2024 WA Governor's race: on Drugs

Hilary Franz: Criminal justice sector not set up to handle addiction

"I know, having worked in the mental health sector as well as work in the criminal justice sector, that we've got to do more to help in the area of bringing science and bringing safety and bringing compassion to this work."

Bob Ferguson: Prepared to defend state marijuana legalization against DOJ

"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."

Semi Bird: I will make Schedule 1 drugs a felony again

Bob Ferguson: Rated F by NORML: stiffen penalties for cannabis

NORML Politician Info: rated F
• Candidate: Bob Ferguson (D - WA): Holds office Attorney General
• Position on Marijuana Legalization: Signed onto letter asking Congress to stiffen penalties for cannabis

Jay Inslee: Rated A by NORML: expunge low-level marijuana convictions

NORML Politician Info: rated A
• Candidate: Jay Inslee (D - WA): Holds office: Governor
• Summary: LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
• Legislation:
• Governor Inslee signed several marijuana-related bills in 2019. Specifically, Senate Bill 5605 facilitates the expungement of low-level marijuana convictions, House Bill 1094 streamlines the medical marijuana approval process, and House Bill 1095 permits qualified patients access to certain cannabis products while on school grounds.
• Gov. Inslee announced his intent to provide an expedited process for granting clemency to those with past marijuana-related convictions. (1/4/19)
• Comments:
• During his campaign for the 2020 Democratic Presidential nomination, Gov. Inslee said "It's time to legalize marijuana nationally."

Mark Mullet: Share state cannabis tax revenue with cities and counties

When we have state operating budget growth, we will share that growth with the transportation budget so we can avoid traffic misery for Washington residents. We will do a better job of sharing state cannabis tax revenue with cities and counties that want to focus on public safety improvements. We will provide state financial support to any city or county that creates a permit system that is both predictable and quick. All of these goals can be accomplished through the budget framework.