version of bill legalize medical marijuana, which passed the Senate but ran into resistance in the
House of Representatives. The study commission bill was a compromise.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 17-6-12, vote #683, May 9; passed House 80-19-5, vote #1275, May 31; Rep. Rogers voted YES; signed by Gov. Ivey on June 10.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama voting records: SB 236
May 31, 2019
Katie Britt:
Opioid awareness: Stop Judging; Start Healing
August 31 marks˙Overdose Awareness Day˙across the globe. Addiction is not a failing; it is a treatable illness from which you can recover.Our state experienced 980 drug overdose deaths in 2020, an increase of about 27% from 2019. The opioid epidemic
is the primary driver of overdoses in Alabama.˙Nearly half˙of the 775 reported drug overdose deaths in Alabama involved opioids in 2018. Alabama has the highest such rate in the United States at almost twofold greater than the national average.
As we continue to combat this crisis, part of the effort must include holding bad actors responsible for their roles in creating this noxious problem. We must also emphasize that there is no shame in getting help for substance abuse disorders or
addiction, as the ongoing anti-stigma campaign "Stop Judging, Start Healing" does.
It is time for Alabama to recommit ourselves to fighting the epidemic of opioids and other lethal drugs.
Source: AL Reporter on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Aug 31, 2021
Kay Ivey:
Establish commission to study legalizing medical marijuana
Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill to create a commission of doctors, lawyers and other professionals to study medical marijuana. It was a scaled back version of bill legalize medical marijuana, which passed the Senate but ran into resistance in the
House of Representatives. The study commission bill was a compromise.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 17-6-12, vote #683, May 9; passed House 80-19-5, vote #1275, May 31; signed by Gov. Ivey on June 10.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama voting records: SB 236
Jun 10, 2019
Kay Ivey:
Prohibit sale of fake urine to defeat drug tests
Legislative Summary: A bill to make it a crime to make or sell synthetic urine or additives to skew the results of a drug test cleared its first hurdle in the Alabama Legislature today. It would also be a crime to use real urine produced
before a drug test in order to defeat the purpose of the test.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-0-3 on 2/25/20; Passed House 93-0-9 on 3/10/20; Signed by Governor Kay Ivey on 3/12/20.
Source: Alabama Legislature voting records SB111
May 21, 2019
Luther Strange:
Against medical marijuana
"Like any medical procedure or pharmaceutical, there is a scientific research process to go through in order to ensure that medical treatments are safe and do not cause more harm than good,"
Strange said. "As state attorney general, I saw firsthand the negative impact that abuse of even legal drugs such as opioids have on our communities."
Source: Decatur Daily coverage of 2017 Alabama Senate race
Jul 23, 2017
Lynda Blanchard:
Oldest son died from drugs; led her to help Alabama children
Former Trump administration Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda Blanchard was in Fayette speaking to the Fayette County Republican Party."Our oldest son had gotten involved in drugs," Blanchard said. "He passed away from drugs.
After Christopher's death, I stepped away from the business for a year." Blanchard said that after that year her husband suggested that they do something to start helping children in Alabama.
Source: AL Political Reporter on 2022 Alabama Gubernatorial race
May 12, 2021
Malika Sanders-Fortier:
Prohibit sale of fake urine to defeat drug tests
Legislative Summary: A bill to make it a crime to make or sell synthetic urine or additives to skew the results of a drug test cleared its first hurdle in the Alabama Legislature today. It would also be a crime to use real urine produced
before a drug test in order to defeat the purpose of the test.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-0-3 on 2/25/20; State Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier voted YES; Passed House 93-0-9 on 3/10/20; Signed by Governor Kay Ivey on 3/12/20.
Source: Alabama Legislature voting records SB111
May 21, 2019
Marcus Bowman:
Marijuana should be a local issue
Q: Do you support or oppose the policy, "Marijuana is a gateway drug "
A: This can be a local issue.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Jan 21, 2016
Mo Brooks:
Allow doctors and patients right-to-try medical marijuana
Q: As a cancer survivor, you were a vocal supporter of the Right to Try bill. Many medical marijuana advocates argue that cannabis has some medical applications. Do you support the descheduling of marijuana as a class 1 controlled substance?
Brooks: I support allowing doctors and patients to decide which medications that they use to treat the ailments from which they are suffering.
Source: Alabama Political Reporter on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Mar 25, 2021
Robert Bentley:
Strengthen penalties for drug-related crimes
Bentley indicates he supports the following principles concerning crime:- Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
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Strengthen penalties and sentences for sex offenders.
- Prosecute juveniles who commit murder or other serious violent crimes as adults.
Source: Alabama 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Robert Bentley:
Fight opioid addiction and fight drug abuse
We are taking bold steps to protect the people of our state from one of the greatest and deadliest attacks in our nation's history. It doesn't come from a foreign enemy, the deaths are not the result of an unknown killer, the weapons are not advanced
missiles, assault rifles or even bombs. Opioid painkillers have fueled one of the deadliest drug epidemics in our nation's history, killing 78 people every day.Over-prescribing painkillers has led to a steady increase in drug-related deaths over the
last 15 years. Alabama is the highest painkiller prescribing state in the nation and nonmedical use of pain relievers in Alabama exceeds the national average. This is unacceptable.
That is why in 2016 I joined 45 other Governors in signing the
Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction. In 2012 and 2013 the Legislature passed, and I signed into law several bills needed to fight drug abuse and in particular, opioid abuse.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature
Feb 7, 2016
Ron Crumpton:
Sensible approach to marijuana policy instead of prohibition
Current marijuana policy in Alabama, and across America, lacks reason, intelligence and sanity. It creates criminal empires, puts our children in unnecessary danger and clogs our courts and prisons with people who would be considered normal productive
members of society, but because they choose to use marijuana as opposed to alcohol, they are considered criminal. These are just some of the problems that prohibition creates, but a sensible approach to marijuana policy would solve those problems and
many of the other problems that currently plague our state.I believe it is time to remove marijuana from schedule I and place it among the group of schedule
V drugs that can be sold over-the-counter pursuant to age verification. Doing this will allow the states to tax and regulate marijuana as they see fit. This will create a much needed revenue stream for states across the country.
Source: 2016 Senate campaign website CrumptonForAlabama.com
Jul 23, 2015
Ron Crumpton:
Allow farmers to grow hemp: ecologically friendly cash crop
It is important that we provide Alabama farmers with the means to be successful, but with the push for renewable energies and green technologies the future of the Alabama Farmer includes the production of usable fiber. Once elected, I will sponsor
legislation that will allow farmers to grow hemp to be used in the production of textiles, biofuels & other beneficial products, giving them a viable cash crop that is less expensive to produce and more ecologically friendly than other crops.Hemp had
been a part of our history dating back to Washington and Jefferson, who both grew hemp. The production of hemp was halted in the US with passage of the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937.
Hemp can be grown organically. Hemp produces more pulp per acre than
timber on a sustainable basis, and can be used for every quality of paper. Eco-friendly hemp can replace most toxic petrochemical products. This will allow the Alabama Farmer to move into the future and insure a healthy farm economy for all Alabamians.
Source: AL.com editorial by Ron Crumpton on 2016 Alabama Senate race
Apr 16, 2015
Ron Crumpton:
Sensible approach to marijuana instead of prohibition
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?
A: Strongly opposes. Sensible approach to marijuana policy instead of prohibition.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Nov 26, 2015
Roy Moore:
Let states determine medical use
Marijuana: Legalize and/or decriminalize marijuana?Jones: Yes. Legalize medical marijuana and decriminalize recreational use.
Moore: Let states determine medical use. No statement on recreational use.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Nov 1, 2017
Tim James:
Repeal medical marijuana law, perfect recipe for fraud/abuse
The legislature passed a bill which permits the sale and distribution of "medical marijuana." Referred to as the "Compassion Act," this would more accurately be designated the "Bait and Switch Act." The current law is the perfect recipe for fraud and
abuse. We must not permit medical marijuana to become a street drug under the guise of medicine. We should repeal Alabama's "medical marijuana" law and proceed with a plan that is open, honest and scientifically sound.
Source: 2022 Alabama Governor campaign website TimJamesGovernor.com
Feb 24, 2022
Tommy Tuberville:
Going to have to prove that medical marijuana is good
Said Tuberville, "They're going to have to prove to me that medical marijuana is good. As long as it's medical marijuana as long as you have to have a prescription.
If we ever put marijuana on our streets legally, it's over."
Source: Birmingham News on 2020 Alabama Sennate race
Jan 22, 2020
Tommy Tuberville:
If we ever put marijuana on our streets legally, it's over.
Q: Marijuana: Legalize?Tommy Tuberville: No. Medical use is okay. "If we ever put marijuana on our streets legally, it's over."
Doug Jones: States should decide. Take marijuana off federal controlled substances list.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Vivian Davis Figures:
Establish commission to study legalizing medical marijuana
Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill to create a commission of doctors, lawyers and other professionals to study medical marijuana. It was a scaled back version of bill legalize medical marijuana, which passed the Senate but ran into resistance in the
House of Representatives. The study commission bill was a compromise.Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 17-6-12, vote #683, May 9; Sen. Figures voted YES; passed House 80-19-5, vote #1275, May 31; signed by Gov. Ivey on June 10.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama voting records: SB 236
May 9, 2019
Walt Maddox:
Substance abuse should have its own cabinet-level officer
Alabama has been hit hard with opioid abuse and addiction. Our state has the highest rate of prescription opioid use in the nation, and it's well established that legitimate use of opioid medication is a leading cause of opioid abuse. One of my first
steps to fight this crisis will be to separate substance abuse out from under the Dept of Mental Health. We need a cabinet level officer who answers directly to the Governor while continuing to coordinate drug policy with mental health resources.
Source: 2018 Alabama gubernatorial campaign website WaltMaddox.com
Jul 4, 2018
Yolanda Flowers:
We must revisit fair sentencing and petty drug offenses
It is time that we invest in recidivism and rehabilitation. As Governor, Yolanda will work with Nonprofit organizations to facilitate the growth and development of our formerly incarcerated Alabamians so that they may become productive and contributing
citizens to our budding community. We must revisit fair sentencing and petty drug offenses that incapacitate so many black and brown individuals from ever pulling themselves up by their bootstraps.
Source: 2022 Alabama Gubernatorial website YolandaForGovernor.org
Jul 19, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023