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Robert Menendez on Drugs

Democratic Jr Senator; previously Representative (NJ-13)

 


Give marijuana businesses access to banking services

Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?

Robert Hugin (R): Decriminalize small amounts but opposes recreational legalization.

Robert Menendez (D): Urged administration to respect state laws & submitted bill to study states that have legalized. Supports giving pot businesses access to banking services.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Jersey Senate race , Oct 9, 2018

Review current marijuana laws for cases of incurable disease

Q: Should the federal government curtail its penalties for banned drug substances, such as marijuana, especially when used for medicinal purposes?

KEAN: I oppose the legalization of marijuana and believe we must prosecute drug-related offenses to the fullest extent of the law.

MENENDEZ: For those suffering uncontrollable pain from cancer and other diseases - for which no prescription drug provides relief - I believe we should review current law.

Source: Hall Institute N.J. Senate Virtual Debate (X-ref Kean) , Sep 24, 2006

Voted NO on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism.

Amendment to set up a task force on counter-terrorism and drug interdiction and allow military personnel to help patrol U.S. borders.
Bill HR 2586 ; vote number 2001-356 on Sep 25, 2001

Voted NO on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC.

Vote to pass a bill that provides $429.1 million in funds for the District of Columbia and approves the District's $6.8 billion budget. Among other provisions, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for needle exchange programs, prohibits implementing an approved ballot initiative to legalize the medicinal use of marijuana.
Reference: Bill sponsored by Istook, R-OK; Bill HR 3064 ; vote number 1999-504 on Oct 14, 1999

Voted NO on subjecting federal employees to random drug tests.

Drug Demand Reduction Act: Vote on an amendment to require that anyone hired by the Federal Government is subject to random, unannounced drug testing.
Reference: Amendment by Taylor, D-MS; bill by Portman, R-OH.; Bill HR 4550 ; vote number 1998-443 on Sep 16, 1998

Rated D by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance.

Menendez scores D by the NORML on drug reform

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:

About NORML (from their website, www.norml.org):

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.

NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.

NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession & responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called "decriminalization."

NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as "legalization."

NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.

NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.

Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.

Source: NORML website 16_NORML on Nov 8, 2016

Other candidates on Drugs: Robert Menendez on other issues:
NJ Gubernatorial:
Barbara Buono
Chris Christie
Cory Booker
Doug Steinhardt
Hirsh Singh
Jack Ciattarelli
Joe Rullo
John Wisniewski
Kim Guadagno
Phil Murphy
Seth Kaper-Dale
NJ Senatorial:
Bob Hugin
Cory Booker
Hirsh Singh
Jeff Chiesa
Murray Sabrin
Rich Pezzullo
Rik Mehta
Stuart Meissner

NJ politicians
NJ Archives
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Page last updated: Dec 30, 2021