Republican Maryland Governor; possible presidential contender
Rated C by NORML; no decriminalization; no expungement
NORML Politician Info: rated C Larry Hogan (R - MD), Candidate in race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Summary: MEDICAL USE /MANDATORY MINIMUM JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION
Biography:
Based on responses to our Maryland NORML's 2019 candidate survey and other available records, Governor Hogan vetoed paraphernalia decriminalization; Vetoed changing public consumption from criminal charge to civil fine; Did not sign expungement bill;
Does not support adult use (only supports medical)
Position on Medical Marijuana: In 2019, Gov. Hogan signed House Bill 17, which for the first time permits state-authorized dispensaries to provide cannabis-infused edible products
to qualified patients. It also authorizes academic institutions to obtain research-grade cannabis from state-licensed providers for conducting research trials. Hogan supports medical marijuana but has not called for full legalization.
2016: vetoed decriminalization of marijuana paraphernalia
Marijuana : Ban or legal?
Angela Alsobrooks (D): Legal with limits. "What adults choose to do is their business." Has concern about "impact on youth." As county prosecutor, blamed rising crime rates on decriminalized
marijuana.
Larry Hogan (R): Mixed. Let a companion bill to voter-approved legalization become law without his signature. In 2015 vetoed decriminalization. In 2016 vetoed decriminalization of possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race
, Aug 8, 2024
Make repeated drunk or drugged driving a felony
Governor Larry Hogan joined with Maryland State Police Superintendent, highway safety advocates, and the family members of victims of impaired driving crashes for the 15th Annual Maryland Remembers ceremony. The event honors the lives of those killed
on Maryland's roads by drunk or drugged drivers. "We are gathered here today to ensure that these loved ones will never be forgotten," said Governor Hogan. "We are also here because--together--we will never stop fighting to prevent more needless deaths
from drunk or drugged driving."
In the coming legislative session, the Hogan administration will again introduce the Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act, which creates a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years for anyone
convicted of a drunk or drugged driving offense on three or more prior occasions, as well as anyone convicted of causing a death or a life-threatening injury on their second and/or subsequent offenses.
Expand medical marijuana; wait on recreational marijuana
Marijuana: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?
Hogan: Mixed. Signed bill expanding medical marijuana industry. Wait and see before recreational legalization.
Jealous: Yes. Fully legalize marijuana, including diverse communities in licensing. Use tax revenues to pay for universal, full-day, pre-K education.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race
, Nov 1, 2018
Tougher prosecution of high-level heroin traffickers
Governor Larry Hogan signed 207 bills into law at a signing ceremony at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. Said Governor Hogan. "Keeping Marylanders safe is our number one priority."
In December 2017, Governor Hogan proposed a series of crime
initiatives to address repeat violent offenders and criminal gang enterprises terrorizing communities across the state. Throughout the legislative session, Governor Hogan worked with legislators from both parties to ensure these critical initiatives
were passed.
Signed as part of the crime package was Senate Bill 1137, which expands the existing volume dealer law to include fentanyl and will allow for more effective prosecution of high-level heroin traffickers.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 35-14-2 on March 22; passed House 135-5-9 on March 31; signed by Gov. Hogan, April 24, 2018
Created the Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force
Three years ago, when not many people were paying any attention, we began to shine a spotlight on the rapidly growing heroin and opioid crisis. Just under the surface of every community across our state and across the nation, heroin and opioid abuse has
been taking lives and tearing apart families and communities.
One of my first acts as governor was to create the Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force. We have gone after it from every angle including education, treatment, interdiction, and law
enforcement. We have made strides, but this crisis continues to grow out of control all across our country.
We can--and we must--do more to save the lives of Marylanders. We need your help to enact the multi-pronged
Heroin Prevention, Treatment, and Enforcement Initiative and to pass the Prescriber Limits Act of 2017 and the Distribution of Opioids Resulting in Death Act.
New tools to pursue criminal organizations in drug trade
Governor Larry Hogan today joined 46 governors in signing the Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction, which was developed by and released today through the National Governors Association (NGA). "Far too many families and communities have experienced the
devastation caused by heroin and opioid abuse," said Governor Hogan.
Governor Hogan established the Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force, which issued its final report In December 2015, containing 33 recommendations to address heroin and
opioid abuse, including expanding access to treatment and boosting overdose prevention efforts. Funding has been included in the last two budgets to address heroin addiction and treatment, as well as additional measures that are part of the
administration's criminal justice reform effort. The governor championed the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, and provided state attorneys with new tools to pursue criminal organizations involved in drug trade.
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.