State of Missouri Archives: on Drugs


Vicky Hartzler: Allow Border Patrol to target drones smuggling drugs

?Her strong support for President Trump's border security efforts coupled with her work to secure his vision of a more robust and stronger military moved these issues in the Congress. She passed a law to protect our borders by allowing Border Patrol agents to target drones used to smuggle drugs into American communities and backed President Trump's reforms to secure our southern border.
Source: 2021 Missouri Senate campaign website VickyHartzler.com Jul 9, 2021

Mike Parson: Against marijuana legalization, OK with medical use

Q: Should state legalize marijuana?

Mike Parson: No. Does not favor recreational legalization. OK with medical use. Criticism about clients of a close ally being favored in securing medical licenses.

Nicole Galloway: Yes. Supports legalization that includes expunging criminal records.

Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race Nov 3, 2020

Nicole Galloway: Supports legalization, expunging criminal records

Q: Should state legalize marijuana?

Nicole Galloway: Yes. Supports legalization that includes expunging criminal records.

Mike Parson: No. Does not favor recreational legalization. OK with medical use. Criticism about clients of a close ally being favored in securing medical licenses.

Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race Nov 3, 2020

Jim Neely: Opposes raising age for vaping from 18 to 21

One candidate criticized his opponent's proposal to raise the age for vaping from 18 to 21. Neely decried Nicole Galloway's recently-announced vaping plan as "a slap in the face to young Veterans across Missouri." "I tend to think that anyone old enough to serve in the military should be allowed to make their own health decisions," said Dr. Neely. "Part of the reason that we all served is to protect the freedoms we have in the United States."
Source: 2020 Missouri Governor campaign website NeelyForMissouri.com Jan 21, 2020

Jim Neely: Supports medical marijuana

He's hoping that taking on the role of governor will help him solve some of the issues, especially in health care, that have dragged on throughout his time there. They include trying to reduce the tax on feminine hygiene products and chipping away at the millions paid to managed care companies that supplement Medicaid. He has also introduced legislation that would legalize medical marijuana.
Source: Kansas City Star on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race Aug 29, 2019

Jim Neely: Legalize medical marijuana for debilitating diseases

for ballot initiatives that would legalize, regulate and tax medical marijuana in a variety of ways.

The House bill, approved in a 112-44 vote, would allow anyone over 18 with a terminal disease to access smokeless marijuana. People with Alzheimer's, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder and several other "debilitating medical conditions" would also be eligible. Missouri would be the 30th state to legalize medical marijuana. Proponents said the change could help ease suffering.

Source: Columbia Daily Tribune on Missouri legislative voting record May 1, 2019

Mike Parson: Supports prescription database as tool to fight opioid abuse

Parson thinks the state is "long overdue" for a prescription-monitoring database for doctors. Missouri remains the only state without such a database, which proponents say helps cut down on opioids being sold on the street. "Not to be able to give these men and women behind me the opportunity to try to fix this problem or to fight crime" is setting back the fight against opioids, Parson said. "We know this is a serious problem, and we've got to give them every opportunity we can," he said.
Source: St. Louis Public Radio on 2020 Missouri gubernatorial race Dec 5, 2018

Claire McCaskill: Supports medical marijuana & alternative drug sentencing

Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana.

Josh Hawley (R): "Inclined" to support medical marijuana in initiative.

Claire McCaskill (D): Supports medical marijuana, alternatives to prison for nonviolent drug offenders, "might support" recreational marijuana.

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

Josh Hawley: Supports medical marijuana

Q: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana.

Josh Hawley (R): "Inclined" to support medical marijuana in initiative.

Claire McCaskill (D): Supports medical marijuana, alternatives to prison for nonviolent drug offenders, "might support" recreational marijuana.

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

Mike Parson: Rate of opioid deaths decreasing but new ideas are needed

While the 2017 numbers of opioid related deaths increased from the 2016 numbers, the rate of increase in opioid deaths was reduced compared to the previous year. From 2015 to 2016 there was a 35% increase in opioid- or heroin-related deaths, but the 2016 to 2017 numbers increased by only 4.7%. Missouri is suffering through an opioid abuse crisis. "We must continue our efforts to find innovative solutions to combat and curb opioid abuse," said Governor Mike Parson.
Source: 2018 Missouri Governor office press release health.MO.gov Jun 27, 2018

Austin Petersen: My ideal: gay couple defends pot farm with machine gun

Petersen said he believes strongly in expanding this right to expression for everyone. He said he strongly supports the First Amendment and Second Amendment and said his ideal was gay married couples having the right to defend their marijuana farms with fully automatic machine guns.
Source: Southeast Arrow on 2018 Missouri Senatorial race Nov 17, 2017

Austin Petersen: Treat drugs as medical issue, not criminal

This war on drugs is a war on American citizens. It's costly, and it creates more violence on the border. We're destroying people's lives--we should be treating drug abuse as a medical problem, not a criminal problem. Drugs are dangerous in part because they're created on the black market. We must be compassionate towards those who are suffering with chemical dependencies, and let them come into the light and seek treatment and help.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website AustinPetersen.com Oct 1, 2017

Angelica Earl: End marijuana prohibition

We can help combat the opioid epidemic with Medical Marijuana. States that have ended marijuana prohibition have seen a 25% decrease in opioid overdose deaths. After years of work with Greater St. Louis NORML, talking to people about why they use it and how it affects them, and knowing people that have experienced violence while trying to purchase their medicine, it's time for us to unite in the push to end marijuana prohibition!
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website AngelicaForMissouri.com Sep 15, 2017

Josh Hawley: Charges opioid manufacturers with deception

Missouri AG Josh Hawley filed a lawsuit against 3 of the largest manufacturers of opioids, accusing the companies of violating Missouri's consumer protection laws. The complaint, which was filed in St. Louis, calls opioid abuse an epidemic in Missouri that is a "direct result of a carefully crafted campaign of deception" by the pharmaceutical companies that "fraudulently misrepresented the risks posed by the drugs that they manufacture and sell, misleading both doctors and consumers."
Source: Kansas City Star on 2018 Missouri Senate race Jun 12, 2017

Jason Kander: Supports medical marijuana

Q: On Marijuana: Decriminalize and/or legalize marijuana?

Blunt: No, but voted against federal interference with medical marijuana states.

Kander: Supports medical marijuana. No clear position on recreational.

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Missouri Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Roy Blunt: Don't decriminalize marijuana federally, but let states try

Q: On Marijuana: Decriminalize and/or legalize marijuana?

Blunt: No, but voted against federal interference with medical marijuana states.

Kander: Supports medical marijuana. No clear position on recreational.

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Missouri Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Lester Turilli: Opium is a dangerousÿepidemicÿÿ

Q: Your comments on the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?

A: A dangerousÿepidemicÿour state faces is opium.ÿIts use is growing dually through prescription drug abuse and in the ready availability of heroin. Missouri is one of the last states without aÿPrescription Drug Monitoring Program.ÿPDMP's are exceedingly efficient tools utilized by government officials for reducing prescription drug abuse and diversion. I advocate a limited PDMP to target only narcotic drugs with a special emphasis on their administration by emergency rooms and clinics. AlthoughÿMarijuana cannot be linked directly to heroin usage, almost all heroin users admit to first being a Marijuana user.

Source: Email interview on 2016 Missouri candidacy by OnTheIssues Apr 25, 2016

Eric Greitens: Supports legalizing medical marijuana for kids with epilepsy

Q: "Why is alcohol and packing firearms legal when recreational marijuana is not, given the potential for medical benefits and tax revenues?"

A: Greitens said, "It is simple, there is no stoned path to prosperity." On medical marijuana he said Missouri must be a compassionate state and help children with epilepsy.

Source: KOMU.com on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race Mar 18, 2016

John Brunner: Open to more research about marijuana, nut not legalization

Q: Why is alcohol and packing firearms legal when recreational marijuana is not, given the potential for medical benefits and tax revenues?

A: Brunner was the first to answer, saying he is against the legalization of marijuana. He said he is open to more research about potential medical benefits. He also said he thinks there are other ways to grow the economy that do not involve the possible tax revenues generated legalizing marijuana.

Source: KOMU.com on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race Mar 18, 2016

Peter Kinder: Supports legalizing medical marijuana under a doctor's order

Q: Why is alcohol and packing firearms legal when recreational marijuana is not, given the potential for medical benefits and tax revenues?

A: Kinder supports legalizing medical marijuana when it is under a doctor's order for terminally ill patients. He said he is not for legalization for recreation uses.

Source: KOMU.com on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race Mar 18, 2016

Chris Koster: Helping meth cooks get ingredients leads to jail

Chris Koster announced the creation of a campaign to inform purchasers of pseudoephedrine-based cold and allergy medicines that purchasing the drugs for meth cooks is illegal. "Missouri leaders are coming together... to send an unmistakable message: If you're buying this product for a meth cook, you are committing a serious criminal offense and could end up behind bars."
Source: Kansas City Star on 2016 Missouri Gubernatorial race Mar 13, 2013

Jay Nixon: Drug testing for welfare recipients

Excerpts from Missouri Legislative archives:

Status:Bill passed House, 113-34-13; passed Senate, 29-5-0; signed by Governor Nixon, July 12, 2011.

Source: Missouri legislative voting records: HB 73 Jul 12, 2011

Jason Kander: Drug testing for welfare recipients

Excerpts from Missouri Legislative archives:

Status:Bill passed House, 113-34-13; passed Senate, 29-5-0; signed by Governor Nixon, 7/12/2011. (Jason Kander voted YEA).

Source: Missouri legislative voting records: HB 73 Apr 28, 2011

Samuel Graves: Fund advertisements intended to reduce methamphetamine use

As part of the debate on the reauthorization of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Congresswoman Capito joined four of her colleagues in offering an amendment to improve awareness of the methamphetamine epidemic. Capito joined Rep. Rehberg (MT), Rep. Boozman (AR), Rep. King (IA), & Rep. Graves (MO) in offering the amendment.

The amendment ensures that no less than ten percent of the national media campaign funds will be expended on advertisements specifically intended to reduce methamphetamine use. The Director of ONDCP will also have the authority to award grants to private entities producing research-based public service messages, with the goal of reducing first-time meth use among young people.

Said Capito, "We need to do a better job of reaching out to young people and educating them about the dangers of meth before it's too late." The amendment was adopted this afternoon by the House of Representatives with the overall passage of the ONDCP reauthorization act.

Source: Vote-USA.org on 2010 Missouri MI-6 House incumbent Oct 4, 2008

Steve King: Fund advertisements intended to reduce methamphetamine use

As part of the debate on the reauthorization of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Congresswoman Capito joined four of her colleagues in offering an amendment to improve awareness of the methamphetamine epidemic. Capito joined Rep. Rehberg (MT), Rep. Boozman (AR), Rep. King (IA), & Rep. Graves (MO) in offering the amendment.

The amendment ensures that no less than ten percent of the national media campaign funds will be expended on advertisements specifically intended to reduce methamphetamine use. The Director of ONDCP will also have the authority to award grants to private entities producing research-based public service messages, with the goal of reducing first-time meth use among young people.

Said Capito, "We need to do a better job of reaching out to young people and educating them about the dangers of meth before it's too late." The amendment was adopted this afternoon by the House of Representatives with the overall passage of the ONDCP reauthorization act.

Source: Vote-USA.org on 2010 Missouri IA-4 House incumbent Oct 4, 2008

Catherine Hanaway: Stricter penalties for drug crimes, but rehab too

Source: Missouri Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Catherine Hanaway: Strengthen sentences for drug-related crimes

Source: Missouri Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

  • The above quotations are from State of Missouri Politicians: Archives.
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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