Democratic Party presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (RFK) promised this week that if elected in 2024, he would push for the federal legalization of marijuana.
The candidate promised to legalize the drug nationwide, following successful efforts in a number of states to decriminalize or legalize the substance.
“I will decriminalize cannabis at the federal level,” he wrote on Twitter. “Current situation with contradictory state + federal laws is absurd. States should be able to decide without federal interference.”
Despite the fact that marijuana is illegal federally, 38 states have legalized the drug in one way, shape or form. The drug is decriminalized in eight states.
Fourteen states permit the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. A total of 23 states have legalized the drug for recreational use.
Kennedy criticized the marijuana policy of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who is seeking the Republican nomination. Kennedy wrote on social media that the Florida Republican’s “opposition to marijuana decriminalization is wrong.”
The candidate also wrote that should he be elected, he would “restore America as the global example of health & well-being. Not through pills or syringes, but through character and self-discipline. And I will continue to walk the walk and lead by example.”
As President, I will restore America as the global example of health & well-being. Not through pills or syringes, but through character and self-discipline. And I will continue to walk the walk and lead by example. #Kennedy24
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) June 25, 2023
The Democratic candidate received considerable attention in recent weeks, including compliments from former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
Carlson said that Kennedy is a “mainstream figure” compared to the medical establishment. He also said that RFK is currently “winning.”
Kennedy’s bid for the Democratic nomination is joined by author and 2020 candidate Marianne Williamson and President Joe Biden.
While RFK has pushed for a potential Democratic primary debate against the president, a number of prominent Democrats pushed back on the idea.
RFK is the son of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy (D-NY), who also served as U.S. Attorney General in the administration of his brother, President John F. Kennedy. Robert F. Kennedy, Sr. sought the Democratic Party’s nomination for president in 1968 but was assassinated after his victory in the California primary.
