The legalization of marijuana in all of the states in America is one of the pressing issues of 2016, the election year. As such, the stand of presidential candidates -- Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump -- about legalized marijuana, matter greatly to the voters.
Fortune reports that at least 89 percent of Americans believe marijuana should be legalized in the United States, and the call is strong especially among medicinal marijuana advocates. The news outlet also notes that legalized marijuana is the one matter that the opposing candidates actually agree on.
So, what do Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump really have to say about legalized marijuana? Here are the facts below.
Hillary Clinton On Legalized Marijuana
In an ABC interview, Hillary Clinton said that if she becomes president she will make it possible to move marijuana from Schedule 1. The category, stipulated by the DEA, also includes LSD, heroin and Ecstasy, which are deemed unsafe and dangerous. But Hillary Clinton acknowledges that marijuana can be helpful in treating medical conditions and easing pain. In this instance, she is "100 percent" in favor of legalized marijuana for medical use.
However, the presidential candidate also expressed some hesitation in the legalization, citing this might need more research and scientific proof. She also said she is closely watching states like Colorado, which have legalized marijuana, to understand if the law actually works or not.
The Marijuana Policy Project has graded Hillary Clinton's stand on legalized marijuana as a B+. The group recognizes that the presidential nominee is for legalization, albeit stressing on the need for more research.
Donald Trump On Legalized Marijuana
While less explicit about his plans, Donald Trump has also expressed support for legalized marijuana. According to the Marijuana Policy Project, Donald Trump has been in favor of this, including even recreational marijuana, as far back as the 1990s.
High Times reports that Donald Trump understands that medicinal marijuana has helped some individuals with serious health problems. However, as the election fever heigthens, the news outlet notes that Donald Trump has expressed caution when it comes to legalized marijuana, even for medicinal purposes. "In some ways, I think it's good and in other ways, it's bad," Trump said.
Just like Hillary Clinton, he would like to see more proof of its effects, especially in medical issues. The Marijuana Policy Project has graded Donald Trump a C+ for his stance, for lack of a clearer policy.
