Cannabis Clash Happens as Presidential Candidates Discuss Medical Marijuana Issues

The topic of marijuana arose during the presidential debate this week. The discussion began when the candidates started discussing criminal justice, which appears to be tied to marijuana reform. Marijuana is illegal and is classified as a Schedule I drug. During the debate, Senator Corey Booker pushed back against former Vice President Joe Biden’s harsh criminalization policies, stating that “far more bold action on criminal justice reform” is needed, including “true marijuana justice.”

Other candidates, such as Representative Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Kamala Harris also joined the discussion, indicating that the next president would need to clean “up the mess [Biden] create in the United States Senate.” Interestingly enough, Representative Tulsi, a former prosecutor, was against legalization in the past.

Booker continued,

“This is a crisis in our country because we have treated issues of race and poverty, mental health and addiction, with locking people up and not lifting them up. Every major crime bill—major and minor—has had [Biden’s] name on it and not mine.”

He continued,

“The house was set on fire and you claimed responsibility for those laws and you can’t just now come out with a plan to put out that fire. We have got to have far more bold action on criminal justice reform.”

The interview and continuation of the discussion can be watched here.

All information is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing should be interpreted as legal or wellness advice.