The GOP race for the 2024 presidential election is heating up, with three viable candidates remaining. As the Iowa caucus approaches, it’s essential to examine where these candidates stand on the issue of cannabis legalization at the federal level. However, this discussion assumes that the Biden administration won’t take action on the matter before the next election.
Let’s start with Nikki Haley, who is gaining momentum in the polls. When she announced her candidacy last February, Haley called for a “new generation” of leaders. This statement is generally seen as a positive sign by cannabis advocates, as younger politicians tend to be more open to legalization. However, Haley has consistently maintained that cannabis legalization should be decided at the state level. She believes that these decisions are best made by individual states, where people can express their voices. While this approach may appeal to some, many are now looking for full federal legalization, especially after the recent recommendation by the Department of Health and Human Services to reschedule cannabis based on its medical use.
Next, we have Donald Trump, the frontrunner in the race. During his presidency, Trump upheld federal prohibition on cannabis but did not actively crack down on state-legal cannabis programs. In 2023, he acknowledged that cannabis was a “pretty popular thing” among voters. However, he maintained his view that drug dealers should face the death penalty, without clarifying his stance on illicit cannabis sellers. Trump’s comments associating cannabis with mass shootings and suggesting it could be genetically engineered certainly raised concerns. Given these factors, it’s safe to assume that Trump is unlikely to support federal cannabis legalization if he were reelected.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been inconsistent in his rhetoric regarding cannabis throughout his political career. He was once considered one of the “coolest Republicans” when it came to weed, according to a prominent marijuana advocate. However, DeSantis recently stated that he would respect state-level cannabis decisions if elected president. While this may sound promising, he also blamed legal cannabis programs in states like Colorado and California for contributing to the increase in the black market. Additionally, he questioned the legitimacy of medical marijuana users in Florida, suggesting that many are using their medical conditions as a pretext for recreational consumption.
In conclusion, the remaining GOP candidates have differing views on cannabis legalization at the federal level. Nikki Haley believes it should be decided at the state level, while Ron DeSantis has expressed support for respecting state-level decisions but has made critical comments about legal programs. Donald Trump, on the other hand, upheld federal prohibition during his presidency and made controversial statements linking cannabis to mass shootings. As the 2024 presidential race continues, it will be interesting to see how these candidates’ positions on cannabis evolve and how they resonate with voters.
