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Joe Biden on Medical Marijuana and Drug Policy

Joe Biden's running mate is Barack Obama
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.

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Joe Biden opposes making marijuana available for medical reasons

"I spent a lot of time in the hospital, fortunately I wasn't, for most of the time, in serious pain. But, you know, lying there for 59 days in an ICU unit you see people and hear people in pain. We have not devoted nearly enough science or time to deal with the pain management and chronic pain management that exists. There's got to be a better answer than marijuana. There's got to be a better answer than that."

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Joe Biden strongly opposes federal raids on medical marijuana facilities in states which have approved its use

At a house party in Canterbury, New Hampshire, on May 12, 2007, Sen. Biden was asked if he would end the federal raids on medical marijuana patients. He responded, "Yes!"

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Joe Biden supports fighting a war on drugs internationally

Vote YES to add an additional $53 million (raising the total to $213 million) to international narcotics control funding, and pay for it by taking $25 million from international operations funding and $28 million from development assistance.

Bill HR 3540 ; vote number 1996-244 on Jul 25, 1996

Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr., said today that Mexico must make significant progress in dismantling drug trafficking networks, implementing its anti-crime laws and prosecuting official corruption if it hopes to achieve full U.S. certification next year as a partner in the war against drugs.

Congressional Press Releases October 29, 1997

Joe Biden supports relaxing drug laws and/or drug enforcement

Sponsored the Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act, commonly known as the RAVE Act

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Mr. Biden and Mr. Coverdell said the PRIDE findings confirm the need for more after-school programs, where teens can be supervised, mentored or engaged in worthwhile activities until their parents can care for them.

Washington Times June 18, 1998

Joe Biden has worked to increase penalties for dealing drugs within 1,000 feet of schools, created the Drug Czar office in the White House, and was an important voice in classifying steroids as drugs and has worked to keep them out of the hands of students.

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We need diversion out of the system. I'm the guy that wrote the drug court legislation that is in the law right now...300,000 will come out addicted from the prison this year

2007 Democratic Primary Debate at Howard University Jun 28, 2007

You have to eliminate the disparity between crack & powdered cocaine. I've introduced legislation to do that.

2007 Democratic Primary Debate at Howard University Jun 28, 2007

Vote NO to increase penalties on certain drug-related crimes. The amendment would specifically target the manufacturing or trafficking of amphetamines & methamphetamines and possession of powder cocaine, and set stronger penalties for dealing drugs

Bill S.625 ; vote number 1999-360 on Nov 10, 1999