Washington state first legalized recreational marijuana all the way back in 2012. While those who opposed legalization argued that crime would go up, studies actually show violent crime has gone down since prohibitions were removed on cannabis.
Pramila Jayapal, who has represented Washington’s district since 2016, has seen first hand, the benefits of legal marijuana. After Joe Biden told a Las Vegas crowd that maijuana was a gateway drug, Jayapal took him to task via Twitter.
Biden was asked about his position on the federal legalization of marijuana. He told the crowd, “The truth of the matter is, there’s not nearly been enough evidence that has been acquired as to whether or not it is a gateway drug.”
The former Vice President continued, “It’s a debate, and I want a lot more before I legalize it nationally. I want to make sure we know a lot more about the science behind it.”
Linking to an article about Biden’s comments, Jayapal tweeted, “It is not. Prohibition is a gateway to racist policing practices and mass incarceration, though.”
It is not.
Prohibition is a gateway to racist policing practices and mass incarceration, though.https://t.co/2l5fI46Ydu
— Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) November 18, 2019
Some of Biden’s opponents for the 2020 Democratic nomination also took issue with his words. Andrew Yang tweeted, “Marijuana should be legal nationwide. It is already legal in several states, it reflects a safer approach to pain relief than opiates, and our administration of drug laws is deeply uneven and racist.”
Marijuana should be legal nationwide. It is already legal in several states, it reflects a safer approach to pain relief than opiates, and our administration of drug laws is deeply uneven and racist. https://t.co/0Uhl17MW98
— Andrew Yang🧢 (@AndrewYang) November 18, 2019
Kamala Harris also weighed in, writing, “Let’s be clear: marijuana isn’t a gateway drug and should be legalized. Glad to see my bill with Rep. Nadler take the next step in the House this week.”
Let's be clear: marijuana isn't a gateway drug and should be legalized. Glad to see my bill with Rep. Nadler take the next step in the House this week. https://t.co/d6BcMFlpYT
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 18, 2019