Sen. Nelson was quoted by the Tampa Bay Times as saying, "Marijuana used as a medical relief for people that are desperate, I agree that ought to be legal," and that cannabis legislation is, "best left to the states," rather than the federal government. Nelson also recently told the Tampa Bay Times, "Just listen to the personal testimonies of people that nothing will help them as they are dying and marijuana gives them comfort and relieves the pain."
9/25/14

"I oppose legalizing marijuana. At this time, no legislation is pending in the Senate to decriminalize the possession or use of marijuana."

Sen. Nelson did vote for the 2014 Farm Bill, which included language that allows research plots of industrial hemp to be cultivated in states that permit it, because of an amendment introduced by Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY 4), which passed in the House of Representatives version of the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill, with the House's hemp amendment, did pass the Senate and was signed into law by President Obama.