Sheldon Whitehouse on Drugs Democratic Jr Senator, previously attorney general

Rated C by NORML: decriminalize medical marijuana

NORML Politician Info: rated C
• Candidate: Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)Holds office US Senate; Candidate for Senate on Sept. 10, 2024
• Summary: DECRIMINALIZE/MEDICAL USE
• Biography: Sheldon Whitehouse is a proponent of state's rights regarding marijuana. He has expressed support in his state's decriminalization and medical marijuana initiative and has spoken out against federal regulators interfering with state policy.
• Co-sponsored Legislation:
• S.1276 - Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (2017-18)
• S. 2557 SUCCESS Act (2015-16)
• Comments: "We know that marijuana can provide relief for patients suffering from serious illnesses," said Whitehouse. "I applaud Rhode Island's effort to make it available for that purpose. As Rhode Island and other states implement their laws, they will benefit from clear federal guidance regarding national law-enforcement priorities. " (9/12/13)

Supports drug treatment and alternative drug courts

A: I'm a firm believer in re-entry programs that help people released from prison find jobs, housing, and education and turn their lives around. I also strongly support drug treatment and intervention initiatives, like drug courts, that offer alternative sentencing for non-violent, drug-related offenses.

Rated B by NORML, indicating a pro-drug-reform stance.

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:

• C-/D/F: `hard-on-drugs` stance (approx. 243 members)
• C: mixed record on drug reform (approx. 45 members)
• A/B: pro-drug-reform stance (approx. 293 members)

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law`s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.

NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.

NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession & responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called `decriminalization.`

NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as `legalization.`

NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.

NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.

Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.