Representative Dean supports the decriminalization of marijuana and the expungmement of marijuana posession charges. She has been vocal about how the criminalization of marijuana has disproportionately effected black and brown communities in the United States.
Holds office U.S. House District 4
Candidate in race for U.S. House District 4 on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
In response to President Biden's pardoning of all federal simple marijuana possession offenses, Representative Dean tweeted: "I applaud @POTUS on this action that will help thousands who have faced barriers to education, jobs, and housing. And I welcome their review of how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. This is important progress — a long overdue path toward marijuana decriminalization." (10/6/22)
In response to President Biden annoucing that he "will commute the sentences of 75 people serving time for nonviolent drug offenses and issue full pardons for three individuals" Rep. Dean replied, "I applaud @POTUS for his decision. For too long we have allowed the "war on drugs" to over-criminalize Black, Brown, and Latino communities. We can reunite more families and help heal communities through the profound power of second chances." (04/26/22)
"It’s past time to legalize marijuana, release those behind bars for nonviolent marijuana convictions, and expunge past marijuana convictions. Black and brown communities have suffered enough from a failed 'War on Drugs.'” (04/20/22)
"People of color are 4x more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people. Today, I will vote for the MORE Act to decriminalize marijuana and to fund services and legal aid for those harmed by failed federal drug policies — especially communities of color." (04/01/22)
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