Where Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Walz Stands On Marijuana

Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic nominee, selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) as her running mate—meaning that the ticket now consists of two candidates who support marijuana legalization, in an historic first.

Walz’s record has been consistent: He backed numerous cannabis reform measures in Congress, called for an end to prohibition when he was running for governor and then signed a comprehensive legalization bill into law in 2023. However, he’s also indicated he feels the issue should be decided at the state-level.

For drug policy reform advocates, the VP pick is all the more meaningful given that Walz also enacted legislation to broadly decriminalize drug paraphernalia, allow safe consumption sites and create a psychedelics task force.

A military veteran himself, Walz has also prioritized medical cannabis access for the veteran community, and to that end, he sponsored the first piece of standalone marijuana reform legislation to move through a congressional committee, which was a measure meant to promote medical cannabis research for veterans.

Walz’s cannabis record stands in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), who has voiced support for states’ rights to legalize but voted against bipartisan banking legislation that passed in committee. Vance has also argued that states that have enacted legalization should increase enforcement activities, complained about the smell of cannabis multiple times and suggested that its use can lead to violence.

With the selection of Walz as Harris’s vice presidential pick, the Democratic ticket is the first in U.S. history where both candidates openly back marijuana legalization, while also supporting social equity initiatives to right the wrongs of criminalization.

This story was last updated on November 5, 2024 to include the candidate’s statements and policy actions on marijuana since joining the race.

Here’s where vice presidential nominee Walz stands on marijuana policy: 

Legislation And Policy Actions

Minnesota governor (2019-present)

One of the most impactful policy actions Walz took as governor in 2023 was signing a bill to legalize marijuana, making Minnesota the 23rd state to enact the reform.

He strongly advocated for legalization as lawmakers worked to deliver the legislation to his desk, and he also directed state agencies to prepare to implement legalization shortly after taking office—years before it appeared that a reform bill could actually pass.

“This has been a long journey with a lot of folks involved,” Walz, who also put legalization language in multiple executive budget proposals, said at a signing ceremony. “What we know right now is prohibition does not work. We’ve criminalized a lot of folks who are going to start the expungement process on those records.”

Today I signed a bill legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging nonviolent cannabis convictions in Minnesota.   This is the right move for Minnesota.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 31, 2023

The governor signed a bill in May making several revisions to the state’s marijuana laws, including provisions to allow recreational cultivation to start in 2024. Another measure he approved stipulates that all military veterans to be eligible for cannabis social equity business licenses.

Walz also said he supports regulators’ efforts to increase advantages for marijuana social equity applicants but wants to make sure any steps don’t trigger lawsuits that upend legal sales implementation.

Under the legalization law he approved, Minnesota officials expunged more than 57,000 records for marijuana convictions. Additional criminal records will be expunged under the Clean Slate Act, a separate law passed in 2023 that will automatically seal records for non-violent, non-felony crimes beginning in January 2025.

Criminalizing cannabis hasn’t worked. Minnesota recognized this – and chose a new direction.   That’s why we legalized adult-use cannabis and are expunging nonviolent cannabis convictions in Minnesota

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 7, 2023

Also last year, Walz signed signed a pair of large-scale bills that include provisions to establish safe drug consumption sites and also create a psychedelics task force meant to prepare the state for possible legalization.

That task force advised in October 2024 that lawmakers should decriminalize the use and possession of personal-use amounts of psilocybin mushrooms, create a state-regulated therapeutic psilocybin program and fund further clinical research on psilocybin and substances such as MDMA and LSD.

He also enacted a measure that year to legalize drug paraphernalia possession, syringe services, residue and testing.

Further, he signed a large-scale bill into law in 2022 that included provisions to provide permanent protections allowing state hemp businesses to legally market certain cannabis products—including foods and beverages infused with CBD and other cannabinoids that can be sold at bars.

Meanwhile, the Walz administration came under some scrutiny after it hired a lead marijuana regulator under a process that didn’t follow standard procedures. That official later stepped down.

Criminalizing cannabis hasn’t worked. By legalizing it for adult use, we’re expanding our economy, creating jobs, and regulating the industry to keep Minnesotans safe.   I’m proud to have signed this bill into law.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 31, 2023

The governor has also engaged in negotiations with a group of tribal nations within the state that could make the tribes major players in the marijuana industry—both on and off reservation land, including in urban areas. He also said tribes could begin selling cannabis prior to licensing becoming available to traditional retailers.

In 2021, he signed a bill that included provisions to expand the state’s medical marijuana program, in part by allowing patients to access smokable cannabis products and edibles. Under his administration, regulators also added multiple qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, including irritable bowel syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

As part of a bill Walz signed in 2023, health care professionals can now certify medical cannabis patients for any condition they see fit.

I spent my career in Congress working to ensure that our veterans have access to the care they need — and I saw the relief medical cannabis could bring them for chronic pain.

I’m glad @mnhealth is working to help more Minnesotans get this same relief.https://t.co/JtmdLBDsD6

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) December 3, 2019

Additionally, he signed off on a proposal allowing medical cannabis caregivers to grow plants for their patients.

Congress (2007-2019)

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Walz sponsored legislation to promote medical marijuana research for veterans and cosponsored bills to create a regulated hemp program and legalize non-intoxicating CBD.

The cannabis and veterans measure was the first-ever piece of marijuana reform legislation to clear a congressional committee. It passed the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, when Walz was serving as ranking member, in 2018.

Walz also voted in favor of a spending bill amendment to protect all state marijuana programs from federal interference in 2015, as well as morelimitedmeasures to safeguard medical cannabis states each time it come up for a vote on the floor while he was in office, in 2007, 2012, 2014 and 2015. He also backed an amendment to protect state CBD laws in 2015.

Additionally, he repeatedly voted for appropriationsamendments to allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue medical cannabis recommendations in legal states, as well as 2014 measure aimed at increasing marijuana businesses access to banking services.

On five occasions, he also votedinfavor of amendments to protect state industrial hemp programs from Justice Department interference.

On The Campaign Trail

Walz said in September 2024 that he thinks marijuana legalization is an issue that should be left to individual states, though he added that electing more Democrats to Congress could also make it easier to pass federal reforms like cannabis banking protections.

“Well, I think it’s an issue for the states on some of those, and that’s the way the states have done it,” Walz said.

Walz then highlighted two incremental reform issues: medical marijuana access for veterans who receive healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as passage of federal legislation that would ease restrictions for banks that due business with marijuana companies.

If Democrats take control of both houses of Congress, he said, those matters might be easier to address.

Walz said in October marijuana legalization must be coupled with policies that give those who’ve been disproportionately targeted by criminalization “the first shot to make money” in the legal cannabis industry.

“Our laws have taken a disproportionate impact on certain communities, and certainly the Black community,” the candidate said.

“Laws around cannabis have disproportionately impacted and set back folks in those communities,” he said. “So when we in Minnesota talk about this—and Harris talks about the country— legalizing recreational cannabis, but make sure that the community that was most negatively impacted gets the first shot to make money in those industries.”

Past Comments And Social Media Posts

In 2017, as Walz was running for governor, he pushed for the legalization of adult-use marijuana in Minnesota, saying it’s “time to create a system of regulation and taxation” for recreational cannabis.

It's time to create a system of regulation and taxation for adult-use marijuana in MN. Here’s my full statement: https://t.co/0aksM5Zz7i

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) September 8, 2017

During his State of the State address in March 2024, he spoke about the importance of “following up on the good work this legislature has already done,” including “legalized adult-use cannabis,” saying it requires “an enormous amount of work.”

In Congress during the Trump administration, Walz was also critical of then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions’s move to rescind Obama-era guidance that generally urged prosecutorial discretion when it came to state marijuana programs.

While the VA moves (slowly) in the right direction, AG Jeff Sessions is dead set on overruling states that have legalized recreational or medical cannabis, including MN. I'll keep fighting alongside the 83% of vets & caregivers who support legalizing medical cannabis nationally. https://t.co/b6LkoPvxYP

— Fmr. Rep. Tim Walz (@RepTimWalz) January 4, 2018

Walz also blasted the VA under Trump for declining to initiate a study into the potential therapeutic benefits of marijuana for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain.

This is another clear example of how out of touch the Trump Administration is with the American people, especially our nation's veterans. #Vets4MMJResearchhttps://t.co/TNy5IAesEF

— Fmr. Rep. Tim Walz (@RepTimWalz) January 16, 2018

He’s also been known to mark the unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20 by reiterating his support for legalization, though he made clear in 2022 that it’s “no laughing matter” that people continue to be criminalized over marijuana.

Today seems to be a good time to reinforce that I support creating a tax-and-regulate system for adult use marijuana in Minnesota.

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) April 20, 2018

There are a lot of jokes that people will make today, but the fact that our state still hasn't expunged cannabis convictions is no laughing matter. We have to get this done.

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) April 20, 2022

After signing legalization into law, Walz said Republican lawmakers were spreading “misinformation” about the policy.

He also pushed back against a legal argument that the state Constitution allows people to sell their homegrown marijuana without obtaining a license, stating that it was “not our intention” to authorize that type of commerce under the legalization legislation he approved.

During discussions with legislative leaders about the legalization bill that was advancing, Walz argued for a 15 percent tax rate on cannabis products, which is significantly higher than what lawmakers were proposing.

In August 2023, the governor said that Iowa adults are welcome to visit his state, catch a baseball game and buy marijuana under the state’s legalization law.

High-paying jobs + paid leave + good schools + adult-use cannabis + reproductive freedom = the best state

Millennial math🥇https://t.co/zm47FOOlqL

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) September 27, 2023

After President Joe Biden announced his first round of mass pardons for people who’ve committed federal marijuana possession offenses, Walz said that represented a “critical step forward,” but he reaffirmed that he supports legalization coupled with expungements of prior cannabis records.

Federal pardons for marijuana possession are a critical step forward, but Minnesotans want us to #LegalizeMN and expunge cannabis possession convictions. It’s time.

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) October 7, 2022

Both in Congress and as governor, Walz has promoted hemp legalization and the market’s economic potential.

Minnesota’s economy is built on agricultural innovation. Today I was pleased to hear directly from our farmers and tour an industrial hemp farm.

At a time when farmers face uncertainty in our markets, industrial hemp allows them to add value to our agricultural economy. pic.twitter.com/kUE00Shl5u

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 30, 2019

Prior to signing legalization into law in Minnesota, the governor touted a bill he signed that created a regulatory framework allowing for the marketing of hemp-derived cannabinoids.

This is a good first step to expand our economy, but there’s more to do. We need to #LegalizeMN and expunge cannabis convictions in our state.https://t.co/9mOlrtOnhL

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) July 1, 2022

Personal Experience With Marijuana

It does not appear that Walz has publicly commented on any personal experience with marijuana.

Marijuana Under A Harris-Walz Administration

While it’s difficult to predict what could be achieved under a Harris-Walz administration without knowing what the composition of Congress would look like, the ticket’s election would represent the first time that both top executives in the federal government have proactively supported marijuana legalization, which could aid in legislative efforts to enact the reform.

That would likely give state marijuana markets a sense of relief, with the prospect of federal enforcement actions negligible under a president who has called for legalization as recently as March 2024 and a vice president who signed legalization into law in his state.

To what extent they would prioritize cannabis reform is uncertain, of course.

Meanwhile, Walz’s embrace of harm reduction drug policies and psychedelics research would give advocates reason to be enthusiastic about the prospects of extending the national reform conversation beyond cannabis.

Where Trump’s Vice Presidential Running Mate J.D. Vance Stands On Marijuana

Where Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips Stands On Marijuana And Psychedelics

Rep. Dean Phillips (D) announced that he was challenging incumbent President Joe Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination on October 27, 2023 and dropped out on March 6, 2024. The congressman’s drug policy record reflects a consistent commitment to reform at the state and federal level.

Phillips had said that while he thinks the president has done an effective job to date, Biden’s slumping poll numbers raise concerns about his viability in the election, and he hoped to offer an alternative pathway for Democrats.

When it comes to drug policy issues, Phillips has supported federal marijuana legalization, pushed the Biden administration to provide relief to those who’ve been criminalized over cannabis and advocated for research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

His voting record shows ongoing support for reform across the board—including incremental measures on marijuana banking, as well as more comprehensive proposals to end federal cannabis prohibition while promoting social equity.

The congressman isn’t the only candidate challenging the incumbent president for the Democratic nomination. Marianne Williamson is again seeking the party nod, with a platform that also involves marijuana and psychedelics reform advocacy. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was previously running as a Democrat, but he’s since switched to independent.

Here’s where Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips stands on marijuana and psychedelics:

Legislation And Policy Actions

Phillips has voted for and cosponsored several cannabis reform bills since joining Congress in 2019, including a Democratic-led legalization measure titled the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act in 2020, 2022 and this session, as well as a bipartisan legalization proposal called the States Reform Act this session.

He voted for the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act to safeguard financial institutions that work with state-licensed cannabis businesses in 2019 and 2021. He’s also currently listed as a cosponsor of the reform legislation this session.

The congressman further supported appropriations amendments to prevent federal interference in all state marijuana programs in 2019 and 2020. And he voted in favor of legislation that was ultimately signed by Biden late last year to streamline marijuana research, in addition to a measure to prevent security clearance denials over cannabis use alone.

Phillips’s list of cosponsorships also includes proposals to amend an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E to allow state-legal marijuana businesses to take federal tax deductions, remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), provide the marijuana industry with access to federal Small Business Administration (SBA) services and allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations to veterans living in legal states.

In short, it seems the congressman has voted favorably on each cannabis reform measure that’s come before him since taking office, and he’s also proactively showed his support by cosponsoring both modest and comprehensive legislation.

In October 2023, the congressman signed a letter to the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), urging the agency to take into account congressional and state marijuana legalization efforts as it carries out a review into cannabis scheduling. He and other lawmakers also criticized the limitations of simple rescheduling as they push for complete a complete removal of marijuana from the CSA.

Phillips further signed onto a 2022 letter to appropriations leadership calling on broad protections against federal intervention for states, territories and tribes that have enacted legalization.

In a separate 2021 letter the congressman signed that was addressed to Biden, he joined his colleagues in urging the president to use his executive authority to issue a mass pardon for people with federal cannabis convictions on their records. The president eventually did provide such relief to people who’ve committed federal marijuana possession offenses the following year.

Phillips has also taken interest in psychedelics policy issues. For example, in January 2022, the congressman was among a group of lawmakers who sent a letter to the head of the DEA, imploring the agency to allow terminally ill patients to use psilocybin as an investigational treatment without the fear of federal prosecution.

Phillips had also signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), asking that it consider creating a psychedelics task force to investigate the therapeutic of certain psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA in anticipation of federal approval of the substances for prescription use. The agency responded that it was “exploring” that possibility last year.

On The Campaign Trail

In November 2023, the candidate said that President Joe Biden should smoke marijuana to better understand the country’s “awfully hypocritical” double standard that allows people to drink alcohol and work at the White House but face potential imprisonment over cannabis.

“I’m sure he has never even smelled weed, let alone smoked it. The fact of the matter is, I think he should,” Phillips said.

“Cannabis is still a Schedule I narcotic in the United States of America, like heroin. It’s nonsensical,” he added. “But this is your federal government, with people who think that’s fine.”

Following the reporting, he said he didn’t “literally” mean it when he said President Joe Biden should smoke some marijuana.

Truth is I wouldn’t recommend he start now.

But it’s absolutely absurd that a naturally occurring plant on which no human has overdosed remains a Schedule I narcotic in America.

It should be legalized immediately and turned over to the States for regulation. https://t.co/liVIzomyva

— Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) November 29, 2023

“Truth is I wouldn’t recommend he start now,” the congressman said on Tuesday, reversing the tongue-in-cheek comments he made at a New Hampshire campaign event, where he also cast doubt on whether the president has smoked “or even smelled weed.”

He visited a cannabis retailer in December 2023 and seemed unfamiliar with the president’s mass cannabis pardon and scheduling directive, CNN reported.

Later that month, Phillips said that he thinks Biden is too old and out of touch to understand contemporary cannabis issues.

“I think it’s generational,” he said. “People in their 80s do not see things, have not lived things, have not experienced things that younger generations have.”

The congressman has also briefly discussed his support for psychedelics reform, saying that he’s talked with military veterans “whose lives have improved so dramatically from PTSD just by microdosing psilocybin—and right now we can’t even test it.”

Phillips pointed to an exit poll showing that only 25 percent of Ohio voters say Biden should run for re-election, while the state overwhelmingly approved a marijuana legalization initiative, is an example of the “disconnect between the DC political industrial complex + X, and the exhausted majority of Americans.”

Want evidence of the disconnect between the DC political industrial complex + X, and the exhausted majority of Americans?

In an exit poll of Ohioans who voted to make abortion and cannabis legal, ONLY 25% said Joe Biden should run for re-election. https://t.co/nuzq4T8Hxf

— Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) November 8, 2023

In an interview with CNN in November 2023, Phillips discussed his support for marijuana legalization and criticized the incumbent president for failing to act on an issue that’s support by the vast majority of the public.

Previous Quotes And Social Media Posts

When the congressman’s state of Minnesota was moving forward with a legalization bill in 2021, he endorsed the proposal and sent a letter to legislative leaders stating that laws prohibiting cannabis “defy both common sense and the will of the people.”

“As elected officials, it is our collective responsibility to listen to our constituents, especially when there is such broad agreement on the need to act,” he said. “I urge the Minnesota House and Senate to respect the freedom and liberty of those they serve and pass H.F. 600, joining those states—both Red and Blue—who have already recognized the sensibility of legalizing, regulating, and taxing cannabis.”

It's time. #LegalizeMN. Expunge. Regulate. Tax.https://t.co/HVwjFhAUEK 💚https://t.co/vrK1x0mvmrpic.twitter.com/fLZFXjI4iK

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) May 12, 2021

In a separate letter to a constituent that year, Phillips said that legalization “has become center-stage in our society, and the debate over related legislation is an issue that we must take seriously.”

“While we must acknowledge health and other risks associated with cannabis, we should also recognize that criminalizing its use exacerbates racial inequalities in our legal system,” he said. “Prohibition prevents those suffering from certain illnesses from receiving beneficial medication and creates a black market, emulating the very situation politicians attempt to avoid by criminalizing cannabis.”

"I believe we should legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis." – @RepDeanPhillips wrote to a constituent today in response to a message in favor of the #MOREact, which would end federal marijuana prohibition. pic.twitter.com/dy1fsCsjLa

— NORML (@NORML) June 23, 2021

“It’s time to de-schedule cannabis, allow states to control it as as they see fit, and ensure responsibly operated enterprises and their employees are treated the same as any American business,” he said in April 2023, aligning himself with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) with respect to her views on normalizing federal tax policy for the marijuana industry.

Nancy and I are in full agreement. It’s time to de-schedule cannabis, allow states to control it as as they see fit, and ensure responsibly operated enterprises and their employees are treated the same as any American business. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/Ui6oVrZvSv

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) May 1, 2023

After the House passed the MORE Act last year, he joked about giving a constituent a “high” five.

What better way to celebrate the passing of the MORE Act to decriminalize marijuana than a “high”five? https://t.co/fZPJKPNBLh

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) April 1, 2022

It wasn’t the first time that Phillips has leaned into cannabis culture. He joked about members rushing out of the chamber to get Taco Bell after the 2020 vote to approve a marijuana legalization bill.

I think some were rushing to Taco Bell after the cannabis vote.

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) December 5, 2020

When then-Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA) punned that the comment was “blunt,” Phillips replied that it gave “new meaning to a ‘joint’ session of Congress.”

Gives new meaning to a “joint” session of Congress.

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) December 5, 2020

“I love how you keep ‘rolling’ them out,” Riggleman said, to which Phillips responded, “Surprised it wasn’t called the ‘Green New Deal.'”

Surprised it wasn’t called the “Green New Deal”.

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) December 5, 2020

The congressman was also outspoken about his criticism of the the Olympics suspending U.S. runner Sha’Carri Richardson due to a positive THC test.

“It’s time to legalize cannabis, regulate it, tax it, and stop treating people who use it as criminals. The current law is ruining lives not saving them,” he said.

It’s time to legalize cannabis, regulate it, tax it, and stop treating people who use it as criminals. The current law is ruining lives not saving them. https://t.co/PJBcaQrA4c

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) July 2, 2021

He further condemned the incarceration of WNBA player Britney Griner in a Russian prison after she was convicted of possessing vape cartridges with cannabis oil. The athlete was later released following a prisoner swap.

Brittney Griner’s 9 year sentence for possession of cannabis is just as absurd as classifying cannabis as a Schedule I narcotic.

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) August 5, 2022

At Benzinga’s cannabis conference in April 2023, Phillips discussed how Biden is being “pushed” to move on cannabis reform. He added, however, that “anyone who has to be pushed to understand that cannabis should not be classified along with other dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine needs much more education.”

Personal Experience With Marijuana

It does not appear that Phillips has publicly discussed any personal experience with marijuana.

Marijuana Under A Phillips Presidency

Phillips is a clear advocate for marijuana legalization and psychedelics reform. And unlike other candidates who might share his views, he has a concrete legislative record to back them up, with multiple votes and cosponsorships to buttress his platform on the issue.

He’s been among lawmakers who were quick to press Biden on cannabis policy, and he’s shown interest in working across the aisle to advance comprehensive reform. All told, it appears Phillips would likely be a strong ally for the marijuana reform movement and industry if elected president.

Where Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Stands On Marijuana And Psychedelics

Will Governors Issue Marijuana Pardons Following Biden’s Call To Action? Dozens Are Already Weighing In

Dozens of governors and gubernatorial candidates across the U.S. are already reacting to President Joe Biden’s call for state-level action to provide relief for people with low-level marijuana convictions in conjunction with his move for mass federal cannabis pardons on Thursday.

The reactions run the gamut, with some top officials saying they are taking formal steps to review the president’s request, others touting cannabis actions they’ve already made and some signaling they will not be following suit.

Biden’s announcement on Thursday—when he also ordered an administrative review of federal cannabis scheduling—elicited a massive response from lawmakers, state officials and advocates.

And while the president’s mass federal pardon will provide relief to an estimated 6,500 people who have committed federal cannabis possession offenses, as well as thousands drug war victims in Washington, D.C., the state-level call to action stands to have far greater impact if governors go along with it, as the vast majority of marijuana convictions have taken place in state courts.

Here’s how governors and candidates are reacting to Biden’s pardon message: 

Alabama

A spokesperson for Gov. Kay Ivey (R) said the governor doesn’t have power to unilaterally grant sweeping pardons, which are issued on a case-by-case basis by the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.

“Even if the board could grant an across-the-board pardon, it would only impact a very small fraction, less than one percent of those currently serving sentences in our state,” she said.

Arkansas

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R), a former administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), said that he’s against the idea of a federal mass pardon and feels relief should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

“The President, in his announced policy on marijuana, has waived the flag of surrender in the fight to save lives from drug abuse and has adopted all the talking points of the drug legalizers,” he said in a statement. “As Governor I have issued hundreds of pardons to those who have been convicted of drug offenses. But in this time of rising crime, there should be a clear record of law-abiding conduct before pardons are issued.”

My statement in response to @POTUS Marijuana Reform plan pic.twitter.com/wIUkt9rLOt

— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) October 6, 2022

He also expressed concerns about the president’s scheduling review order, saying that while it “sounds good,” it’s represents “a step that has not been taken” under the previous two administrations and arguing that Biden “is simply playing election-year politics and sacrificing our national interest to win votes.“

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Chris Jones, for his part, said that he would expunge records of people arrested for low-level marijuana offenses but argued that “governors should not be made to do this wholesale, yet they also should not delay in addressing this very real issue of justice and fairness.”

Governors can make things right. We should move toward justice and fairness regarding cannabis.https://t.co/1ayVSU3wZhpic.twitter.com/IukRpmrxpW

— Chris Jones (@JonesForAR) October 7, 2022

“If voters legalize adult-use marijuana in November, which the majority of Arkansas voters are said to support, then we must immediately reunite families that were broken up by a conviction for an activity that would now be considered legal,” he said. “If I serve as governor under current law, my preference is for a case-by-case review for possible pardons, a position I share with Gov. Hutchinson.”

Colorado

The governor of Colorado said that he’s “thrilled” with the president’s cannabis announcement and that he’s already moved “to clean up past inequities by pardoning convictions for Coloradans who possessed a small amount of cannabis” starting two years ago.

Thrilled to see @POTUS follow Colorado’s lead – 2 years ago, I took bold action to clean up past inequities by pardoning convictions for Coloradans who possessed a small amount of cannabis. Today’s federal action will change people’s lives and not block their success.

— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) October 6, 2022

“Today’s federal action will change people’s lives and not block their success,” Gov. Jared Polis (D) said.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont (D) applauded the administration’s decision “recognizing this injustice and taking action today on a federal level to right some of the wrongs that have occurred in the United States for too long.”

right some of the wrongs that have occurred in the United States for too long. At its core, the war on cannabis has been a war on people in Black and Brown communities who have been targeted by these laws at far greater rates and whose lives have been impacted for the worse 2/

— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) October 6, 2022

He added that a bill to legalize and regulate marijuana in the state that he signed last year contains “a provision that automatically erases certain cannabis-related convictions under state law, which will make a difference in the lives of impacted people.”

Not only does it legalize possession of small amounts of cannabis for adults over the age of 21, but it also includes a provision that automatically erases certain cannabis-related convictions under state law, which will make a difference in the lives of impacted people 4/

— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) October 6, 2022

Florida

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who came up short in the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination this year, called on Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to “follow [Biden’s] lead by supporting the pardoning, restoration of rights, and clearing of records of any Floridian convicted of simple marijuana possession.”

As a member of the Florida Cabinet and Clemency Board. I’m calling on Ron DeSantis to follow @JoeBiden’s lead by supporting the pardoning, restoration of rights, and clearing of records of any Floridian convicted of simple marijuana possession.

— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) October 7, 2022

It doesn’t appear that the governor has commented on the president’s call to action for state-level relief.

Georgia

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams said that if elected she would push to decriminalize cannabis possession and support expunging prior records.

She praised the president’s pardon action and said her state “must follow suit to help Georgians who are denied a chance at redemption because of their convictions for simple possession.”

As a legislator, I supported legalizing medical marijuana. As governor, I will decriminalize marijuana possession in the state of Georgia and support prioritizing the expungement of marijuana possession records.

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) October 6, 2022

Incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp (R) doesn’t appear to have weighed in on Biden’s move.

Hawaii

A spokesperson for Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) said that the official “supports measures that align state and federal laws on this issue and is reviewing the president’s request to determine whether it is consistent with state law and in the best interests of the people of Hawaii.”

Lt. Gov. Josh Green (D), the Democratic gubernatorial nominee seeking to replace Ige, said that he agrees with Biden that “no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana,” and he pledged to review misdemeanor marijuana possession cases if elected.

Duke Aiona, the GOP nominee running for governor, responded by saying that the pardon announcement “fulfills a political promise he made to those who voted for him in 2020.”

“As a former deputy prosecutor and state judge, I am committed to the rule of law. I am also aware of the Governor’s authority to pardon criminal offenses,” he said. “It is my position that as Governor, any application by a person seeking a pardon of a criminal conviction will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and not via a ‘blanket’ decision based on a particular offense. Pardons of criminal offenses cannot be based on a political promise.”

Idaho

Gov. Brad Little (R) issued a statement bashing Biden’s cannabis announcement and pointing out that under Idaho law, only the Commission of Pardons and Parole can issue pardons.

Biden “wants to let people out of jail for drug offenses while he keeps the border open, allowing drug traffickers to pour into our country unchecked,” the governor said.

“It is clear President Biden issued this blanket pardon for show, setting a bad precedent when cases should be reviewed on their individual merits,” Little added. “But what’s not clear is whether Biden really understands that individuals incarcerated for possession of small amounts of marijuana almost always have accompanying offenses, making his blanket pardon basically pointless. Here in Idaho, we will continue to fight for a secure border and make our correctional system fair, with a focus on keeping dangerous people off the street.”

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stephen Heidt, pledged to support pardons for people convicted of marijuana possession.

“Cannabis reform has been one of my issues from the beginning,” he said. “Idaho citizens should not be in prison for just using or possessing cannabis, and medical use should be legalized.”

Illinois

“We know too many black and brown people were disproportionately impacted by disparities in prosecution and conviction,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) said. “I’m proud to have taken action and I hope to see other states follow our lead.”

We know too many black and brown people were disproportionately impacted by disparities in prosecution and conviction. I’m proud to have taken action and I hope to see other states follow our lead.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) October 6, 2022

In 2020, the governor announced that his office had processed more than 500,000 expungements and pardons for people with low-level cannabis convictions on their records.

A state-funded initiative was also recently established to help residents with marijuana convictions get legal aid and other services to have their records expunged.

Prizker also signed a bill in May that would make it so courts cannot deny petitions to expunge or seal records based on a positive drug test for marijuana.

Indiana

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) has pardon authority, but a spokesperson for his office said that he’s not currently available to comment on any plans to follow through on Biden’s request, as he’s currently in Switzerland for an “economic development trip.”

Kansas

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s (D) office said that the governor is “focused on legalizing medical marijuana so that Kansans with severe illnesses no longer have to suffer,” and she will “continue to consider all clemency and pardon requests based on a complete and thorough review of the individual cases.”

The governor championed a medical cannabis legalization bill in 2020, and she’s said that she’d sign adult-use legalization into law if the legislature delivered a proposal to her desk.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, a spokesperson for Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said the official “agrees that no one should be in jail simply because of possession of marijuana,” but the office did not have any immediate plans to grant state-level relief, as they were “not alerted” about the specifics of the request prior to the announcement.

Gov. Andy Beshear's spokesperson says the governor "agrees that no one should be in jail simply because of possession of marijuana."

Full statement given to @LEX18News: pic.twitter.com/8YSkDT5Uqv

— Karolina Buczek (@Karolina_Buczek) October 7, 2022

“The Governor looks forward to reviewing those details when available in his larger analysis on medical cannabis and how to move forward when the vast majority of Kentuckians demand it,” they said.

Beshear, who is pushing for medical cannabis legalization in the state and is separately considering executive reform actions, has previously applauded examples of prosecutorial discretion in marijuana cases and commuted non-violent offenses including those related to cannabis.

Louisiana

Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said Biden’s federal marijuana move was “right” but that he doesn’t have the authority to take a similar step at the state level, pointing to a state board that processes and recommends pardon action.

“Someone who has been convicted of a simple possession of marijuana that would now be legal in many states, decriminalized in others, that conviction should not prevent you from having access to employment, to housing, to education and so forth,” the governor said, adding that he would work with state lawmakers to further reduce cannabis penalties.

“We’ve looked back at our constitution and laws in Louisiana and unlike many states, I do not have plenary authority to grant a pardon. So if someone wants a pardon in Louisiana, and this was a matter of the constitution, they have to apply to the pardon board for the clemency, they have to be granted a hearing, they have to have the hearing, after an opportunity for public notice and input and so forth. Then they have to be recommended, and that’s the only time it comes to me. So what we have to do is look forward and see whether a change in legislation may be able to help, whether it’s going to require some thing to the constitution. But it’s not something I have the authority to do in Louisiana at present and so we’re going to be looking at it going forward. And working obviously with members of the legislature to take their temperature and see if there’s an appetite for moving in this direction.”

Maryland

Wes Moore, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in Maryland, happened to be touring a state-legal cannabis dispensary to discuss racial equity in the industry when Biden made the announcement.

“I applaud the president’s decision. I think it is something that’s been overdue on the federal side,” Moore said outside the shop.

Today I visited @MaryandMain in Prince George’s County and met with cannabis entrepreneurs for a discussion on the challenges they face.

I’ll always support our minority business owners. We will close the racial wealth gap and ensure every person has access to #WorkWagesWealth. pic.twitter.com/3PTlMjWa5x

— Wes Moore for Maryland Governor (@iamwesmoore) October 6, 2022

“I also applaud the president for asking governors to follow his lead. I know that if I have the opportunity to be the next governor of Maryland, we are going to follow that lead,” he said. “It’s time that our states do right and I’m thankful for the leadership that the president showed us.”

It doesn’t appear that current Gov. Larry Hogan (R) has weighed in on Biden’s marijuana action.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) said that the state has already moved to provide relief to people with cannabis convictions, consistent with the president’s directive.

That included by supporting legislation enacted in 2018 that allows “for the expungement of marijuana-related offenses that are now decriminalized in Massachusetts,” a spokesperson told The Boston Herald. Another bill he signed this year “broadened eligibility for expungement” and “streamlined expungement process,” they added.

Attorney General Maura Healey, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, said that she would “move to pardon state convictions for simple marijuana possession, modeled after the steps taken today by President Biden,” if elected.

In contrast, the Republican nominee Geoff Diehl said Biden’s proclamation is “the latest in a series of outrageous moves by President Biden to eliminate consequences for wrongful actions as he panders for votes for his party in the midterm election.”

🚨Meanwhile, Massachusetts GOP gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl slammed Biden's announcement, saying it was wrong for the president to "eliminate consequences for wrongful actions" — yet he also said he respected the decision by Mass. voters to legalize marijuana. #mapolihttps://t.co/p3tYJjkbP3pic.twitter.com/nOJWk05EkE

— Dan Adams (@Dan_Adams86) October 6, 2022

“As drugs are flowing freely into our country through open borders, the Biden Administration should not be pardoning those who break federal drug laws,” he said. “I oppose President Biden’s policy on a national basis and I call on my opponents to do the same. Here in Massachusetts, the voters have spoken on this issue and, as Governor, I would act consistently with the law and the will of the voters.”

Michigan

In a statement, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) office said that the governor “has been working to deliver the resources that law enforcement needs to stay focused on fighting gun crime and going after violent criminals.”

MIchigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office statement on President Biden pardoning all Americans who've been convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. Biden is urging governors to do the same for individuals with state convictions: pic.twitter.com/X1oG7nNUnw

— Samuel J. Robinson (@samueljrob) October 6, 2022

“That needs to be our top priority. When it comes to marijuana, the people of Michigan have already taken action on this issue at the ballot box in 2008 and again in 2018,” the office said, adding that she’s signed legislation to streamline expungements that covers certain cannabis offenses.

“We will continue to work with anyone who’s serious about solving problems and keeping our communities safe,” the office said.

In 2020, the governor signed a bill allowing people with low-level marijuana convictions to have their records expunged. Later that year, she also granted clemency to four currently incarcerated people who were serving time for non-violent drug offenses.

Minnesota

“The Governor supports the President’s decision and has advanced marijuana legalization in Minnesota,” Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) office said in a statement. “Because pardons in Minnesota require a unanimous vote by the Board of Pardons, the Governor does not have the ability to take unilateral action.”

Governor Walz's office on President Biden's call for Governors to pardon state marijuana offenses: "Because pardons in Minnesota require a unanimous vote by the Board of Pardons, the Governor does not have the ability to take unilateral action."

Full statement below. @WCCOpic.twitter.com/3CdGv6YScA

— Nick Streiff (@nickstreiff) October 6, 2022

“The Minnesota Board of Pardons is made up of the Governor, Attorney General, and Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court,” they explained.

Federal pardons for marijuana possession are a critical step forward, but Minnesotans want us to #LegalizeMN and expunge cannabis possession convictions. It’s time.

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) October 7, 2022

Walz, who backs adult-use legalization and has pushed the legislature to enact the reform, separately cheered the president’s action, describing it as a “critical step forward.” Minnesota’s House passed a legalization bill last year, but it stalled out in the Senate.

Missouri

A spokesperson for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) said that Biden’s proclamation “is limited to individuals who violated federal law and does not implicate state law in any way.”

In response to @POTUS pardoning prior federal simple marijuana offenses & asking governors to do the same, a spokeswoman for @GovParsonMO says the President’s action “does not implicate state law in any way” and says Missourians can “apply for expungement under state law.” #molegpic.twitter.com/q2fQBM6jin

— Emily Manley (@EmilyManleyTV) October 6, 2022

“In Missouri, those with criminal records can apply for expungement under state law,” they said. “Governor Parson has used his state constitutional authority to grant pardons to individuals who demonstrate a changed life-style, commitment to rehabilitation, contrition, and contribution to their communities—rather than as a blanket approach to undermine existing law.”

Expungements would be facilitated in Missouri under a cannabis legalization initiative that will go before voters next month. The governor is opposed to the proposal.

Montana

A spokesperson for Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signaled in a statement that the governor is not planning any mass cannabis clemency.

“The governor will continue to evaluate clemencies submitted through the Board of Pardons and Parole on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with statute,” she said. “Governor Gianforte has long supported treatment in lieu of incarceration for non-violent drug offenders, making a historic investment in treatment and prevention programs for communities in his first year in office.”

Nebraska

“The President’s announcement today on marijuana reveals once again that he is both misinformed and ill-advised regarding the issues surrounding marijuana,” Gov. Pete Ricketts (R) said. “There is no one in our state correctional system who has been incarcerated simply because they possessed marijuana.”

About 1,773 people were arrested for cannabis possession in Nebraska in 2020, according to NORML.

The legalization in other states has demonstrated an increase in drug cartel activity, increased driver impairment, and with far higher THC levels, greater risk for permanent mental health impairment, especially for youth.

This is exactly the wrong direction for our country.

— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) October 7, 2022

“Furthermore, the legalization of marijuana in other states has demonstrated an increase in drug cartel activity, increased driver impairment, and with far higher THC levels, greater risk for permanent mental health impairment, especially for adolescents,” the governor said. “This is exactly the wrong direction for our country.”

Nevada

In Nevada, Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) touted the state’s ongoing efforts to provide relief to people with cannabis convictions on their records, pointing out that the state Board of Pardons Commissioners adopted a 2020 resolution he introduced to streamline pardons for thousands of Nevadans.

Nevada continues to lead the way.

In 2020, I brought forward – and the Nevada State Board of Pardons Commissioners passed – a resolution to summarily pardon thousands of persons who were convicted of minor marijuana offenses.https://t.co/r12hhMxmdR.

— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) October 6, 2022

“Earnest steps forward on drug policy today will only expand on our accomplishments here!” he said. Especially for users of medicinal cannabis, today’s actions will offer real change. Don’t stop following Nevada’s lead!”

We in NV pardoned nonviolent cannabis offenders in 2020.

Earnest steps forward on drug policy today will only expand on our accomplishments here!

Especially for users of medicinal cannabis, today’s actions will offer real change.

Don’t stop following Nevada’s lead!

— Steve Sisolak (@SteveSisolak) October 6, 2022

Last year, the governor pardoned more than 15,000 people who were convicted for low-level cannabis possession.

New Hampshire

A spokesperson for New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said that the official “has done more on the issues surrounding marijuana reform than any other Governor in New Hampshire history.”

“After years of inaction by Democrat governors, Chris Sununu signed commonsense decriminalization so no one would be jailed for simple possession of minor amounts of marijuana, expanded access to medical marijuana, and provided a pathway to annul old convictions for marijuana possession,” they said.

Sununu and the state Department of Justice are “reviewing the President’s actions,” the office said, adding that New Hampshire statute does not allow the governor to unilaterally issue pardons and requires additional legislative oversight.

New Mexico

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) touted expungements provisions included in legislation she signed along with a marijuana legalization bill.

“No New Mexican should suffer the consequences of outdated, out-of-touch, cannabis-related crimes,” she said on Twitter. “This year, New Mexico identified over 155,000 outdated cannabis charges that qualify to be expunged—helping people and families across the state. This is just one way New Mexico’s cannabis rollout was one of the best, and most just, in the country.”

This year, New Mexico identified over 155,000 outdated cannabis charges that qualify to be expunged—helping people and families across the state. This is just one way New Mexico’s cannabis rollout was one of the best, and most just, in the country.

— Michelle Lujan Grisham (@Michelle4NM) October 6, 2022

“Thousands of Americans have been overly penalized for the simple use or possession of cannabis, including through jail time and limitations on opportunities in housing, employment and education,” the governor added in a statement. “New Mexico has already taken action to stop these antiquated policies from harming anyone else, and I was proud to have made the expungement of simple cannabis possession convictions from criminal records a cornerstone of New Mexico’s legalization process.”

North Carolina

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said that he’s directed state attorneys to review pardon authority for marijuana offenses.

He spoke about cannabis reform at a meeting of the North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice that he convened in 2020, saying law enforcement “should be focused on stopping violent crime and drug trafficking and other threats to safe communities.”

The task force has previously recommended decriminalizing marijuana.

“We also know a conviction of simple possession can mar people’s records for life and prevent them from getting a job,” he said. “North Carolina should take steps to end this stigma.”

Attorney General Josh Stein (D) separately said that “people should not have a federal criminal record for something that is legal in an increasing number of states,” and he looks forward to “working with the legislature in the coming months to help move NC forward as well.”

President Biden is right: people should not have a federal criminal record for something that is legal in an increasing number of states. I look forward to working with the legislature in the coming months to help move NC forward as well. (1/2)

— Josh Stein (@JoshStein_) October 6, 2022

“Let’s act—and let’s get it right,” he said. “That means decriminalizing adult use, expunging past convictions for simple possession, and including strong protections for kids, no advertising, state controlled sales, and putting NC farmers first.”

Ohio

A spokesperson for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said that the official does not intend to abide by the president’s request for state action, saying Ohio law doesn’t allow the governor to issue blanket pardons and that a person would need to be found in possession of large quantities of marijuana in order to face incarceration in the state.

“The president’s opinion is what it is—but, reviewing his press release, [for] the types of situations he’s talking about, Ohio law does not permit people to be sentenced for those situations,” they said.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Nan Whaley said that she worked to decriminalize marijuana as mayor of Dayton and would “continue that work” if elected.

As Mayor of Dayton, I led the charge to decriminalize marijuana and said at the time that if the city had the ability to legalize it, we would have.

When I’m governor, I’ll continue that work.

— Nan Whaley (@nanwhaley) October 7, 2022

“Additionally, I’ll take steps to responsibly expunge the records of individuals previously convicted of minor marijuana possession charges,” she said. “I am encouraged to hear the Administration is following through on its commitment to address criminal justice reform.”

I am encouraged to hear the Administration is following through on its commitment to address criminal justice reform.

— Nan Whaley (@nanwhaley) October 7, 2022

Pennsylvania

Biden’s announcement came about a week after a deadline closed for a one-month expedited marijuana pardon program that was launched by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D).

Wolf said that he doesn’t have “unilateral pardon authority—but I’m doing everything I can to right the wrongs of the failed war on drugs.”

I just coordinated a one-time, large-scale pardon effort for people with certain minor, non-violent marijuana convictions.

Under Pennsylvania law, I don't have unilateral pardon authority — but I'm doing everything I can to right the wrongs of the failed war on drugs. https://t.co/2eKOC5hZm0

— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) October 6, 2022

More than 3,500 people submitted applications for the cannabis relief program, which is being facilitated by the state Board of Pardons that Fetterman chairs.

Both the governor and lieutenant governor have advocated for marijuana legalization in the state, but reform has yet to be enacted in the conservative legislature.

In the meantime, Fetterman, a U.S. Senate candidate, has said that he wants to process cannabis clemency for as many people as possible before leaving office.

Rhode Island

“The President’s announcement is a crucial step forward for fairness and justice in our nation and [Gov. Dan McKee (D)] applauds this action,” a spokesperson said. “As this news was just announced, the Governor and his team are currently reviewing how to most efficiently and effectively address this request here in Rhode Island.”

McKee signed a bill to legalize marijuana in the state in May. The legislation calls for the state to automatically expunge prior marijuana possession convictions for amounts now made legal by July 1, 2024, but those who petition the court for relief will have their cases expedited.

Tennessee

A spokesperson for Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) said flatly that the official is “not considering” granting pardons for people with marijuana possession convictions regardless of the president’s actions.

Texas

Despite Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) previously voicing support for marijuana decriminalization and saying he doesn’t think people should be in jail over cannabis possession, a spokesperson for his office dismissed Biden’s request for state action.

“Texas is not in the habit of taking criminal justice advice from the leader of the defund police party and someone who has overseen a criminal justice system run amuck with cashless bail and a revolving door for violent criminals,” they said.

“The Governor of Texas can only pardon individuals who have been through the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles system with a recommendation for pardon,” they added.

A spokesperson for Beto O’Rourke, a former congressman who is the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, said that “Beto will champion legislation that legalizes marijuana and expunges the records of those arrested for marijuana possession” if he’s elected.

When I’m governor, we will finally legalize marijuana in Texas and expunge the records of those arrested for marijuana possession.

— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) October 6, 2022

“We will legalize marijuana in Texas,” O’Rourke said on Twitter.

We will legalize marijuana in Texas. pic.twitter.com/lHoG2PEnbq

— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) October 7, 2022

U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

A spokesperson for USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (D) touted the official’s legislation to legalize marijuana in the territory that he plans to send to the legislature, saying that reparative justice for people with non-violent cannabis convictions is a “fundamental tenet” of the proposal.

Utah

In Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) said that he doesn’t “have the authority to pardon anyone, but I disagree with the president’s entire approach.”

JUST IN: @GovCox statement to @fox13 on President Biden's announcement on marijuana: https://t.co/ALBgfM6cxP#utpol#Utahpic.twitter.com/xAc8CQnnro

— Ben Winslow (@BenWinslow) October 7, 2022

“Whether it’s transferring student loan debts to millions of other taxpayers or ignoring federal law enforcement laws, the president continues to disregard the checks and balances in our system,” he said. “If you want to see a change in our laws, do the hard work that it takes to enact that change with Congress. But taking an executive action like this only weeks before an election is nothing more than a desperate attempt to win votes.”

Virginia

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) hasn’t directly commented on the president’s announcement yet, but a spokesperson for his office said that the administration “is reviewing President Biden’s executive action.”

Former Gov. Ralph Northam (D) signed a bill to legalize marijuana possession and cultivation into law last year, and Youngkin pledged not to overturn the reform.

Washington State

“The president’s efforts are very much aligned with ours to correct some of our nation’s longstanding disparities in the justice system,” Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said.

A spokesperson said that while the governor has clemency authority, which he’s exercised in the past, it’s not clear whether he’s able to grant blanket pardons.

“Beyond what we’re already doing, I’m not sure what else is left to do with the Gov’s clemency authority,” they said.

Last year, Inslee unveiled an enhanced process through which hundreds of people with low-level drug convictions can apply for a commutation of their sentence.

In 2019, Inslee launched a separate program that made it so people with a misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions on their record were eligible to receive an expedited pardon.

Wisconsin

Gov. Tony Evers (D) supports marijuana legalization and has already granted clemency to a number of individuals for cannabis and other drug convictions.

A spokesperson for the governor, asked by local media about whether he would join Biden in granting mass pardons, simply pointed to his “existing pardon eligibility criteria” and did not reply to a follow-up question about the possibility of blanket clemency for people with cannabis convictions.

DOJ To ‘Expeditiously’ Act On Biden’s Marijuana Pardon Directive, While HHS ‘Looking Forward’ To Scheduling Review

Photo courtesy of Carlos Gracia.