Candidate in race for State Senate District 19 on Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Regarding the federal prohinition of marijuana, Ahrens remarked, "With the majority of states regulating and allowing marijuana use for medical and recreational purposes, it is time for the federal government to follow suit and end the prohibition on marijuana. Businesses should be allowed to fully participate in routine commerce practices afforded to any trade, including allowing for routine banking and monetary transactions. And the medical industry should not be restricted in providing and studying the effects of marijuana, which may be beneficial." (Candidate Survey Response)
When asked to provide a position statement on legalizing and regulating the responsible adult-use of cannabis, Ahrens replied, "I fully support Florida's Amendment 3, which will help protect Floridians. Adults already use marijuana in our state, but they are currently in danger due to the black market supply. Legalizing and regulating marijuana will allow for safe adult usage and ensure that the marijuana available is not laced with other dangerous drugs like fentanyl. It would also end the current funding of criminal organizations that control much of the illegal marijuana trade."
"As with decriminalizatio, the expongement of non-violent marijuana possession offenses will free up space in our overcrowded jails and judicial system to focus on more serious offenders." (Candidate Survey Response)
On decriminalizing simple cannabis possession, Ahrens wrote, "Historically, the criminalization of marijuana possession has mostly affected Black and other minority groups. It has led to overcrowding of jails and slowed our judicial system. Now, with the majority of states allowing some form of use, the simple possession of marijuana should be decriminalized, freeing up dockets in our judicial and penal systems for more serious offenses." (Candidate Survey Response)
Supporting medical cannabis research expansion, Ahrens noted, "Medical decisions should always be made by a patient and their medical provider, without government interference. Indications are that marijuana can be beneficial for many conditions when used appropriately and should be permitted when a patient and their provider feel it is a good option. Furthermore, medical research on marijuana should not be restricted to allow for a greater understanding of the benefits and risks associated with its use." (Candidate Survey Response)
Email: addVanceforFlorida@gmail.com
Phone: 321-802-2678
2909 West New Haven #365
Melbourne, FL 32904