State of Georgia Archives: on Drugs
Allen Buckley:
End Federal illicit drug regulations
The country is gradually moving towards the legalization of marijuana. When I first ran in 2004 that was my position, to make marijuana legal. The Federal government should get out of [illicit drugs] altogether and let the states do whatever they want.
The States are all broke. Are they gonna spend huge amounts of money to incarcerate people or are they gonna do something more cost effective? The states would do different things to figure out what is the best deal with any particular drug."
Source: The Red & Black on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Feb 11, 2016
Amanda Swafford:
Replace War on Drugs with individual freedom
The primary responsibility of government is to protect our individual rights. That duty requires preservation of those rights which may include aspects of another person's beliefs that we don't personally agree with. However, as long as an individual's
choices or actions do not infringe on another person's liberties, we should not use government to force that individual to conform to our personal beliefs. On a federal level, individual freedom is an important foundation for issues like the War on Drugs
Source: 2014 Georgia Senate campaign website, AmandaSwafford.net
Sep 30, 2014
Andrew Hunt:
Fines instead of imprisonment for non-violent drug offenses
Victimless, non-violent offenders should not be ripped away from their families and jobs by making them serve time. This only increases their potential recidivism rate. Instead of incarceration, the state can charge fines, similar to most traffic
violations. I will move in this direction as much as possible. I hope to show a majority of people that that a shift toward greater Liberty can be great for society. I will support changes to the War on Drugs to reduce the impact that drugs have on
our society. Much of these impacts are crime related, a direct cause of these drugs being illegal. I would like to have a net savings in our budget by funding drug rehabilitation programs instead of jail time, and
will work to get such changes passed into law and implemented. By improving education and employment in Georgia, we will see a decrease in crime.
Source: 2014 Georgia gubernatorial campaign website, AndrewHunt.us
Aug 31, 2014
Brian Kemp:
Deport drug cartel kingpins
The Georgia Gang Investigators Association [concludes] there are over 71,000 validated gang affiliates and 1,500 suspected gang networks in our state. These gangs are pawns for Mexican drug cartels--pushing opioids and drugs, buying and selling children
for sex. By utilizing the Criminal Gang and Criminal Alien Database, which will be funded with existing resources from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, we can track and deport drug cartel kingpins who are terrorizing our communities.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
Brian Kemp:
Unequivocally opposes recreational use of marijuana
Marijuana: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Abrams: Supports medical use and decriminalization of small amounts for recreational use as "a critical step to criminal justice reform."
Kemp: "Unequivocally" opposes recreational use. Supports limited
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Brian Kemp:
Signed Hope Act: allows for medicinal oils with up to 5% THC
In 2015, Gov. Nathan Deal legalized medicinal marijuana, and Gov. Brian Kemp expanded on the legalization in 2019 when he signed the Georgia's Hope Act.
It allows for the manufacturing and dispensing of oils with a THC content up to 5%. While there's a statewide commission over licensing, it's up to local governments to dictate zoning restrictions.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2022 Georgia Governor race
Oct 14, 2021
David Perdue:
Receptive to medical marijuana, but leave it to states
The Washington Post reported that the Obama administration Friday gave the banking industry approval to do business with legal marijuana sellers. Perdue was asked what he thought about this."I'm not a doctor, but the only use of marijuana that
I would support today would be the medical use of it," he said. "The two doctors in this race have both said that that would be acceptable to them. I've talked to other physicians that think it's a valuable tool to use. I'm basing this on medical
thought that that is a tool to use against some treatments for cancer and so forth, and if that can be used medicinally, I would be OK with that."
Loosening restrictions on the use of medical marijuana in Georgia is a decision for the state
Legislature, he said. "But as a senator, I'm telling you that I'm going to support the law of the land in the state of Georgia, that's first of all, second of all, that the medicinal use of it is something that I would be receptive to," he said.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Feb 16, 2014
David Perdue:
Supports medical marijuana, not recreational use
Q: Marijuana--Decriminalize or legalize?Perdue: Medical yes. Supports access to medical marijuana.
As of 2014, opposed recreational.
Ossoff: Yes. "It's past time to legalize, regulate and tax cannabis."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Doug Collins:
Marijuana: let states legalize, against federal legalization
Q: Marijuana--Legal or ban?Doug Collins: Mixed. Supports letting states legalize but opposes federal legalization.
Kelly Loeffler: Ban. Is "concerned about the negative effects that legalizing marijuana would have."
Raphael Warnock: Legal. Wants to decriminalize marijuana.
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Ed Tarver:
Against long prison terms for nonviolent, addicted prisoners
President Obama appointed Ed as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. While Ed aggressively prosecuted drug dealers, sex traffickers, and those who committed fraud on Georgia's taxpayers, he also worked with the community to
identify solutions to long term incarceration for non-violent and drug addicted prisoners. Taxpayers cannot afford the cost of continuing to be the nation that imprisons more people than any other country in the world.
Source: 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate website TarverForSenate.com
Feb 20, 2020
Ed Tarver:
Allow onsite testing for drug-free workplace program
SB96: A BILL relating to drug-free workplace programs, to provide for onsite testing & oral testing. Summary by eDrugTest.com: Georgia has a voluntary drug testing law. For companies that wish to qualify for a 7.5% discount on their
workers' compensation premiums they must comply with this law.
Legislative outcome:Passed House 160-2-18, Vote #429 on Apr/20/07; passed Senate 56-0-0, Vote #175 on Mar/27/07; Sen. Ed Tarver voted YES; Signed by Gov. Perdue on May/24/07
Source: Asbestos.com on Georgia legislative voting records: SB182
Apr 30, 2007
Herschel Walker:
Criticizes Biden Administration over false crack pipe policy
[TeamHerschel.com press release 2/9/22] "I am deeply disturbed by the news that the Biden Administration is using taxpayer funds to distribute free crack pipes," Herschel said. "To make things worse, they are doing this in the name of 'racial equity'--
and Senator Raphael Warnock has stood by this Administration every step of the way. There is nothing compassionate about enabling people to continue using dangerous and lethal drugs. Instead, we should focus on helping people get treatment and move
beyond addiction."[FactCheck by CNN, 2/17/22]: An article claiming that the Biden administration planned to give away crack pipes to drug addicts went viral, eliciting outrage on the right. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and Dr. Rahul Gupta, director
of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, issued a statement clarifying that "no federal funding will be used directly or through subsequent reimbursement of grantees to put pipes in safe smoking kits."
Source: CNN FactCheck on 2022 Georgia Senate race
Feb 17, 2022
Johnny Isakson:
Legalize medical marijuana and cannabis oil
A group of senators introduced a medical marijuana bill that seeks to do what Georgia's did to legalize epilepsy treatments with hemp oil at the federal level. It's different from a recent House version because it allows the FDA more leeway to regulate
the cannabidiol products, thus earning the support of Sen. Johnny Isakson, who said:"This legislation will ensure that families of children suffering from seizures have access to treatments that can provide them with a better quality of life.
The legislation also removes federal barriers for Georgia families who want to bring the cannabis oil back to Georgia in order to administer medical treatment in the comfort of their own home. I've always been a supporter of research and innovation as a
leading driver in finding new and improved treatment options for those affected by diseases and disorders."
Even though Georgia has legalized possession of the drug, it remains illegal to carry it across state lines.
Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution on 2016 Georgia Senate race
May 14, 2015
Jon Ossoff:
Locking up nonviolent drug offenders doesn't make sense
Violent crime, murder, rape, human trafficking, and corruption are rampant, while we spend billions locking up nonviolent drug offenders.
It just doesn't make sense. Jon will work to reduce mass incarceration of nonviolent offenders, which punishes taxpayers and wastes American lives.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
Jon Ossoff:
Past time to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis
Q: Marijuana--Decriminalize or legalize?Ossoff: Yes. "It's past time to legalize, regulate and tax cannabis."
Perdue: Medical yes. Supports access to medical marijuana. As of 2014, opposed recreational.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Kelly Loeffler:
Stiffer penalties for deceptively trafficking in fentanyl
U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Zero Tolerance for Deceptive Fentanyl Trafficking Act. The bill would increase penalties for fentanyl traffickers who intentionally misrepresent the drug
to unknowing customers."One of the most lethal opioids is fentanyl, with thousands of overdose deaths attributed to this highly-potent drug every year. Criminals who lace fentanyl with other drugs and traffic them into the US must be held accountable
for their deceptive, illegal & often deadly schemes. It's time that our legal penalties properly reflect the seriousness & the fatal consequences of pushing these dangerous substances," said Loeffler.
Under this legislation, dealers who intentionally
misrepresent their product would face a 20-year sentence. If the dealers intentionally included fentanyl to cause death--often because they want to increase the reputation of their product's potency--then the offense becomes death penalty eligible.
Source: Senate press release on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Feb 27, 2020
Kelly Loeffler:
Marijuana: concerned about negative effects of legalization
Q: Marijuana--Legal or ban?Kelly Loeffler: Ban. Is "concerned about the negative effects that legalizing marijuana would have."
Raphael Warnock: Legal. Wants to decriminalize marijuana.
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Nathan Deal:
BUI: Boating Under the Influence: if blood alcohol over .10%
This past summer, Georgia witnessed several tragic accidents on our waterways. We know alcohol is involved in over 50 percent of all boating fatalities each year. On Georgia's roads, if the operator of a vehicle has a
Blood Alcohol content of .08 or higher, he can be charged with Driving Under the Influence. However, you cannot be charged with Boating Under the Influence unless your Blood Alcohol level is .10 or higher.
The Jake and Griffin Prince BUI Law that I am proposing will change that. If you are too drunk to drive an automobile, you are too drunk to drive a boat!I will also propose, through the Kile Glover Boat Education Law,
that you place age limits and educational requirements on young operators of boats and personal watercraft and that children who are 13 or younger must wear life jackets when riding in an open boat that is moving.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Georgia Legislature
Jan 17, 2013
Raphael Warnock:
Marijuana: wants to decriminalize
Q: Marijuana--Legal or ban?Raphael Warnock: Legal. Wants to decriminalize marijuana.
Kelly Loeffler: Ban. Is "concerned about the negative effects that legalizing marijuana would have."
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Renee Unterman:
Allow onsite testing for drug-free workplace program
SB96: A BILL relating to drug-free workplace programs, to provide for onsite testing & oral testing. Summary by eDrugTest.com: Georgia has a voluntary drug testing law. For companies that wish to qualify for a 7.5% discount on their
workers' compensation premiums they must comply with this law.
Legislative outcome:Passed House 160-2-18, Vote #429 on Apr/20/07; passed Senate 56-0-0, Vote #175 on Mar/27/07; Sen. Unterman voted YES; Signed by Gov. Perdue on May/24/07
Source: Asbestos.com on Georgia legislative voting records: SB182
Apr 30, 2007
Shane Hazel:
Marijuana is a right
Industries such as pharma, alcohol, tobacco, prisons, and police are fighting to keep cannabis illegal. Cannabis is a right.
"I will expose the huge industries of pharma, alcohol, tobacco, prisons and police that fight for prohibition."
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ShaneHazel.com
Oct 27, 2020
Shane Hazel:
End wars, including the drug war
Q: In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?A: I will introduce legislation to end the wars including the drug wars as my priority.
I will also introduce legislation to end the fed. I will also introduce legislation to kill as many unconstitutional bureaucracies as I possibly can.
And lastly I will introduce legislation to abolish compulsory government indoctrination camps so that our children may receive the best education that exist.
I will also introduce criminal justice reform to include ending the drug war, ending qualified immunity, ending mandatory minimums, freeing all the non-violent criminals and ending prison for profit.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Sonny Perdue:
Allow onsite testing for drug-free workplace program
SB96: A BILL relating to drug-free workplace programs, to provide for onsite testing & oral testing. Summary by eDrugTest.com: Georgia has a voluntary drug testing law. For companies that wish to qualify for a 7.5% discount on their
workers' compensation premiums they must comply with this law.
Legislative outcome:Passed House 160-2-18, Vote #429 on Apr/20/07; passed Senate 56-0-0, Vote #175 on Mar/27/07; Signed by Gov. Perdue on May/24/07
Source: Asbestos.com on Georgia legislative voting records: SB182
Apr 30, 2007
Stacey Abrams:
Expand list of conditions for medical marijuana
HB 65: Expands the list of conditions for which a patient may register with the Low THC Oil Patient Registry. HB 65 expands the list to include
Tourette's syndrome, autism, intractable pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, human immunodeficiency virus, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. MY VOTE: YES
Source: 2018 Georgia governor campaign website StaceyAbrams.com
Mar 30, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
Add fentanyl to list of criminalized opioids
HB 213: Updates the Georgia Code to include the drug fentanyl alongside morphine, opium, and heroin. Individuals convicted of felony drug trafficking of
fentanyl would be subjected to the same punishments as trafficking those other drugs. MY VOTE: YES
Source: 2018 Georgia governor campaign website StaceyAbrams.com
Mar 30, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
Allow onsite testing for drug-free workplace program
SB96: A BILL relating to drug-free workplace programs, to provide for onsite testing & oral testing. Summary by eDrugTest.com: Georgia has a voluntary drug testing law. For companies that wish to qualify for a 7.5% discount on their
workers' compensation premiums they must comply with this law.
Legislative outcome:Passed House 160-2-18, Vote #429 on Apr/20/07; Rep. Abrams voted YES; passed Senate 56-0-0, Vote #175 on Mar/27/07; Signed by Gov. Perdue on May/24/07
Source: Asbestos.com on Georgia legislative voting records: SB182
Apr 30, 2007
Stacey Abrams:
For medical marijuana; open to legalizing recreational use
Abrams supports Georgia's medical marijuana legislation and wants to legalize growth of marijuana in Georgia for medical use.
Abrams also supports decriminalizing some marijuana violations, similar to what the city of Atlanta has done. She says she is open to legalizing recreational marijuana if there's a strong substance abuse network in place.
Source: WMAZ CBS-TV-13 on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Nov 2, 2018
Ted Terry:
Decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana
Georgia Mayor Ted Terry has a hell of a track record. He has doubled the size of the small town just outside of Atlanta, made Election Day a holiday,
raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour, helped to democratize the city council with millenials and minorities, and decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Source: Under the Radar Mag on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Dec 19, 2019
Teresa Tomlinson:
Remove marijuana from Controlled Substance Act schedule
- I support removing marijuana from the Controlled Substance Act schedule, so it can be regulated, and taxed appropriately.
- I support regulating marijuana under the appropriate federal agency which can work with states to provide market and
interstate commerce continuity, thereby preventing black markets, criminal law disparities, and other market anomalies or unintended effects.
- I support amending the IRS tax code and banking regulations to fully accommodate this new industry.
- I believe the federal government must address the decades of racial disparity and harsh criminal sentences for minor marijuana offenses through expungement and commutation programs.
- I believe the federal government should ensure the participation
of minority participants in any legalized marijuana market and help facilitate sources of start-up capital and other funding needed to make this participation a reality.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website, TeresaTomlinson.com
Jan 12, 2020
Teresa Tomlinson:
End sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine
As the next United States Senator from Georgia, I will:- Support an end to sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine and other drug charge disparities with a racial bias impact.
-
Support reform of mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenses, so that judges and prosecutors can use discretion in sentencing decisions, particularly for first-time offenders.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website, TeresaTomlinson.com
Jan 12, 2020
Tom Price:
Opposes needle exchange programs
Dr. Price voted to block U.S. funding for needle exchange programs in 2009, several years into his now-12-year stint representing Georgia's sixth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also voted in 2007 to prevent the
District of Columbia from using its own, nonfederal funds on needle exchange programs.
Source: Science Magazine on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Dec 2, 2016
Tom Price:
Criticized for comments on opioid addiction treatment
Price's comments suggesting opioid-type medication to treat opioid addiction isn't very effective prompted hundreds of experts to urge him to unequivocally support the treatment. Price's comments prompted more than 600 practitioners and researchers
to sign a letter asking Price to "set the record straight." "The perception that persons receiving long-term therapy with medications--especially with buprenorphine and methadone--are not actually in recovery is widespread but grossly inaccurate."
Source: PolitiFact.com on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
May 26, 2017
Tom Price:
Co-signs support letter to free states to act on marijuana
"The legal status of cannabis in the United States is in disarray. It is incumbent on Congress to clarify these issues and reform our federal laws," Collins, the ranking minority member on the House Judiciary Committee, wrote to chairman Jerrold
Nadler, with Matt Gaetz, who co-signed the letter. The Republican lawmakers are endorsing the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act, a bill to shield state cannabis laws from federal intervention.
Source: Forbes Magazine on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Aug 25, 2014
Vernon Jones:
Mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs
Jones supports the following principles regarding Drugs:- Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
-
Support mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
- Support strict penalties for internet crime (e.g. hacking, identity theft, worms/viruses).
Source: Georgia Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jul 2, 2008
Zell Miller:
Allow people harmed by drugs to sue drug dealers
Illegal drugs continue to be a significant problem for many families. I'm going to ask you to pass a drug dealer liability law. I want Georgians who are harmed by illegal drugs to be able to sue drug dealers.
I believe they ought to be able to sue drug dealers to recover their costs. This could be a start to shifting the huge cost of the damage caused by illegal drugs back to the dealers.
Source: 1997 Georgia State of the State Address
Jan 14, 1997
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023