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Bill Richardson on Medical Marijuana and Drug Policy

Marijuana became illegal at the federal level with the U.S. Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. However, currently 12 states have legalized medical marijuana for medicinal purposes. Marijuana and other drugs have been at the center of numerous controversial issues in the United States, as they widely impact domestic policy, foreign policy, and law. This topic includes information about candidate positions on: the U.S. international "War on Drugs", sentencing guidelines for drug-related offenses, federal and state drug laws, and the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

The issues

Bill Richardson strongly supports making marijuana available for medical reasons

Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson, poised to sign a bill making New Mexico the 12th state to legalize medical marijuana, said Thursday he realizes his action could become an issue in the presidential race.

link (legislation)

Bill Richardson strongly opposes federal raids on medical marijuana facilities in states which have approved its use

"The Bush people, instead of going after drug dealers, are going after people who are dying...I'm going to fight the Bush people, this is about state sovereignty."

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Bill Richardson is neutral on fighting a war on drugs internationally

"I do think the war on drugs has been a failure, because we have to do more on treatment and rehabilitation."

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Richardson disagreed with Johnson that the war on drugs has been a failure, saying that "slow, steady progress has been made."

Associated Press January 23, 2003

Bill Richardson opposes relaxing drug laws and/or drug enforcement

Gov. Bill Richardson met Wednesday with the nation's drug czar, assuring him that he doesn't share his predecessor's views and that New Mexico wants his help. "The main message here to the director is that this governor is against legalizing drugs and marijuana," Richardson said after a 45-minute meeting with John Walters.

Associated Press January 23, 2003

"I'm not going to decriminalize marijuana."

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"Meth in my state is a huge problem, but we dealt with it with more penalties but also with more education and rehabilitation."

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We're cracking down on illegal drug labs - these dangerous, makeshift factories are popping up almost daily in neighborhoods across our state. In addition to the deadly product they produce, the labs are a danger to nearby residents, and anyone in the house, including children. Our State Police are targeting these illegal drug labs and will throw the book at anyone making drugs, and raise the penalties for those doing so with children present.

State of the State speech to the New Mexico Legislature Jan 20, 2004

My goal is to see an adequate number of Drug Courts in each of the state's judicial districts. Under my proposal, first-time, non-violent offenders who are arrested for drug or alcohol related crimes-as an alternative to incarceration- must adhere to a strict regimen of treatment, counseling, tests, community service, and hearings. If the offender misses a step, he or she has to pay fines and do jail time. Participants must pay for the program as they are able, and the court will determine the individual's ability.

Campaign web site, RichardsonForGovernor.com, "Priorities" Oct 24, 2002