Beckles has reached out to the cannabis community, and is running a progressive, "people-powered" campaign. Her platform advocates criminal justice reform: "Mass incarceration must be ended, drug offenses should result in rehabilitation, not imprisonment, and the use of illegal drugs should be decriminalized." Critics accuse her of divisive and confrontational behavior on the Richmond City Council.

Beckles' responses to the Cal NORML candidate questionnaire were strong. She wrote that she supports legalization and that, "During my tenure as a Richmond City Councilmember, I approved the first dispensaries in West County." She said that cannabis taxes are too high and would support lowering them across the board, and will fight for that in the Assembly. She is in favor of employees rights for cannabis consumers, and the expansion of cannabis consumption spaces and events, saying both should be treated like alcohol. 

She added, "I’ve been an advocate for Cannabis reform for years! I’m a consumer and believe that cannabis is healthier than alcohol and should be regulated the same as alcohol for safety reasons. People can go to a bar to consume alcohol,  we should be able to do the same responsibly with cannabis. As Senator, I will advocate lowering the excise tax. Many small dispensaries are struggling to stay afloat. Lowering it will support their success and enable many neighborhood dispensaries to remain open and available; especially for patients and customers who rely on the plant for health purposes."