GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis Says He Will Not Decriminalize Marijuana If Elected President

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 presidential candidate, said he would not decriminalize marijuana at the federal level if elected to the White House.

DeSantis made the comments on Thursday during a campaign event in Augusta, South Carolina. It came in response to a voter who said they were representing wounded veterans and asked the 2024 candidate to “please decriminalize marijuana.” 

“I don’t think we would do that,” he responded. “But what I have done in Florida is we have a medical program through our Constitution that the voters did. Veterans in those situations in Florida are actually allowed access — it’s very controversial because obviously there are some people that abuse it and are using it recreationally.”

DeSantis listed several concerns he has about cannabis use, including that it is more potent in its current form and the potential for illicit products to be laced with fentanyl.

He touted his wife’s initiative to educate school-aged children about the dangers of drug use. He believes that U.S. policy should follow suit and discourage drug use. Legalization would only make it more accessible. 

“We have too many people using drugs in this country right now,” DeSantis continued. “I think it hurts our workforce readiness. I think it hurts people’s ability to prosper in life.”

Federally, marijuana is listed as a Schedule 1 drug, the same as heroin or meth. As a Schedule 1 drug, federal agencies view cannabis as having no medical value and a high potential for users to abuse it. 

The Biden administration is supposed to review the scheduling later this year.