- Bob Marley
- Apr 20, 2020
- 17 min read
Dozens of lawmakers and congressional candidates are calling for marijuana reform on 4/20.
While major brands are marketing off the informal cannabis holiday, policymakers and office-seekers are drawing attention to the ongoing harms of prohibition and encouraging policy changes.
Here’s what they’re saying:
Members of Congress
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT):
It makes no sense for young people to be denied jobs because they were arrested for smoking marijuana. It is time to legalize marijuana, expunge past marijuana convictions and end the failed war on drugs. pic.twitter.com/KimMYKoLAn
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 20, 2020
We have got to legalize marijuana, expunge past marijuana convictions and end the failed War on Drugs.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 20, 2020
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA):
It’s long past time to legalize marijuana and create a cannabis industry that’s open to all—and begin to repair the damage caused by our current criminal justice system. https://t.co/tqjRBsuA7t
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 20, 2020
Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ):
It’s not enough to legalize marijuana—we must expunge arrest records & repair the damage done to those communities that have been most harmed by the failed War on Drugs. My Marijuana Justice Act would do this & more. The end we seek is not just legalization—it’s justice.
— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) April 20, 2020
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA):
The Senate must pass my Marijuana Opportunity Act to legalize marijuana at the federal level and expunge non-violent marijuana-related offenses from the records of the millions who’ve been arrested or incarcerated. Too many lives have been ruined by these regressive policies.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 20, 2020
Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA):
We must legalize marijuana and expunge all prior convictions.
— Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) April 20, 2020
Black and Brown communities have been unfairly criminalized by the War on Drugs. As we move towards cannabis legalization, we must prioritize social justice and invest in the communities harmed most by these discriminatory policies.
— Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) April 21, 2020
Rep. Don Young (R-AK):
For too long, the federal government has stood in the way of states that have acted to set their own #cannabis policies. I’ve visited my state’s legal cannabis operations, and the fact is that these businesses contribute to our economy and create jobs for Alaskans. pic.twitter.com/cX8zvsxtZa
— Rep. Don Young (@repdonyoung) April 20, 2020
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR):
The U.S. today has effectively given death sentences to hundreds of thousands of non-violent drug offenders trapped in COVID-19 hotspots in our prisons.
This 4/20, let's commit to staying the course & reforming our harmful cannabis policies.https://t.co/0dt4E2BSTs
— Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) April 20, 2020
Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI):
4/20 during a global pandemic is the best time to make the case for the nationwide legalization of cannabis.
We're already halfway there:
Stay on your couch.
Only go to the grocery store.
Social distance.#LegalizeIt
— Rep. Mark Pocan (@repmarkpocan) April 20, 2020
Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA):
As a supporter of legalizing cannabis, I urge #Philly residents: remember to use your medical marijuana at HOME – no public gatherings – stay home and save lives this #420day! #philly420https://t.co/yMayjSGjWs
— Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) April 20, 2020
As vice chair of @HouseSmallBiz, I agree: #cannabis businesses – including PA medical marijuana businesses – should be eligible for @SBAgov relief like other employers are!
I’m also a strong supporter of the #MOREAct. Time for equal treatment! https://t.co/4rTHFXKT0n
— Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) April 20, 2020
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA):
Today is #420, a day where millions celebrate marijuana. Especially today, we cannot forget how our country’s policies, rooted in systemic racism, have locked up communities of color. That’s why I introduced the #MarijuanaJusticeAct to reform our outdated marijuana laws.
— Barbara Lee (@BLeeForCongress) April 20, 2020
Just a reminder as people celebrate #420Day: hundreds of thousands of people – largely people of color – are still in prison for marijuana offenses.
It's past time to end the failed and racist War on Drugs and get real #MarijuanaJustice!
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) April 20, 2020
Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN):
Our prison population is largest in the world. This overcrowding is a major factor in the spread of #COVID19 among incarcerated people. Trump should commute the sentences of non-violent offenders immediately! #TrumpCoronavirusTestFailure#420day#LegalizeMarijuana
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) April 21, 2020
Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA):
Justice in this country demands a reckoning with our past.
That’s why we must not just legalize marijuana but expunge past possession records and provide clemency.
Now.
— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) April 20, 2020
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA):
We must legalize marijuana.
We must expunge marijuana convictions.
We must reinvest in the communities of color disproportionately impacted by the failed War on Drugs.
This is a matter of justice.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) April 20, 2020
The only thing marijuana has been a gateway to is the criminal justice system for people of color.
It's absurd that we continue arresting people for using a plant that is legal in 11 states.
Here is our three step plan to end the prohibition of marijuana in America. pic.twitter.com/Dz6BxK1de2
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) April 20, 2020
Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL):
For years, states have been changing their cannabis laws without investing in a better understanding of the effects of cannabis on human health.
My bill would reschedule cannabis and allow us to study it, so we can safely bring US cannabis policy into the 21st century. #420daypic.twitter.com/v2HKUkP0eJ
— Rep. Donna E. Shalala (@RepShalala) April 20, 2020
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY):
Happy 4/20 to all who celebrate. #NY12
(Source: @Cannabis_Voter) #420FromHomepic.twitter.com/g1phlj3pk4
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@CarolynBMaloney) April 20, 2020
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA):
Happy 420
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) April 20, 2020
Current and former government officials and candidates
Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX):
Legalize marijuana. Free the people arrested for marijuana and expunge their records. Prioritize licenses to sell marijuana to those who disproportionately bore the brunt of the war on drugs (blacks have been arrested at 3x the rate of whites). https://t.co/Fb3BaI3siH
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) April 20, 2020
Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro:
We need to legalize marijuana.
We also need to release those incarcerated for minor drug charges and expunge their records so they can live productive lives.
It’s long past time we end the failed war on drugs. pic.twitter.com/z7JZyz9PPP
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) April 20, 2020
Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang:
For 4/20 a blast from the past. 😀 https://t.co/0Uhl17MW98https://t.co/JWBl21YH5R
— Andrew Yang🧢🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) April 21, 2020
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich:
Today seems like a good day to remind you that the federal prohibition on marijuana has been a disaster, wasting billions of dollars and deepening racial and economic inequality.
We must end this madness. pic.twitter.com/oIUfFWXvKh
— Robert Reich (@RBReich) April 20, 2020
It's a moral outrage that millions of people are behind bars for marijuana charges while the marijuana industry is making a killing, and dispensaries are the new Apple stores.
— Robert Reich (@RBReich) April 20, 2020
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D):
4 years ago my campaign released this video.
I was the only national candidate to call for marijuana’s full legalization; emphasizing the damage rooted in racism.
The case has never been more resonant than this #420day
Marijuana | Fetterman for Senate https://t.co/9ydDq6izCgpic.twitter.com/b1WoDahXMW
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) April 20, 2020
Oregon Senate Democrats:
This is the 4th year rec. cannabis users can celebrate 4/20 legally in OR. Many dispensaries deliver, or you can use a courier service. New OLCC rules also allow curbside pickup at dispensaries. Celebrate responsibly while social distancing.#StayHomeSaveLives#orpol#dontpassitpic.twitter.com/t13FAoV6aM
— OR Senate Democrats (@ORSenDemocrats) April 20, 2020
OR is a leader. On cannabis policy reform & progress toward equity. 👉 1st state to decrim 👉 2nd to allow medical use 👉 5th to approve rec. use 👉 4th in canna-jobs We're also leading on flattening the curve. Celebrate responsibly. #StayHomeSaveLives#DontPassIt#orpol#orlegpic.twitter.com/YmZGFHvRXM
— OR Senate Democrats (@ORSenDemocrats) April 20, 2020
Pennsylvania Rep. Jake Wheatley (D):
Please join @SenSharifStreet@RepGainey and me today at 4:20 PM for a FB live stream discussion on ending the prohibition of cannabis in PA. Please RT!
FB live event link: https://t.co/hkvq49pquxpic.twitter.com/BUIJEAhntG
— Jake Wheatley (@RepWheatley) April 20, 2020
Pennsylvania Rep. David Delloso (D):
I will join state lawmakers and activists in explaining why the prohibition of cannabis should end in Pennsylvania. Watch at 4:20 p.m. TODAY. 👉Details: https://t.co/rDoM3PYUIr 👉Join us at the Facebook Live event at 4:20 p.m. TODAY: https://t.co/9Uz1ZCG3zV
— Rep. David M. Delloso (@RepDelloso) April 20, 2020
California Sen. Scott Wiener (D):
Today is 4/20. Let’s commit to a couple things:
✅ Not going to Golden Gate Park to celebrate. Get takeout or order in! #StayHome
✅ Expunging *all* #cannabis convictions immediately. We need to remove this scar caused by mass incarceration.
— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) April 20, 2020
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring (D):
They said it couldn’t be done, but starting July 1, minor marijuana possession will no longer be a crime in Virginia. This is a great start and an important 1st step toward legal, regulated adult use.https://t.co/Gyk69ucRZE
— Mark Herring (@MarkHerringVA) April 20, 2020
Washington, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine (D):
State AGs have an important role to play in #cannabis policy and innovation to ensure that the cannabis market is responsive to the significant racial disparities in the criminal justice system—which persist today.
— AG Karl A. Racine (@AGKarlRacine) April 20, 2020
City of Denver:
🌲🔥💨💨As the 1st state to #LegalizeIt, we have a unique & lengthy history celebrating 420. This year, though, we are practicing social distancing. Please stay Stoned at Home, remember to wash your hands frequently (cuz cheese dust), and as always, consume responsibly & legally. pic.twitter.com/WR2qM1eejT
— City and County of Denver (@CityofDenver) April 20, 2020
If you are missing Denver's annual 4/20 celebration, we’ve got you covered with a hazed out playlist to stream while you are Stoned at Home. Some amazing live sets at @LevittDenver and @RedRocksCO. Roll a fatty. Consume responsibly. Enjoy all afternoon.✌️https://t.co/0PKvYizxPOpic.twitter.com/jByZkCFvDd
— City and County of Denver (@CityofDenver) April 20, 2020
City of Sacramento:
Today is 4/20, a day celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts across the U.S., including here in Sacramento.
However, this year’s 4/20 arrives as the County of Sacramento’s “stay-at-home order” — to prevent the spread of COVID-19 — remains in effect.https://t.co/D6OTakEd8W
— City of Sacramento (@TheCityofSac) April 20, 2020
Congressional candidates
John Hickenlooper:
The cannabis industry is a huge part of our state economy and employs tens of thousands of Coloradans.
And it isn't being given the same access to small business loans other businesses are for COVID-19 relief.
This needs to be fixed in the next relief bill. #420Day
— John Hickenlooper (@Hickenlooper) April 20, 2020
The cannabis industry is a significant part of Colorado's economy. We've got to make sure they can access the resources they need. #420Daypic.twitter.com/pl059BgU6J
— John Hickenlooper (@Hickenlooper) April 21, 2020
Betsy Sweet:
"As your U.S. Senator, I will support the legalization of marijuana. This is a medical issue. This is a racial issue. This is a social justice issue.
Add your name if you support legalizing cannabis in the United States. #legalizeit
— Betsy Sweet (@BetsySweetME) April 20, 2020
I support legalization of #marijuana for medical & recreational use. When we do this, we need to:
✅ Expunge the records of anyone in jail for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses ✅ Keep the growing and sales local ✅ Maintain the medical system for patients who need it pic.twitter.com/0l4r7kR75a
— Betsy Sweet (@BetsySweetME) April 20, 2020
Paula Jean Swearengin:
Recreational legalization of hemp & cannabis can create a better economy in WV and states like it within 6-8 months.
🌳Additionally it’s important that we serve those most affected by the criminalization of cannabis & work to create opportunities for all.#420day#PaulaJean2020pic.twitter.com/nTrNnDBlv3
— Paula Jean Swearengin (@paulajean2020) April 20, 2020
Mike Broihier:
I am the Democrat running against Mitch McConnell — and I believe we *must* deschedule + legalize marijuana (just like alcohol or tobacco).
It would help prevent drug addiction, save taxpayer money, benefit small farmers, & undo horrible racial injustices.
We must act. #420day
— Mike Broihier (@MikeForKY) April 20, 2020
Eddie Mauro:
Americans need not be incarcerated for non-violent offenses like possession. We need comprehensive criminal justice reform & we must #LEGALIZE#marijuana & release those locked up, immediately! Discussions LIVE tomorrow night at 7PM. RSVP NOW! https://t.co/gZsCJoCLEjhttps://t.co/4c2FZRGoil
— Eddie Mauro for U.S. Senate (@eddiejmauro) April 20, 2020
Lawrence Hamm:
Happy #420 everybody! TODAY IS THE DAY! I will be LIVE answering your questions on https://t.co/SBmJ9LPyc2 at 7 PM sharp! I look forward to hearing from all of my future constituents! #RedditAMA#HammForSenatepic.twitter.com/2NYZNPk3sg
— Lawrence Hamm for US Senate (@HammForSenate) April 20, 2020
Jess Scarane:
Legalize marijuana and expunge all prior convictions. https://t.co/g4IYmrWKOH
— Jess Scarane for Senate (@JessforDelaware) April 20, 2020
When we legalize marijuana, we must also guarantee people who were harmed by our ridiculous policing of weed have the first shot at building a business in it.
Donate one of the many weed numbers today to help elect a senator who will fight for it. https://t.co/g4IYmrWKOHhttps://t.co/hSdaZISZAx
— Jess Scarane for Senate (@JessforDelaware) April 20, 2020
Alex Morse:
Congress should protect workers employed in the state-licensed cannabis industry by ensuring that state-licensed businesses are eligible for Small Business Administration crisis relief funding and loans.
— Alex Morse (@AlexBMorse) April 20, 2020
I was the 1st Mayor in 2016 to support the legalization of recreational marijuana in MA. It is a necessary step to begin dismantling the war on drugs and in Holyoke, we have worked to ensure those communities harmed by prohibition can build wealth in the new emerging industry.
— Alex Morse (@AlexBMorse) April 20, 2020
Rob Anderson:
Happy 420. Here’s some Political PSA outtakes. pic.twitter.com/9Suuagvldg
— ⚜️Rob Anderson for Louisiana (@RobAnderson2018) April 20, 2020
In Congress I’ll fight to legalize cannabis.
I need 420 activists to pitch in $4.20.
Will you help me fight for marijuana legalization by giving $4.20 today?https://t.co/A5mjfDqYoq
— ⚜️Rob Anderson for Louisiana (@RobAnderson2018) April 21, 2020
Hector Oseguera:
On 4/20 remember that the most dangerous thing about cannabis is getting caught with it.
— Hector for Congress NJ08 (@Oseguera2020) April 20, 2020
Ya granddaddy purp is cool…
but have you ever explored racial disparities in marijuana enforcements despite comparable consumption rates 🤯https://t.co/B1lZdLg6Ku
— Hector for Congress NJ08 (@Oseguera2020) April 20, 2020
John Lesinski:
Black Americans are arrested 3.64 times more often than white Americans for marijuana possession, even though usage rates are similar. It's a tool for disproportionately penalizing minorities.
This injustice must stop. We must decriminalize. In Congress, I will work to do so.
— John Lesinski for Congress (@johnforva) April 20, 2020
Zina Spezakis:
The war on drugs is racist.
Adult marijuana use should be legal.
Expunge the marijuana arrest records and restore those voting rights.#420dayhttps://t.co/BtmCex3PQp
— Zina Spezakis for Congress NJ9 ✊🏼🇺🇸🌈🌹🌎 (@ZSpezakis) April 20, 2020
Marijuana use in NJ is similar among all races but African Americans are arrested 3x more than whites in our state. I support #legalizedmarijuana for anyone 21+ and an end to racist drug policies. Can you make a donation of $4.20 today? #420day#LegalizeIthttps://t.co/7ajVOaxUI5
— Zina Spezakis for Congress NJ9 ✊🏼🇺🇸🌈🌹🌎 (@ZSpezakis) April 20, 2020
Robbie Goldstein:
In 2016, Massachusetts legalized recreational cannabis use, ending a decades-old, disastrous policy. The National Registry of Exonerations found in 2017 that people of color were five times as likely to go to prison for drug possession. (1/5)
— Robbie Goldstein (@RobbieForChange) April 20, 2020
In our community, many of those incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses are still in prison, or are facing steep challenges as they look for jobs, find housing, and work to rebuild their lives post-incarceration. (3/5)
— Robbie Goldstein (@RobbieForChange) April 20, 2020
Then, we must turn our attention to providing those re-entering our community the resources they need to get back on their feet. #mapoli (5/5)
— Robbie Goldstein (@RobbieForChange) April 20, 2020
David Kim:
"In 2018, there were.. 700K marijuana arrests nationwide,.. 43% of all drug arrests… [R]ace plays a big part in who gets penalized."
Black people are 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for possession than whites, despite similar usage rates. #420dayhttps://t.co/1mt75Aj9fr
— David Kim🌹🧢🌍❤🧘🏻♂️🏳️🌈✊ (@davidkim2020) April 20, 2020
Albert Lee:
Happy 420. Join us later today for our virtual townhall on Cannabis Legalization & Prison Reform. Meanwhile, we are looking for 420 contributions of $4.20 today. Chip in to support the change we need. https://t.co/GAoEYtc7bLpic.twitter.com/6ulhZStly0
— Albert Lee For Congress 🌹 (@AlbertLee2020) April 20, 2020
Brenda Lopez:
Join me in the fight to legalize recreational marijuana and, as a result, grow our state’s economy and better fund public schools and programs. https://t.co/NFxF7fjYS1pic.twitter.com/zBQ1FlNH64
— Brenda for Congress (@VoteBrendaLopez) April 20, 2020
Lulu Seikaly:
We need to federally decriminalize marijuana, release those who are in prison for marijuana charges, and then expunge their records completely. This is the moral thing to do, but it also makes logical and fiscal sense.
— Lulu Seikaly (@LuluForTexas) April 20, 2020
Mckayla Wilkes:
Have I been arrested for marijuana possession? Yes. Am I ashamed of that? No.
I am tired of privileged politicians admitting they smoked & faced no consequences, then explaining why they think it should still be illegal.
END THE PROHIBITION. EXPUNGE THE RECORDS.#420day
— Mckayla Wilkes for Congress (@MeetMckayla) April 20, 2020
Russ Cirincionee:
Why I am the better choice for New Jersey: Frank Pallone voted for the draconian 1994 crime bill. I will reform and work to abolish that bill. New Jersey has one of the highest arrest levels for marijuana possession in the nation, and we must end the prohibition on marijuana. pic.twitter.com/IKCDSwddV6
— Russ Cirincione for NJ-6🌹 (@RussForUs2020) April 20, 2020
Adam Schleifer:
As a former federal prosecutor who took on fraud and major international drug cartels (who’ve made billions off of marijuana), I know it’s time to #legalizemarijuana at the federal level.
For safety. For fairness. For revenue. pic.twitter.com/fPbaftasXj
— Adam Schleifer for Congress (@AdamSchleiferNY) April 20, 2020
Nate McMurray:
Happy 420, from a stuffy guy who never had a puff—BUT ALWAYS SUPPORTED LEGALIZATION (check my record):
—Because it’s medicine for some —None of my business for others —Would make NY farmers cash —And is enforced unfairly
BLAZE UP 🔥 RESPONSIBLY pic.twitter.com/0oa2L0eEL4
— Nate McMurray for Congress 2020 (@Nate_McMurray) April 20, 2020
Mara Candelaria Reardon:
The evidence is clear: states with legal marijuana are safer, fairer, and more productive. Happy #420 everyone! pic.twitter.com/9g0MNZm67Z
— Mara Candelaria Reardon (@Maraforindiana) April 21, 2020
Jamaal Bowman:
When we legalize marijuana, let's make sure it's not just wealthy white lobbyists like John Boehner cashing in.
It's insulting to our communities that people would get rich off a product that STILL criminalizes millions of black and brown people.https://t.co/JNHoh7cE5K
— Jamaal Bowman (@JamaalBowmanNY) April 20, 2020
Heidi Briones:
I support legalization of marijuana at the federal level, decriminalizing all opioids, and more. It's time to stop carrying on the so-called "war on drugs" because it's actually a war on people. #420day
— Heidi for Oregon💡 (@HeidiBriones) April 20, 2020
Shahid Buttar:
We set a goal to get 420 donations of $4.20 on 4/20, and we're halfway there!
Can you pitch in to make sure we hit this goal?
In Congress, I'll champion weed legalization and expunging past convictions. Together, we'll end the racist War on Drugs. https://t.co/DWgyuX0dKj
— 🌹Shahid Buttar for Congress (@ShahidForChange) April 20, 2020
Scott Costello:
I am on of only 2 of 14 Candidates in my district to support
✅Legalization of Cannabis and
🕊decriminalization of all drugs
🏥Treatment Not Prison🚔#420day#legalizeit
— Scott Costello Progressive Democrat (@ScottLCostello) April 20, 2020
Lisa Welch:
It’s 420. Time for us to officially end the federal prohibition on #marijuana and help those who have suffered under the laws in place. Over half the states have it legal in some form & during this pandemic it’s considered essential. Time to #legalizeithttps://t.co/cCdSESys29
— Dr. Lisa Welch for US House (@Welch_tx) April 20, 2020
Maxwell Bero:
Any effort to fully legalize marijuana must also include provisions to help the communities that have been most hurt by the racist War on Drugs.
— Maxwell Bero for Congress (@beroforcongress) April 21, 2020
Jason Call:
It’s 4/20 all day today!
Which tbh makes it about the same as yesterday #DecriminalizeCannabis#420day
— Jason Call for Congress WA02 🌹 (@CallForCongress) April 20, 2020
420 Justice is not just about decriminalizing weed
It’s about restorative justice for millions of lives destroyed
It’s about admitting our legal system & policing is inherently & historically racist
➡️ Release ➡️ Expunge ➡️ Repair
— Jason Call for Congress WA02 🌹 (@CallForCongress) April 20, 2020
Samelys Lopez:
On #420day we should celebrate the healing benefits of marijuana. Its life-saving properties should be researched and promoted.
Yet 4 of the top 10 neighborhoods in NYC for marijuana arrests are in the Bronx. The war on drugs disenfranchises community & tears families apart. 1/3
— Samelys López for NY-15🌹 (Bronx) (@SamelysLopez) April 20, 2020
We must pass the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act.
This ensures legalization is tied to racial & economic justice. Let’s meet the needs of our community and direct reinvestment towards those most harmed by the drug laws.#LegalizeItRight#MarijuanaJustice
3/3
— Samelys López for NY-15🌹 (Bronx) (@SamelysLopez) April 20, 2020
Qasim Rashid:
Marijuana records should be expunged
Marijuana should be decriminalized & legalized
Incarcerated citizens should be allowed to vote
These 3 actions don't cost a penny, they repeal racist polices that target people of color, & they strengthen our democracy
Let's get this done
— Qasim Rashid for Congress (@QasimRashid) April 20, 2020
Melanie D’Arrigo:
Legalize marijuana. Expunge their records! https://t.co/CVhdlcz31w
— Melanie D'Arrigo for Congress (@DarrigoMelanie) April 20, 2020
Melquiades Gagarin:
A #420day 🧵: Please take a moment & remember all the incarcerated Black and brown folks.
For all families torn apart because of failed drug policy.
For all the communities decimated.
Fight to have records expunged. For full legalization. For full equity in the industry.
— Mel For Progress🌹🇵🇭🇵🇷 (@MelforProgress) April 20, 2020
My point is, the people responsible for this injustice are still in power and still pushing their backwards legislative agenda.
If you’re celebrating today, help us fight to get them out.https://t.co/88d2ND9aHx
— Mel For Progress🌹🇵🇭🇵🇷 (@MelforProgress) April 20, 2020
Ben Sigel:
I 100% agree. It’s time to legalize marijuana. #420 #wethe4thhttps://t.co/XFcdkj4Ne3
— Ben Sigel (@bensigel) April 20, 2020
Lauren Ashcraft:
The Dude would approve of our Lunch with Lauren Live today! It's snack time and we’re making brownies while talking cannabis legalization and what that should mean for communities hit hardest by the war on drugs. Make a $4.20 donation to my campaign here: https://t.co/Ba5qTzWIePpic.twitter.com/Pd88FXApUz
— Lauren Ashcraft for NY-12🌹 (@VoteAshcraft) April 20, 2020
Jen Perelman:
I support Marijuana Legalization bc:
✅ Tax revenue would significantly boost Florida’s economy
✅ It would drastically reduce our non-violent prison population
✅ Safer than alcohol
✅ Life should be enjoyed
— Jen Perelman For Congress (@JENFL23) April 21, 2020
Ihssane Leckey:
With 15 minutes left of 4/20 on the East Coast, I would like to say:
We should legalize adult cannabis.
We should make sure that the communities who have been destroyed by the war on drugs are the first to benefit from legalization.
— Ihssane Leckey for Congress (@ihssaneleckey) April 21, 2020
Amanda Siebe:
I'm proud to be 1 of few candidates who are honest about #Marijuana use
We each have our reasons why we use #cannabis, but for me, I'm a #Patient. #MMJ gave me my life back when big pharma was killing me
— #Siebe2020 for US House (@SiebeforORD1) April 20, 2020
HAPPY 420!!#Marijuana improves my quality of life It increases my appetite Decreases my pain & Helps me sleep
it shouldn't make me a criminal, cost me custody of my son, or risk my housing, care, & freedom
TIME TO #LEGALIZE! Who's with me??#LegalizeIt#Happy420#PuffPuffPasspic.twitter.com/EvMnCFxKcl
— #Siebe2020 for US House (@SiebeforORD1) April 20, 2020
Nabilah Islam:
The war on drugs is racist.
Legalizing adult use cannabis is a no brainer.
The black and brown communities that have been hurt the most should be the ones that benefit.
All three things are true.
— Nabilah Islam for Congress (@NabilahforGA07) April 20, 2020
Morgan Harper:
Legalize marijuana. Expunge their records!
— Morgan Harper (@mh4oh) April 20, 2020
Donna Imam:
Send one of the most competitive races $4.20 today if you believe that the focus of the justice system should be to rehabilitate people back into being productive citizens of the community. https://t.co/E5syDov440 See: https://t.co/YBLVt8gj6T Happy 420 #420daypic.twitter.com/SllMDDepZN
— Donna Imam (@donnaimamTX) April 20, 2020
Mike Hood:
Cannabis laws in the US, at the state level, have long pointed toward a national trend.
Federal laws are long over due to bridge gaps and normalize state regulations.
I am proposing a unique strategy to focus related tax revenue on buoying arts programshttps://t.co/htaPXfeaOC
— Mike Hood – 2020 US House Candidate (OH-11) (@NewSpirit2020) April 20, 2020
Julie Oliver:
End the federal prohibition on marijuana.https://t.co/QfaMZNYufdpic.twitter.com/DvFWl3tF91
— Julie Oliver (@JulieOliverTX) April 20, 2020
Shaniyat Chowdhury:
Legalize marijuana
Expunge records
Reinvest in small businesses
Happy 4/20 pic.twitter.com/Q4qkrVMRQS
— Shaniyat Chowdhury for US Congress NY5 (@Shaniyat2020) April 20, 2020
We are about to go live on Marijuana Legalization & Prison Reform.
Can we get 420 people to chip in $4.20 today so we can continue to our fight to June 23rd? https://t.co/Nx1fdqKgJmhttps://t.co/GrKT9CHO4u
— Shaniyat Chowdhury for US Congress NY5 (@Shaniyat2020) April 20, 2020
Lacy Watson:
The M.O.R.E. Act is bipartisan legislation in favor of decriminalizing cannabis & expunging prior convictions. Please use your voice to urge Congress to move forward & vote on H.R. 3884. @ACLU@ACLU_WV@AMPROG@CAPactionpic.twitter.com/0F7ULwoZvu
— LacyWatson4Congress (@votelacy) April 20, 2020
Suraj Patel:
Legalizing marijuana is necessary, and it must be done with an emphasis on economic justice for communities of color hurt by the war on drugs. Read my thoughts: https://t.co/1rhTddBNXH
— Suraj Patel (@surajpatelnyc) April 20, 2020
State and local candidates
Andru Volinsky:
I support legalizing marijuana, and I'm not afraid to talk about it. Any legalization bill must include expunging records – and begin to lay the framework for a fair tax system for local growers. #420daypic.twitter.com/6Od1nXhOz7
— Andru Volinsky (@AndruVolinsky) April 20, 2020
New Hampshire is in the top third of states w/ the highest Black arrest rates for marijuana possession. We must legalize and expunge the records of all, including Black people, who are 4x more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people #nhpolitics#420dayhttps://t.co/dE6NOYca5c
— Andru Volinsky (@AndruVolinsky) April 20, 2020
Stephen Smith:
Proud to have the only major party candidate for Governor to publicly support full cannabis legalization.
Happy 4/20, y’all. #WVCantWait#SmithforWVpic.twitter.com/7VxJF3w1YO
— WV Can't Wait & Stephen Smith for Governor (@WVCantWait) April 20, 2020
Jenna Wadsworth:
I understand that there is a huge economic opportunity for our farmers and rural communities that comes with being able to grow and sell cannabis. #NCpol#NCAg#legalizeit#cannabis#coronavirus#COVID19NC#marijuanajustice#NCAgriculture#NCGA#NCLeg#marijuana
— Jenna Wadsworth (@jennawadsworth) April 20, 2020
LEGALIZE IT.
That’s it. That’s the Tweet. #420day#420blazeit#cannabis#legalizeit#marijuana#NCpol#NCAgpic.twitter.com/VpHihFmz4W
— Jenna Wadsworth (@jennawadsworth) April 20, 2020
Eliza Orlins:
Marijuana prohibition has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and communities of color, fueling mass criminalization, and a crisis of over-incarceration. That’s why I support legalizing marijuana and ending the racist war on drugs. 2/2
— Eliza Orlins (@elizaorlins) April 20, 2020
Joe Moody:
I’ve got a few things to say about where the #txlege might be headed w/cannabis policy next session. Will be joining @TexasNORML for the #420StreamAThon tomorrow at 1pm CT. Follow the link and join in! #CJReformhttps://t.co/CQ2XMs3fbtpic.twitter.com/bRqnrBrcXH
— Joe Moody (@moodyforelpaso) April 19, 2020
This story will be updated throughout the day with additional posts from lawmakers, officials and candidates.
Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan.