Newsom signed all the major cannabis reform bills that came to his desk in 2022, including those protecting employment rights and pain patients’ rights. He has been criticized for not pushing hard enough to reduce burdensome taxes and regulations on cannabis, but as part of this year’s state budget, he signed legislation to eliminate the cannabis cultivation tax and support equity businesses. He has long championed marijuana legalization, and convened a Blue-Ribbon panel on the topic while Lt. Governor.

Important Actions Taken:

Taking aggressive action to protect communities, consumers, and the environment alike, Governor Gavin Newsom has directed the creation of a new multi-agency, cross-jurisdictional taskforce of enforcement agencies designed to better coordinate agencies combatting illegal cannabis operations and transnational criminal organizations. (October 2022)

Huffman posted a fine voting record on marijuana while in the state assembly.  In Congress, he has co-sponsored reform bills, including the MORE and SAFE Acts.  He is a sponsor of the Small Homestead and Independent Producers (SHIP) Act, to allow small family farmers to sell their products in interstate commerce.   He has also introduced bills to deal with illegal marijuana grows on public lands, such as 2013's PLANT Act to direct the US Sentencing Commission to enhance penalties for drug offenses involving use of poisonous chemicals, water diversion, or vegetation removal. 

A hard-core small-government conservative, McClintock has taken a libertarian line on marijuana laws.  A leading House Republican supporter of cannabis reform, he co-sponsored an amendment to stop DOJ from interfering in state adult-use legalization laws.

Bera is running in District 6. He is a medical doctor who worked with AIDS patients and supports medical marijuana. He opposed Prop. 64 to legalize recreational use in California in 2016, but has voted twice in favor of the MORE Act to legalize recreational cannabis at the federal level, as well as co-sponsoring the SAFE Banking Act, and voting to allow VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis for veterans, and preventing the Justice Department from prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers.

Garamendi has been a reliable vote for cannabis bills, including the MORE Act, and co-sponsored the SAFE Banking Act.

Harder won a hard-fought race to flip the 10th district to the Democrats in 2018, defeating anti-marijuana Republican Jeff Denham.  Since then he has voted well on marijuana issues, including the MORE Act.

When she was Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi had a policy of not voting on bills.  Her leadership however empowered House leaders to advance the most sweeping marijuana reform and legalization measures in the history of Congress.

Consistent supporter of legal marijuana;  co-sponsor of MORE and SAFE acts.

Good voting record in state legislature.

Sam Liccardo built a reputation as a can-do reformer as mayor of San Jose.   During his eight years of tenure, San Jose was on the forefront of California cities that encouraged licensed cannabis businesses.   

Congressman Ro Khanna has supported marijuana reform since his election to Congress and is a lead co-sponsor of the Marijuana Justice Act to end federal prohibition, expunge records, and reinvest in the communities that have been hardest hit by prohibition. 

Longtime Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee, specializing in immigration and intellectual property, Lofgren has a strong record on civil liberties and criminal justic reform, including cannabis.

Strong supporter of legal cannabis and co-sponsor of the MORE Act.

Dependably good vote on cannabis and criminal justice issues.

Consistently good vote on cannabis legislation;  co-sponsored SAFE Banking Act.

Posted a good voting record in the legislature. 

Good voting record in state legislature.

Cisneros is running to recapture a seat in Congress, where he served a single term in 2019-20.    His voting record on cannabis issues was commendable.  He funded his campaign from lottery winnings. 

Longtime supporter and co-sponsor of cannabis reform legislation

 A strong supporter and co-sponsor of cannabis legislation, including the MORE Act

Strong supporter of legal cannabis and co-sponsor of MORE Act.

Co-sponsor, MORE Act and SAFE Banking Act of 2019.   Says cannabis a "Criminal and racial justice issue."   Has reached out for input from cannabis community. 

Vocal critic of the war on marijuana, Lieu has been a strong supporter and co-sponsor of cannabis reform legislation.

Fine voting record in state legislature. She supports descheduling marijuana, and sent a letter to the DEA in February 2024 saying, “At minimum, I ask that you follow HHS recommendations and reschedule marijuana to Schedule III and reject any argument in support of maintaining marijuana in Schedule I or Schedule II based on U.S. Treaty obligations.” https://kamlager-dove.house.gov/media/in-the-news/congresswoman-tells-dea-reject-any-argument-marijuana-rescheduling-would-violate

Congressman Takano is the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee. In this leadership role, he has yet to call for a vote on any of the multiple bills that have been introduced to address veterans' issues in relationship to cannabis policy. 

Former Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia is a progressive Democrat who supports Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, defending immigrant families and protecting civil and LGBQT rights.  He was Long Beach's first gay mayor and strongly supported establishing dispensaries in the city.  In Congress, he has proposed path-breaking legislation to halt drug testing of federal job applicants for cannabis and prevent security clearance denials to federal workers for prior cannabis use.

Has championed marijuana for veterans and repealing obsolete border restrictions against marijuana users.

Supported by San Diego cannabis reform groups. 

"Our nation’s marijuana laws are outdated, ineffective, and too costly, It’s wrong that we waste billions every year arresting and locking up and destroying the lives of tens of thousands of people for low-level, non-violent marijuana violations." -Campaign Twitter

Democrat Peters supported and co-sponsored the MORE Act, and has proposed legislation to expedite research with state-legal cannabis. 

Her website says: It’s time for the federal government to de-criminalize cannabis. And we need to make sure that tax money derived from legal cannabis sales go back to rebuilding communities that have been devastated by the drug wars, and that we pardon all those who are in the criminal justice system due to non-violent marijuana-related offenses that would now be considered legal. https://sarajacobsforca.com/criminal-justice-reform

Democrat Vargas has voted well, supported the MORE Act and co-sponsored the SAFE Act.

McGuire has a strong voting record and authored one of the three bills that regulated medical marijuana in California in 2015. He favors adult-use legalization, but opposed Prop. 64 until such time as regulation of medical cannabis could be solidified. He strongly supports local regulation and was a key opponent of outlawing local delivery bans.

Currently Senate Pro Tempore. 

Former Rep. Jerry McNerney is running for this open seat in California’s Legislature less than a year after leaving Congress, where his voting record on marijuana was good, plus he co-sponsored several reform bills. He supported and sponsored amendments to the National Farm Bill which encouraged safe practices for CBD usage and ultimately legalized CBD.

He wrote, "I support the legal use of medical marijuana and have consistently advocated for policies that prioritize public health and community safety. I also support the unrestricted use of CBD although there needs to be standards so people know what they are purchasing and using. I oppose criminal penalties for adult use of marijuana. There does need to be standards for products sold for adult recreation so people know what they are buying and using. There also needs to be standards for impairment so that people will not participate in hazardous activities while impaired. Any legislation must balance responsible use with safeguards to prevent misuse, especially in vulnerable communities."

"Keeping safety in mind, I support employment rights for California workers who use cannabis responsibly off the clock. Adults who legally consume cannabis in their personal time should not face discrimination or risk their employment as long as their use does not impact their employment performance or workplace safety. Protecting workers' rights in this regard aligns with California’s broader stance on cannabis legalization, and it's important to ensure that our policies reflect fairness and respect for personal freedoms.

"I support the expansion of cannabis consumption spaces and events, provided they are well-regulated and ensure public safety. Responsible cannabis use in designated well ventilated areas and at licensed events can provide opportunities for social engagement, education, and community-building. It’s essential that these spaces operate within a clear legal framework that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and equitable participation for all stakeholders in the cannabis industry while not imposing on neighbors who may have health issues that would be impacted by cannabis smoke, who do not wish to endure cannabis odors, or face unruly behavior."

I believe it is vital to continue advocating for policies that prioritize social justice, economic opportunity, and the health needs of our communities.

Cannabis-friendly mayor of Berkeley.

In response to Cal NORML's candidate questionnaire asking if he supports legalization, Arreguin replied, "Absolutely. I have always supported the legal use of medical marijuana and recreational use. I have also advocated for federal decriminalization of marijuana. As a member of the Berkeley City Council for the last 16 years, I have voted for many resolutions in support of federal and state policy to decriminalize, to expunge records of past convictions and call for a regulated legal market. I have also advocated for lowering state taxes. I authored the legislation in Berkeley to waive taxes due to economic hardship and to establish our local regulatory process for adult recreational use.

"I have been a strong advocate for safe access and decriminalization and I will fight to lower taxes, and establish fair regulations to allow the continued growth of the cannabis industry."

Good voting record in Assembly, except for supporting AB 1207 (2023) to enact restrictive labeling on cannabis products (as many lawmakers did). 

Cal NORML legislator of the year, 2018.  Sponsored SB 34, allowing tax-free giveaways of medical cannabis to needy patients.

Becker has voted well. 

Has a very good voting record.  Sponsored bill to allow interstate commerce agreements for cannabis.

Votes well. Cares about environment. 

Has voted well since taking office. 

Votes very well. 

Good voting record.

Consistently good voting record.  

Votes quite well. Sponsored a bill to expand on Ryan's Law, protecting medical marijuana patients in hospitals. 

A good voter. 

Good voting record.

State Senator Bob Archuleta leans towards traditionalist family values, but has compiled a commendable voting record on cannabis and drug issues. Voted in State Senate for cannabis employment rights bill AB 2188, liberalized rules around cannabis lounges AB 374, and psychedelics decrim bill SB 858 in 2023.

Votes well; has skipped some votes. 

Has voted well. 

Rogers is a cannabis-friendly Santa Rosa city councilmember. 

Has a good voting record. Introduced bill to regulate CBD products in CA. 

This young Republican has voted very well on cannabis issues, with a perfect voting record for 2023/24. 

Nguyen has voted well on cannabis issues in her first two years in the Assembly. 

Nguyen was Executive Director of Asian Resources, Inc, serving low-income, immigrant, and refugee communities, including ex-convicts.   She has served as a councilmember and vice-mayor of Elk Grove, a town that has no licensed cannabis dispensaries.  The wife of a police officer, she is a strong advocate for public safety.

Excellent voting record.

Connolly boasts experience as a former Marin Co. Supervisor, Vice-Mayor of San Rafael, and CA Deputy Attorney General. In addition to environmental causes, he advocates for social justice, racial and gender equity, and reproductive rights. He has voted well on cannabis bills. 

Ransom wrote that she supports legalization and co-authored the cannabis sales and license ordinance for the city of Tracy, making the industry legal within the city limits.

She says cannabis taxes are too high and supports employment rights for cannabis users. Regarding cannabis lounges and events, she said, "Depends on the space and the event." 

Perfect voting record in 2021-2 session and voted well in 2023/24.  

Former organizer for Obama campaign endorsed by Gavin Newsom, Sen. Harris and Barack Obama. Advocates a public health approach to drug policy, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for all drugs.

Has voted well, plus sponsored two cannabis cafe bills. 

Was a strong advocate for cannabis in San Francisco;  sponsored employment rights resolution on Board of Supervisors.  Criticized for supporting S.F. Measure D raising business taxes on cannabis. 

Sponsored bill to expedite expungement of cannabis offenses.  Wife of A.G. Rob Bonta.

Absent for some key votes, but voted well on others. Sponsored bill to protect mothers against drug testing when they deliver babies. 

Was endorsed by outgoing Assemblyman Bill Quirk, a champion of cannabis reform in the legislature.

Votes well and was friendly to cannabis advocates at Lobby Day 2023.

Lee is a young Gen Z progressive from a more conservative Chinese constituency.  He is enthusiastically  in favor of legal marijuana, social equity, employment rights for marijuana users, and more.  He doesn't use drugs, but is open to discussing legalization of psychedelics. Good voting record. 

Strong supporter of the cannabis industry. Sponsored two bills to allow veterinarians to recommend cannabis, and dispensaries to carry pet products. 

Supported licensed cannabusinesses on Fresno City Council. Votes well in legislature. 

Votes well in legislature. Sponsored bill to allow small cannabis farmers to sell directly to consumers. 

Votes well on cannabis bills. 

Voted well in her first term in office. 

Dr. Arambula is an emergency room physician and son of former Assemblymember Juan Arambula. 

He has voted well on cannabis bills. 

Good voting record. 

Votes well. 

Was a Ventura County supervisor. In March 2017, he voted in favor of land-use amendments that would allow a limited number of dispensaries, processing plants and farms to provide marijuana for medicinal purposes in Ventura County.

“I asked the Board to approve a direction to staff to begin the process of developing proper regulations needed to have safe, practical access to medical cannabis while minimizing any negative impacts on the community,” Bennett said in 2016. “I made that request because I believe medical benefits of cannabis use are becoming more broadly known and we will only have safe, practical access with minimal negative impacts on the community if we invest the time and energy to create rational, effective regulations with a broad stakeholder input.” 

Votes well. 

Schiavo is a progressive Democrat supported by friend-of-cannabis and former Assemblymember Tom Ammiano. She votes well. 

He has voted well. 

Good voting record. Sponsored bills to allow for hemp commerce. 

Perfect voting record in 2021-2 session.

Good voting record. 

Was helpful in committee with thoughtful comments when Cal NORML worked to defeat a bill that would have exempted law enforcement officials from our employment rights law. 

Gonzalez wrote, "I am a longtime supporter of the legal adult use of marijuana for recreational and medical purposes."

He supports lowering taxes on medical patients and equity businesses, employment rights for cannabis consumers, and the expansion of consumption spaces. Saying he would have voted for AB 1775, the cannabis café bill if in office, he wrote, "I'm proud to have supported UFCW cannabis workers throughout my time in public service."

Has voted well. Human rights advocate. 

Votes well. 

Has has indicated strong support for cannabis users' rights; came to our 2023 Lobby Day afterparty. Votes well. 

Votes well. 

OK voting record for a Democrat. In 2024, sponsored AB 2555, to extend cannabis compassion programs for patients. 

Voting well. 

Voting well. Raises concerns about children. 

Generally good vote on cannabis and drug reform bills.

Perfect voting record in first term.  

Former San Diego City Councilman and Chief of Staff to State Senator Marty Block. Chaired the San Diego City Council’s economic development committee, which voted 4-0 in September to draft a cannabis equity policy in November 2019. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/san-diego/story/2019-11-17/battle-heating-up-over-san-diegos-proposed-cannabis-equity-program

Good voting record since joining house in June 2022.  Replaced Lorena Gonzalez, who resigned to head California Labor Federation.