Bob Ferguson on Drugs

	Bob Ferguson on Drugs

Accountability for those who deal or supply drugs illegally

In his first television ad, Mullet jabs Ferguson for his calling in 2021 for the elimination of criminal penalties for possessing "non-commercial" amounts of illegal drugs -- in line with a policy that Oregon adopted but has since walked back.

Ferguson, in an emailed statement, didn't directly respond to Mullet's criticism of his 2021 positions on drug decriminalization. Instead, he noted his stance last year on a bill lawmakers approved to overhaul the state's drug possession law. "I supported restoring criminal penalties for simple drug possession, prioritizing treatment, and holding individuals accountable for selling drugs, engaging in public drug use, and refusing court-ordered treatment," he said.

He also said he has "always demanded accountability for those who deal or supply drugs illegally or unethically -- whether on the street or in corporate boardrooms," noting $1.2 billion in legal settlements his office had won from companies with ties to the opioid sector.

Source: Washington State Standard AdWatch on 2024 Governor race , Apr 26, 2024

Prepared to defend state marijuana legalization against DOJ

Washington state officials, including Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson, are vowing to defend the state's pot laws as federal changes are planned, after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded Justice Department policies under President Obama that allowed state-sanctioned marijuana markets to sprout up across the country.

"We will use every single power at our disposal to preserve and protect the mission statement Washington State voters gave us,” said Gov. Jay Inslee, at a news conference at the state capitol, noting that voters approved the initiative legalizing marijuana in Washington state.

While Ferguson said he didn't know whether Washington would take any legal steps against Sessions' action, his office has spent years preparing. "Take my word for it, but my legal team has been very focused on this issue from the day marijuana was legalized in Washington state five years ago," Ferguson said, adding later: "Our legal arguments have been crafted; we are prepared."

Source: The Seattle Times on 2024 Washington Gubernatorial race , Jan 4, 2018

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