RFK Jr. Pledges to Make Marijuana Legalization Central to His Presidential Campaign
Washington, D.C. – September 14, 2023: In a recent appearance on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a candidate in the 2024 presidential race, reiterated his commitment to federal marijuana legalization. He emphasized the need to channel cannabis tax revenue into drug treatment and rehabilitation centers as a vital component of his campaign and potential presidency.
Kennedy, a Democratic candidate and the son of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, responded to a caller’s question about his stance on cannabis policy. He revealed his personal struggle with addiction in his youth, lasting 15 years. Despite this, Kennedy firmly supports personal freedoms and deems the current practice of criminalizing and imprisoning individuals for drug-related offenses as unsustainable.
His proposed approach involves legalizing marijuana at the federal level and establishing a dedicated federal tax on cannabis, with the revenue earmarked for drug treatment and rehabilitation. These “renewal centers” would primarily address the increasing challenges of mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and drug addiction, particularly among the youth. Kennedy envisions these centers as places where individuals can also learn organic farming as a therapeutic tool.
Furthermore, Kennedy advocates for allowing cannabis businesses access to traditional banking services to curb the industry’s reliance on cash, which he believes encourages criminal activity. He expressed satisfaction in gaining support across the political spectrum for his common-sense approach to cannabis policy.
Since announcing his presidential candidacy in April, Kennedy has consistently promoted a comprehensive drug policy agenda, including the legalization and taxation of specific psychedelics. This approach stands in contrast to the position of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who, in June, expressed reluctance to decriminalize cannabis if elected president.
Kennedy has openly discussed his 40 years of sobriety, even declining an offer to smoke marijuana during a podcast interview. He remains committed to his vision of addressing drug policy and legalization as integral aspects of his presidential campaign.
