Lindsey Graham on Drugs Republican Sr Senator; previously Representative (SC-3)

We need a war on fentanyl

Graham said, "We need a war on fentanyl." Graham said the amount of fentanyl seized could kill all five million-plus residents of South Carolina -- twice over. Graham said problems at the Mexican border are allowing fentanyl from China to get in the United States.

For medical legalization; opposes recreational legalization

Lindsey Graham: Mixed. Has supported protecting state medical legalization laws. Opposed SAFE Banking Amendment and opposes recreational legalization.

Jaime Harrison: Yes. "I think we should legalize, regulate and tax marijuana like we do alcohol and tobacco."

Enhance interdiction by criminalizing unflagged submarines.

Legislative Summary:A bill to enhance drug trafficking interdiction by creating a Federal felony for operating or embarking in a submersible or semi-submersible vessel without nationality and on an international voyage.

Cogressional Findings:
• Congress finds that operating or embarking in a submersible or semi-submersible vessel without nationality and on an international voyage is a serious international problem, facilitates transnational crime, including drug trafficking, and terrorism, and presents a specific threat to the safety of maritime navigation and the security of the United States.
• Whoever knowingly operates in any submersible vessel that is without nationality and that is navigating waters beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea of a single country, with the intent to evade detection, shall be punished as prescribed
• House version is H.R.6295; related Senate bill S.3198.

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.