Gretchen Whitmer on Drugs

	Gretchen Whitmer on Drugs

Triple state tax on legal cannabis to fund infrastructure

Michigan's governor is suggesting taxing adult-use cannabis an additional 32% to fund a $3 billion infrastructure plan. The plan floated by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would need to win approval from state lawmakers to become reality, according to the Bridge Michigan nonprofit news outlet. But marijuana industry observers fear that an extra 32% wholesale tax--on top of existing excise and sales taxes--would harm the state's $3.3 billion industry at a crucial time. Source: MJBizDaily, "32% tax," on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race , Feb 11, 2025

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

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

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

Voted NO on medical marijuana

Legislative Summary:

Added to Schedule 2 list: Marihuana, including pharmaceutical-grade cannabis, if it is manufactured, obtained, and dispensed in compliance with this act and as authorized by federal authority.
Marihuana can only be obtained for the purpose of treating a debilitating medical condition
Marihuana must be dispensed under a license issued under this article, with required restrictions.

OnTheIssues definitions:

"Schedule 1" drugs have a high potential for abuse, & no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
"Schedule 2" drugs have a high potential for abuse, but has accepted medical treatments, or currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions
This bill legalizes marijuana only for medical purposes.

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

Click here for definitions & background information on Drugs. Click here for a summary of all issue stances of Gretchen Whitmer. Click here for a Wikipedia profile of Gretchen Whitmer. Click here for a Ballotpedia profile of Gretchen Whitmer. Click here for VoteMatch responses by Gretchen Whitmer. Click here for issue positions of other MI politicians. Click here for MI primary archives. Click here for MI secondary archives.
*Other governors on Drugs:*			*Gretchen Whitmer on other issues:*
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