State of Michigan Archives: on Drugs


Gary Peters: When marijuana legalized, should be regulated and taxed

Q: Decriminalize or legalize?

Gary Peters: Yes. Says "when it is legalized, it is regulated and it is taxed and it helps with paying for public services like public education."

John James: No. Said would vote no on 2018 state proposal to legalize recreational marijuana but would "respect the will of the voters."

Source: CampusElect on 2020 Michigan Senate race Oct 10, 2020

John James: Respect will of voters & legalize recreational marijuana

Q: Decriminalize or legalize?

John James: No. Said would vote no on 2018 state proposal to legalize recreational marijuana but would "respect the will of the voters."

Gary Peters: Yes. Says "when it is legalized, it is regulated and it is taxed and it helps with paying for public services like public education ."

Source: CampusElect on 2020 Michigan Senate race Oct 10, 2020

Marcia Squier: Legalize pot, give addicts treatment, end war on drugs

I would work to end the failed "war on drugs", decriminalizing illicit drug use and retroactively legalizing cannabis. I would introduce guaranteed healthcare for all, including mental health, hospitalization/rehabilitation for drug addiction, and cannabis prescription coverage. I would hold opioid producers criminally responsible for their crimes against humanity in the name of profit.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2020

Gretchen Whitmer: Invest in treatment courts to treat addiction

The opioid crisis attacking our communities is a tragedy and a disease. We must take action immediately to expand treatment and recovery services. that help our family members and neighbors who are suffering from addiction. Partner with law enforcement and pharmacies to expand permanent drug take-back programs to dispose of unneeded controlled substances. Invest in treatment courts to ensure access to the resources we need to treat addiction, including diversion and alternative sentencing.
Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial website GretchenWhitmer.com Mar 24, 2020

Bill Schuette: Led campaign against medical marijuana in 2008

Q: Marijuana: Support or oppose MI legalization initiative, Proposal 1?

Bill Schuette (R): Concerned legalization will increase youth access, but will respect voters' will. Led campaign against medical marijuana in 2008 but now supports with proper controls.

Gretchen Whitmer (D): Supports legalization for adult recreational use & expungement & exoneration of cannabis-related criminal histories. Endorsed 2008 marijuana initiative.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Debbie Stabenow: Time to decriminalize medical and recreational marijuana

Q: Marijuana: Support medical & recreational decriminalization? Legalization is on the ballot as Measure 1.

John James (R): Unknown view of medical marijuana use. Opposes legalization for recreational use.

Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. "Time to decriminalize medical and recreational marijuana."

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Gretchen Whitmer: Supports marijuana legalization for adult recreational use

Q: Marijuana: Support or oppose MI legalization initiative, Proposal 1?

Bill Schuette (R): Concerned legalization will increase youth access, but will respect voters' will. Led campaign against medical marijuana in 2008 but now supports with proper controls.

Gretchen Whitmer (D): Supports legalization for adult recreational use & expungement & exoneration of cannabis-related criminal histories. Endorsed 2008 marijuana initiative.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race Oct 9, 2018

John James: Opposes marijuana legalization for recreational use

Q: Marijuana: Support medical & recreational decriminalization? Legalization is on the ballot as Measure 1.

John James (R): Unknown view of medical marijuana use. Opposes legalization for recreational use.

Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. "Time to decriminalize medical and recreational marijuana."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Bill Schuette: The opioid epidemic cannot be solved with just arresting

Michigan is gripped by an epidemic of opioid addictions that must be fought on all fronts. Bill works daily to slow the availability of opioids and heroin with a special criminal unit that targets the distribution of these drugs. However, we cannot arrest our way out of this problem, so Bill has supported legislation to limit prescriptions and the recent increased federal funding to create education and treatment programs at the state level that have been lacking.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com Aug 31, 2018

Abdul El-Sayed: End marijuana prohibition; tax it and regulate it

I support the 2018 ballot initiative to end marijuana prohibition in Michigan and establish a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol. Additionally, I support efforts to ensure that Michigan's adult-use cannabis industry is oriented to small businesses and accessible to people of color and other communities disproportionately affected by the misguided and failed War on Drugs. That is why as governor, I will:
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website AbdulForMichigan.com Mar 21, 2018

Gretchen Whitmer: Addicts need treatment, not punishment

Expand treatment and recovery services that help our family members and neighbors who are suffering from addiction. Invest in treatment courts to ensure access to the resources we need to treat addiction, including diversion and alternative sentencing. Hold physicians and drug companies accountable because Michigan has more annual opioid prescriptions than people, and we cannot allow pharmaceutical companies to continue perpetuating the crisis with immunity.
Source: 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial website GretchenWhitmer.com Nov 1, 2017

Marcia Squier: Cannabis is a life-saving drug and must be legalized

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?

A: Strongly oppose. Cannabis is a life-saving drug and must be fully, retroactively legalized. In fact, the entire War on Drugs must end, treating drug addictions as a medical issue as opposed to a criminal one.

Source: OnTheIssues interview on 2018 Michigan Senate race Jul 19, 2017

Marcia Squier: Legalization will help utilize the endless benefits of pot

I want less regulation and more freedom for cannabis, hemp, and the people who use it. I want full, federal retroactive legalization for all. Adults 18+ should be able to freely grow it and use it, and claim it as legal income if they sell it. People under 18 should be able to get prescriptions the same as adults would. We also need more research into the seemingly endless benefits of cannabis and hemp.
Source: Facebook posting for 2018 Michigan Senate race Jun 2, 2017

Marcia Squier: Legalization of pot will help healthcare costs

Q: What do you think about the legalization of pot?

A: I think we need to decriminalize cannabis because that would also reduce healthcare costs. For people to be able to get that life saving remedy at a reasonable rate. I think adults should be able to grow it in their backyard and I think cellars should be able to claim it as legal income.

Source: YouTube video "Within Reason": 2018 Michigan Senate race Mar 19, 2017

Rick Snyder: Enforce prescription law, but Good Samaritans get treatment

A problem area we have is Opioid Abuse. Since 2009, we have seen a doubling of heroin overdoses; that is unacceptable. We need to do better. I want to thank the Legislature for passing Good Samaritan legislation that encourages people to seek help for themselves or others without fear of prosecution.

We are making an investment in Michigan's automated prescription system, which will make a big difference in preventing drug diversion, whether it be prescribers, pharmacies, or at the patient level. MSP has launched an angel program at their Gaylord post. Literally, people can now come to the Gaylord post and ask for help. MSP, the Michigan State Police, will actually help them get treatment. That is the kind of outreach we should have. We are going to expand that program.

Source: 2017 Michigan State of the State address Jan 17, 2017

Rick Snyder: Supports medical marijuana

Legislative Summary: Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 22-16-0 on Nov. 13; passed House 87-22-1 on Dec. 12; Signed by Gov. Snyder on Dec. 31
Source: Michigan legislative voting records: SB 660 Dec 31, 2013

Gretchen Whitmer: Voted NO on medical marijuana

Legislative Summary: Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 22-16-0 on Nov. 13; Sen. Gretchen Whitmer noted NAY; passed House 87-22-1 on Dec. 12; Signed by Gov. Snyder on Dec. 31
Source: Michigan legislative voting records: SB 660 Nov 13, 2013

John Moolenaar: Voted NO on medical marijuana

Legislative Summary: Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 22-16-0 on Nov. 13; Sen. Moolenaar noted NAY; passed House 87-22-1 on Dec. 12; Signed by Gov. Snyder on Dec. 31
Source: Michigan legislative voting records: SB 660 Nov 13, 2013

Rick Snyder: Reduce supply, combating production of meth

There is new legislation stepping up the state's efforts to combat the production of illegal methamphetamine. Current efforts to prevent the sale of these legal medicines to people who use it to manufacture the illegal drug are insufficient.

This will give law enforcement the ability to better detect patterns and block sales to people who buy up large quantities of cold & allergy medicine. We will make our communities safer by preventing access to the ingredients needed to manufacture meth.

Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #259269 Jul 15, 2011

Gary Peters: Implement voter legalization of medical marijuana

Gary Peters and his opponent, Rocky Raczkowski, are like two bad sports talk radio partners: they simply disagree on everything. (Except immigration, a hot button issue in which pandering to either side can seriously jeopardize your campaign.)

The two candidates have become cartoon caricatures of their respective parties. Peters gets painted as a flaming liberal who kowtows to the "socialist" liberal agenda and Raczkowski is deemed a tin-foil hat wearing ultra right-wing lunatic. Case in point: this Freep summation of their positions on the only other 3 issues in this election:

Source: Michigan Lawyers Weekly on 2014 Idaho Senate race Sep 10, 2010

Rocky Raczkowski: No further expansion of medical marijuana laws

Gary Peters and his opponent, Rocky Raczkowski, are like two bad sports talk radio partners: they simply disagree on everything. (Except immigration, a hot button issue in which pandering to either side can seriously jeopardize your campaign.)

The two candidates have become cartoon caricatures of their respective parties. Peters gets painted as a flaming liberal who kowtows to the "socialist" liberal agenda and Raczkowski is deemed a tin-foil hat wearing ultra right-wing lunatic. Case in point: this Freep summation of their positions on the only other 3 issues in this election:

Source: Michigan Lawyers Weekly on 2010 Michigan House race Sep 10, 2010

George W. Bush: A leader learns from his mistakes and shares wisdom

It’s become clear to America over the course of this campaign that I’ve made mistakes in my life, but I’m proud to tell you I’ve learned from my mistakes. And that’s the role of a leader -- to share wisdom, to share experience with people who are looking for someone to lead.
Source: Speech in Michigan Nov 4, 2000

Mark Schauer: End mandatory minimum sentences for drug-related crimes

Source: Michigan State 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

  • The above quotations are from State of Michigan Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Drugs.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2020 Presidential contenders on Drugs:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN)
Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021