Democratic Jr Senator; previously Representative (MI-8)
Rated B- by NORML: decriminalize recreational marijuana
NORML Politician Info: rated B -
Candidate: Debbie Stabenow (D-MI): Holds office U.S. Senate
Summary: DECRIMINALIZE
Comments: "It's time to decriminalize medical and recreational
marijuana. It's also important to move forward thoughtfully and work closely with law enforcement, public health officials, business leaders & communities to ensure we get this right and avoid unintended consequences," Stabenow told VICE. (4/23/18)
Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Michigan Senate race
, Aug 8, 2024
Time to decriminalize medical and recreational marijuana
Q: Marijuana: Support medical & recreational decriminalization? Legalization is on the ballot as Measure 1.
John James (R):
Unknown view of medical marijuana use. Opposes legalization for recreational use.
Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. "Time to decriminalize medical and recreational marijuana."
Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race
, Oct 9, 2018
Rated D by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance.
Stabenow scores D by the NORML on drug reform
OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:
C: mixed record on drug reform (approx. 45 members)
A/B: pro-drug-reform stance (approx. 293 members)
About NORML (from their website, www.norml.org):
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law`s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.
NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.
NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession
& responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called `decriminalization.`
NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as `legalization.`
NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.
NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.
Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.