Cannabis Voter Project: on Drugs

Andrew Cuomo: Opposes recreational marijuana as a gateway drug

Directed the Department of Health to study the potential effects of recreational cannabis legalization in New York. The Department of Health eventually recommended the state legalize recreational cannabis. (2018)
• Quote: "As of this date, I am unconvinced on recreational marijuana. If you choose to use marijuana recreationally, you know the law." (2017)
• Called cannabis a "gateway drug." (2017)
• Signed a bill to add PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. (2017)
• Signed a bill to classify industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity. (2017)
• Signed a bill to direct the Commissioner of Health to establish emergency access to medical cannabis for patients that need it. (2015)
• Signed a bill to create a broad medical cannabis program in New York. (2014)
• Declared his qualified support for medical cannabis after opposing it for many years. (2014)
• Proposed reducing penalties for possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis. (2012)

Chris Sununu: Supports medical marijuana but not recreational

• Signed a bill to expand the number of medical cannabis dispensaries allowed in New Hampshire. (2018)
• Signed a bill to decriminalize up to 3/4 of an ounce of cannabis and up to 5 grams of hash in New Hampshire. (2017)
• Called cannabis decriminalization, "common sense marijuana reform." (2017)
• Declared his opposition to legalizing recreational cannabis. (2017)
• Signed two bills to expand the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in New Hampshire. (2017).

Cindy Hyde-Smith: Opposes medical and recreational marijuana

Has not supported any of the following:
• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted to block an amendment that would have allowed banks to work with legitimate cannabis businesses from receiving a vote on the Senate floor. (2018)

Cory Booker: Marijuana Justice Act: decriminalize pot & expunge records

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Introduced the Marijuana Justice Act of 2019, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level, expunge federal cannabis convictions, reinvest in the communities that have been most harmed by cannabis prohibition, and penalize states that continue to disproportionately arrest people of color and low-income individuals for cannabis-related crimes.
• Cosponsors the STATES ACT, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level, allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses, and end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
• Signed a letter calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to respect state marijuana laws. (2018)

Cory Gardner: Supports medical marijuana and legalized banking

• Cosponsors the STATES Act of 2019, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
• Cosponsors the STATES ACT, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level, allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses, and end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
• Cosponsors the Hemp Farming Bill of 2018, which would end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
• Cosponsors the Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act of 2017, which would end the federal prohibition of CBD.
• Cosponsored the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015, which would have ended the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.(2015)
• Signed a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to respect state cannabis laws. (2018)

Dan Sullivan: Supports legalized marijuana and leaving decision to states

• Cosponsors the STATES Act of 2019, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level.
• Cosponsors the STATES ACT, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level, allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses, & end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act, which would allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses.
• Quote: "Although I did not support the 2014 ballot initiative to legalize cannabis, it strongly passed and I passionately believe in democracy and the principles of states' rights. As we move forward, I will be examining new and existing legislative proposals and working to ensure the rights of Alaskans and the State of Alaska are protected." (2018)

David Ige: Supports medical marijuana, plus decriminalizing possession

• Signed a bill that expanded access to medical cannabis. (2017)
• Signed a bill expanded the pool of practitioners who may legally recommend cannabis therapy to include advanced nurse practitioners. (2016)
• Signed a bill that created a licensing system for medical cannabis dispensaries. (2015)
• Said he opposes the decriminalization of cannabis possession, but he does believe that penalties for cannabis possession should be reduced. (2012)

Ed Markey: Supports medical marijuana & marijuana banking

• Cosponsored the CARERS Act of 2017, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with state medical cannabis policy, end the federal prohibition of CBD, and allow VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level.
• Cosponsored the SAFE Banking Act, which would allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses.
• Signed a letter asking the Senate Appropriations Committee to respect state marijuana laws. (2018)
• Signed a letter asking Attorney General Jeff Sessions to respect state cannabis laws. (2018)

Elizabeth Warren: Legalize marijuana at both federal & state levels

• Introduced the STATES Act of 2019, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level.
• Cosponsored the CARERS Act of 2017, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with state medical cannabis policy, end the federal prohibition of CBD, and allow VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal.
• Told VICE: "I believe the federal government should get out of the business of outlawing marijuana. If a state like Massachusetts wants to make it legal, then that should be up to the state of Massachusetts." (2018)
• Quote: "States have the right to enforce their own marijuana policies--and I'm working on legislation to make sure it stays that way." (2018)

Eric Holcomb: Supports medical marijuana and industrial hemp

• Opposes the legalization of medical cannabis.
• Signed a bill that legalized CBD in Indiana. (2018)
• Opposed efforts to permit the production of industrial hemp in Indiana. (2018)
• Quote: "Right now, in the world that we're living in, expanding or legalizing drugs of this nature isn't on my list." (2016)

Eric Swalwell: Supports medical and recreational marijuana

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Cosponsors the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act, which would legalize and regulate cannabis at the federal level.
• Cosponsors the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level.
• Cosponsors the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2017, which would end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
• Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2015)
• Voted in favor of allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2015)

Gavin Newsom: Supports recreational marijuana but no black market

• Directed the California National Guard to crackdown on unlicensed cannabis farms. (2019)
• Quote: "We moved towards legalization to get people into the daylight and into the sunshine of a regulated environment, which means you've got to act maturely, you've got to play by the rules. You can't play in the margins. There is no more black market." (2017)
• Endorsed and campaigned for the ballot initiative that legalized recreational cannabis California. (2016)
• Chaired California's Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy, which endorsed cannabis legalization and made numerous suggestions for how to implement it. (2015)

Greg Pence: Opposes medical and recreational marijuana

Has not supported:
• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Rep. Pence has not declared his support for reforming any cannabis policies.

Jacky Rosen: Supports medical and recreational marijuana

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level.
• Cosponsors the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act, which would legalize and regulate cannabis at the federal level.
• Cosponsors the Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2017, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Act of 2017, which would allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses.
• Cosponsors the Veterans Equal Access Act, which would allow VA doctors to recommend cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal.

Jon Tester: Supports medical and recreational marijuana

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• Cosponsored the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015, which would have ended the federal prohibition of industrial hemp. (2015)
• Voted in favor of allowing VA doctors to recommend cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2017)
• Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2016)
• Voted in favor of allowing banks to provide financial services to cannabis-related businesses that are operating legally under state laws. (2016)
• Said he's "not too crazy about full legalization" but "state's rights do need to be respected in this situation and there's plenty of argument out there that says that alcohol is far worse than marijuana and I will tell you that's hard to debate."

Joni Ernst: Opposes medical and recreational marijuana

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level

• Cosponsors the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, which would end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
• Opposed the legalization of medical cannabis in Iowa. (2015)

Kamala Harris: SAFE Banking Act: Decriminalize marijuana finances

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Cosponsors the Marijuana Justice Act of 2019, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level, expunge federal cannabis convictions, and reinvest in the communities that have been most harmed by cannabis prohibition.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to provide services to cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level.
• Quote: "While I don't believe in legalizing all drugs--as a career prosecutor I just don't--we need to do the smart thing, the right thing, and finally decriminalize marijuana." (2017)
• Quote: "Instead of going after drug cartels, and violent crime, and major traffickers, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is going after recreational marijuana users. That's not being smart on crime." (2018)

Kim Reynolds: No further legalization of marijuana

• Opposes efforts to expand the state's medical cannabis program.
• Said she does not support the legalization of cannabis. (2017)

Kirsten Gillibrand: Supports medical and recreational marijuana

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Cosponsors the Marijuana Justice Act of 2019, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level, expunge federal cannabis convictions, reinvest in the communities that have been most harmed by cannabis prohibition, and penalize states that continue to disproportionately arrest people of color and low-income individuals for cannabis-related crimes.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level.
• Cosponsored the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, which would end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
• Cosponsored the CARERS Act of 2017, which would allow VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal.

Michael Bennet: Supports medical and recreational marijuana

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Cosponsors the Marijuana Justice Act of 2019, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level, expunge federal cannabis convictions, reinvest in the communities that have been most harmed by cannabis prohibition, and penalize states that continue to disproportionately arrest people of color and low-income individuals for cannabis-related crimes.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level. (2019)
• Cosponsors the STATES Act of 2019, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level.
• Signed a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to respect state cannabis laws. (2018)

Mike Dunleavy: Marijuana is legal, but regulate it very heavily

• Unveiled a plan to eliminate the state's Marijuana Control Board and give the state's commerce commissioner the authority to regulate the cannabis industry. (2019)
• Appointed an activist who opposed cannabis retail sales in Fairbanks to the state's Marijuana Control Board. (2019)
• Said he does not support altering the state's retail cannabis tax rate. (2018)

Phil Bryant: Supports very restricted medical marijuana only

• Quote: "We're not going to consider [legalizing cannabis] in Mississippi as long as I'm governor." (2014)
• Signed a bill to legalize the medical use of cannabis oil under tightly controlled circumstances. (2014)

Roy Cooper: Opposes legalization of marijuana

Told a local news outlet he doesn't believe the time is right to legalize cannabis. (2018)

Seth Moulton: Supports medical and recreational marijuana

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Cosponsors the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level.
• Cosponsors the Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2017, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses that are legal at the state level.
• Voted in favor of allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)
• Voted in favor of preventing states from penalizing banks for providing financial services to legitimate cannabis businesses. (2014)

Steve Bullock: Strongly supports medical marijuana

• Signed a bill to regulate Montana's medical cannabis industry. (2017)
• Opposed a Montana Supreme Court ruling that upheld strict regulations of the state's medical marijuana industry, saying, "I am concerned about the ability of thousands of patients with serious medical conditions to access a treatment that has been approved by their doctors." (2016)

Steve Sisolak: Supports legal but heavily regulated marijuana

• Created a panel tasked with developing a marijuana control board to regulate Nevada's legal cannabis industry. (2019)
• Signaled he is open to authorizing cannabis consumption lounges if the proper regulations are in place. (2018)
• Campaigned on clearing up many of the regulatory issues surrounding Nevada's legal cannabis industry. (2018)
• Said the top cannabis issue he wants to tackle as governor is the restrictions on banking. (2018)
• Quote, on cannabis taxes: "It is not trickling down. It is not going to education. I know for a fact marijuana would not be legal in certain areas if it wasn't going to education. The Legislature was in a time crunch and didn't put it there, but it's my intention to make sure the money goes to education." (2018)

Susan Collins: Medical marijuana ok; but no marijuana banking

• Voted in favor of allowing VA doctors to recommend cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2017)
• Voted in favor of preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers in states where it is legal. (2015)
• Voted against allowing banks to provide financial services to cannabis-related businesses that are operating legally under state laws. (2016)

Thom Tillis: Allow marijuana research, but no legalization except hemp

Has not supported any of the following:
• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Cosponsors the Hemp Farming Bill of 2018, which would end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
• Cosponsors the MEDS Act, which would remove barriers to medical cannabis research.
• Quote: "For me, it is crucial that we continue to educate ourselves on all the short-term and long-term consequences of marijuana use before we consider unrestricted legalization of the drug." (2018)
• A spokesperson for Sen. Tillis told Vice: "Senator Tillis is opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana at the federal level, but he supports efforts to remove regulatory roadblocks that place unnecessary limits on legitimate research into medical marijuana and derivatives." (2018)

Tim Ryan: Supports medical and recreational marijuana

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Cosponsors the Marijuana Justice Act of 2018, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level and expunge federal marijuana convictions.
• Cosponsors the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act, which would legalize and regulate cannabis at the federal level.
• Cosponsors the STATES Act of 2019, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level.
• Cosponsors the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, which would allow banks to work with cannabis businesses.
• Cosponsored the Industrial Hemp Farming Act, which would have ended the federal prohibition of industrial hemp. (2015)
• Voted in favor of allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans in states where it is legal. (2016)

Tulsi Gabbard: Supports medical and recreational marijuana

• Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level
• Cosponsors the Marijuana Justice Act of 2018, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level and expunge federal cannabis convictions.
• Cosponsors the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017, which would end cannabis prohibition at the federal level.
• Cosponsors the STATES ACT, which would prevent the federal government from interfering with cannabis policy at the state level, allow banks to provide services to legitimate cannabis businesses, and end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.
• Cosponsors the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2017, which would end the federal prohibition of industrial hemp.

Greg Gianforte: Oppose easing marijuana laws; some support for medical use

Has not supported any of the following:
• Allow Cannabis Businesses to Use Banks
• Allow VA Doctors to Recommend Medical Cannabis
• Allow States to Legalize Medical Cannabis
• Allow States to Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• End Cannabis Prohibition at Federal Level

Lance Gooden: Allow states to legalize medical cannabis, but no other uses

Cannabis Voter Project scores:
• (Has Not Supported) Allow Cannabis Businesses To Use Banks
• (Has Not Supported) Allow VA Doctors To Recommend Medical Cannabis
• (Supported) Allow States To Legalize Medical Cannabis
• (Has Not Supported) Allow States To Legalize Recreational Cannabis
• (Has Not Supported) End Cannabis Prohibition At Federal Level