California Guide

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Upcoming Election
California General Election: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Race for President
A
Jill Stein (G) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
A
Kamala Harris (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

Vice President Kamala Harris pledges to federally legalize marijuana, ensuring that access to cannabis is “the law of the land."

If elected, she will "break down unjust legal barriers that hold Black men and other Americans back by legalizing marijuana nationally, working with Congress to ensure that the safe cultivation, distribution, and possession of recreational marijuana is the law of the land." 

The Democratic presidential nominee’s cannabis plan to "legalize marijuana at the federal level to break down unjust legal barriers that hold Black men and other Americans back" is part of what her campaign calls an "opportunity agend." (10/14/24)

As Vice President, Harris has repeatedly stated that Americans should not be incarcerated for marijuana use. She’s championed the Biden administration’s efforts to pardon low-level marijuana offenders and to loosen certain federal cannabis restrictions. And as the Democratic presidential nominee, she’s the first major party candidate to have ever called for the plant’s legalization and regulation. 

C
Donald Trump (R) DECRIMINALIZE

Following the passage of Congressional amendments limiting the Justice Department from taking prosecutorial actions against those in legal marijuana states, Former President Trump consistently issued signing statements indicating that he believed that he had the power to disregard these amendments because he believed them to be unconstitutional. (Source)

Regarding Florida's 2024 Amendment 3, Trump said, "someone should not be a criminal in Florida, when this is legal in so many other States.” (8/31/24)

Race for Vice President
A
Tim Walz (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

Governor Walz has been an outspoken proponent of adult-use marijuana legalization and in 2019 he ordered state agencies to begin taking steps to prepare for a change in law.

C
J.D. Vance (R)

Vance was among the nine members of the Senate Banking Committee who voted in the minority against the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act in September 2023. That bill is still pending floor action, and Democratic leadership has repeatedly described it as a priority without advancing it further, but Vance said he opposed it in part because he believes it would inadvertently make it easier for illicit operators to traffic other drugs such as fentanyl. Asked about his opposition to the legislation in April 2024, the senator argued that it “was crafted in such a way that actually would have opened up access to banking resources for fentanyl traffickers and others.” There’s no clear evidence that that’s the case, but Vance has more generally discussed his concerns with the fentanyl trade on several occasions. (7/15/24)

During a campaign event with the Milwaukee Police Association in Wisconsin, Vance said he spoke to a police officer who told him that "we’ve got fentanyl in our marijuana bags that our teenagers are using," echoing a claim about laced cannabis that’s been routinely contested by advocates and certain state regulators: "Look, I’m the parent of three young kids… A seven-year-old, a four-year-old and a two-year-old. We don’t have to worry about this yet, but I’m certain—because kids are kids—that one day, one of my kids is going to take something or do something that I don’t want them to take. But I don’t want that mistake to ruin their life. I want them to learn from it. I want their parents to be able to punish them. I don’t want our kids to make mistakes on American streets and have it take their lives away from them," he said, suggesting that he recognizes when his children grow up they may experiment with certain substances such as marijuana, but he’s more concerned with potentially lethal contamination. (8/16/24)

Race for U.S. Senate
A-
Adam Schiff (D) DECRIMINALIZE
Race for U.S. House District 1
F
Doug LaMalfa (R) JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION

Has consistently opposed cannabis reform bills in state legislature and Congress.

Race for U.S. House District 2
ENDORSED
A+
Jared Huffman (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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. 

Race for U.S. House District 3
B+
Jessica Morse (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
Avid backpacker & former national security analyst and USAID worker. "It is time for Congress to end the federal prohibition on marijuana. Marijuana should be creating tax revenue for better schools, cleaner environments, and safer roads, not filling our prisons at an enormous cost to the public. Yet even as California and other legalized states work to bring the cannabis trade into the economy, federal prohibition makes it difficult to properly regulate issues from environmental impacts to product safety. It also creates public safety risks, as entrepreneurs are forced to operate in a cash economy because of restrictions on banking. It is in California’s interest to carefully manage the growth of this industry, something that’s not fully possible as long as we operate with uncertain threat of federal prosecution. Ultimately, we cannot lose sight of the human cost of the “war on drugs” as enforcement disproportionately negatively impacts our communities of color."
D+
Kevin Kiley (R)

Kiley has voted wrong on nearly every key vote in the Assembly, although he did vote for cannabis compassion programs, automatic resentencing, and a resolution to ask the DOJ to allow cannabis businesses.

 

Race for U.S. House District 4
A-
Mike Thompson (D) DECRIMINALIZE
Race for U.S. House District 5
ENDORSED
A
Tom McClintock (R) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

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.

B
Race for U.S. House District 6
ENDORSED
A
Ami Bera (D) DECRIMINALIZE

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.

Race for U.S. House District 7
B+
Doris Matsui (D) DECRIMINALIZE

Matsui (pictured third from left) met with citizen lobbyists from Cal NORML at Lobby Day 2015. She has voted well on marijuana bills in Congress. 

Race for U.S. House District 8
ENDORSED
A
John Garamendi (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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

Race for U.S. House District 9
ENDORSED
A
Josh Harder (D)

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.

 

Race for U.S. House District 10
A-
Mark DeSaulnier (D) DECRIMINALIZE
Race for U.S. House District 11
ENDORSED
A
Nancy Pelosi (D)

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.

Race for U.S. House District 13
C-
Adam Gray (D)

Gray has a weak voting record for a Democratic Assembly member, including voting against the Cal NORML–sponsored Employment Rights bill AB 2188 in 2022.  However, he voted for bills to expand interstate commerce and medical access to marijuana.  In 2019 he sponsored an anti-vape bill that would have impacted cannabis.

Race for U.S. House District 14
ENDORSED
A
Eric Swalwell (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

Race for U.S. House District 15
A
Kevin Mullin (D)

Good voting record in state legislature.

Race for U.S. House District 16
ENDORSED
A
Evan Low (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

Young, openly gay, progressive Democratic legislator who has been a vocal supporter on LGBTQ rights and cannabis issues in the state assembly. Sponsored AJR 27 calling on President Trump to leave legal cannabis industry alone.   

As chair of the Assembly Business and Professions committee, Low was supportive of cannabis bills. 

In 2016, he co-authored AB 2740 to establish a 5 ng/ml per se standard for THC, criminalizing drivers with that amount in their blood, contrary to science and Cal NORML's objections. In 2017, he co-authored another bill that would have made smoking while driving an alternative misdemeanor or infraction. (Both bills failed.) 

A-
Sam Liccardo (D)

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.   

Race for U.S. House District 17
ENDORSED
A
Ro Khanna (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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. 

Race for U.S. House District 18
ENDORSED
A
Zoe Lofgren (D) DECRIMINALIZE

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.

Race for U.S. House District 19
ENDORSED
A
Jimmy Panetta (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE
Race for U.S. House District 20
D-
Vince Fong (R)

Fong posted a terrrible voting record on marijuana & drug issues in the Ca Assembly, just like his former boss, Kevin McCarthy. He vacated his Assembly seat to run for Congress. 

Race for U.S. House District 21
A-
Jim Costa (D) DECRIMINALIZE
Race for U.S. House District 22
D+
Rudy Salas (D)

One of worst Democrats in Assembly on cannabis issues.  Voted against employment rights and expanded access to medical marijuana.

D+
David Valadao (R)

As an Assemblyman, Valadao voted against every marijuana reform measure and opposed recreational legalization, but co-sponsored an industrial hemp bill.  In Congress, he supported the SAFE banking act and medical marijuana research, but joined other Republicans in opposing the Democrats' MORE legalization bill.    One of just two Republican House members running for re-election who voted to impeach Donald Trump.

Race for U.S. House District 23
A
Derek Marshall (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

 An unabashed progressive Democrat running in a conservative district, community activist Derek Marshall advocates ending the war on drugs and legalizing marijuana.    

D+
Jay Obernolte (R)

Obernolte has had a  poor voting record in the legislature and Congress.  Voted against certifying the 2020 electoral college results.

Race for U.S. House District 24
ENDORSED
A+
Salud Carbajal (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

Race for U.S. House District 25
ENDORSED
A
Raul Ruiz (D) DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

Dependably good vote on cannabis and criminal justice issues.

Race for U.S. House District 26
ENDORSED
A
Julia Brownley (D) DECRIMINALIZE
Race for U.S. House District 27
D
Mike Garcia (R) MANDATORY MINIMUMS

Republican Mike Garcia has made a point of denouncing illegal marijuana growers and dispensaries. He criticized Gov. Newsom for cutting taxes on marijuana, but not gasoline.  He twice voted against the MORE Act to legalize marijuana, but did vote for the SAFE Banking Act. He voted against certifying the 2020 election results.

Race for U.S. House District 28
ENDORSED
A
Judy Chu (D)

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

Race for U.S. House District 29
ENDORSED
A
Luz Rivas (D)

Posted a good voting record in the legislature. 

Race for U.S. House District 30
ENDORSED
A
Laura Friedman (D)

Good voting record in state legislature.

Race for U.S. House District 31
A-
Gil Cisneros (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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. 

Race for U.S. House District 32
ENDORSED
A
Brad Sherman (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

Longtime supporter and co-sponsor of cannabis reform legislation

Race for U.S. House District 33
ENDORSED
A
Pete Aguilar (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

Race for U.S. House District 34
ENDORSED
A+
Jimmy Gomez (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

B+
David Kim (D)

Democrat running as progressive alternative to establishment Democrat incumbent;  spurns corporate and LEO funding. Well informed on cannabis policy.  Supports STATES Act and MORE Act as well as SAFE Act.

Race for U.S. House District 35
ENDORSED
A
Norma Torres (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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. 

Race for U.S. House District 36
ENDORSED
A+
Ted Lieu (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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

Race for U.S. House District 37
ENDORSED
A
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D)

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

Race for U.S. House District 38
B+
Linda Sánchez (D) DECRIMINALIZE
Race for U.S. House District 39
A
Mark Takano (D)

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. 

Race for U.S. House District 40
D+
Young Kim (R)

Kim had a poor voting record in the state legislature except on more recent regulatory bills, and she opposed Prop. 64. In Congress, she voted against the MORE Act but supported the SAFE Banking Act.

Race for U.S. House District 41
ENDORSED
A
Will Rollins (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

Democrat Will Rollins, a former counterterrorism prosecutor,  is trying to pry this seat from a prohibitionist incumbent.   Rollins fully supports the MORE Act and descheduling of cannabis.  His platform likewise advocates for LGBQT rights, reproductive freedom, and criminal justice reform by prioritizing violent gang and white-collar crime over low-level drug offenses.

F
Ken Calvert (R)

Tea Party Republican Ken Calvert has voted badly on every cannabis bill in Congress.  An evangelical conservative, he has been hostile to gay rights and reproductive freedom.   He is one of seven Californians to vote against certifying the 2020 electoral vote.  He is vulnerable to a challenge this year, as socially liberal Palm Springs has been added to his district.    

Race for U.S. House District 42
ENDORSED
A+
Robert Garcia (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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.

Race for U.S. House District 43
ENDORSED
A+
Maxine Waters (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE
Race for U.S. House District 44
A-
Nanette Barragán (D) DECRIMINALIZE
Race for U.S. House District 45
D
Michelle Steel (R) DECRIMINALIZE

  Unlike her Republican predecessor in this district - Dana Rohrabacher -  former Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel has not been friendly to cannabis, voting against the MORE legalization act and the SAFE Banking Act. 

Race for U.S. House District 46
ENDORSED
A+
Lou Correa (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

Race for U.S. House District 47
ENDORSED
B+
Dave Min (D)

Generally good vote, but opposed AB 2188 employment rights bill.  Former UCI economics law professor, supports cannabis banking reform.

C-
Scott Baugh (R)

Scott Baugh was the Republican Assembly leader in 1999-2000 and Chair of the Orange Country Republican Party from 2004-2015.   He posted a mixed record on marijuana issues in the legislature.  His platform advocates for limited, constitutional government, lower taxes and strong borders.

Race for U.S. House District 48
F
Darrell Issa (R)

Issa is a staunch drug warrior with a terrible voting record who advocated for a DOJ crackdown on state MMJ laws.  An accused car thief in his youth, he went on to make a fortune on car anti-theft alarms.   Issa voted repeatedly against certifying the 2020 election results and accuses critics of overplaying the Jan 6th insurrection.

Race for U.S. House District 49
ENDORSED
A
Mike Levin (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE MANDATORY MINIMUMS

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

Race for U.S. House District 50
ENDORSED
A
Scott Peters (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

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

Race for U.S. House District 51
ENDORSED
A
Sara Jacobs (D) DECRIMINALIZE

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

Race for U.S. House District 52
ENDORSED
A
Juan Vargas (D) DECRIMINALIZE

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

Race for State Senate District 1
C-
Megan Dahle (R)

Her bad voting record in the Assembly improved in 2024. 

Her website said: "Let me be very clear: as your Assemblywoman I will vote to get rid of the laws which let dangerous felons out of jail early, and which have decreased penalties for drug and property crime. At the same time, we need to have some compassion for our fellow Californians." 

Perhaps she has figured out that supporting the legal cannabis industry is the best way to eliminate the illicit market. 

Race for State Senate District 3
D
Christopher Cabaldon (D)

Cabalon voted against opening cannabis businesses in West Sacramento while mayor of the city. 

Race for State Senate District 5
ENDORSED
A-
Jerry McNerney (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

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.

Race for State Senate District 7
ENDORSED
A
Jesse Arreguin (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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."

A
Jovanka Beckles (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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." 

Race for State Senate District 9
ENDORSED
A
Tim Grayson (D)

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

Race for State Senate District 11
ENDORSED
A+
Scott Wiener (D)

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

Race for State Senate District 13
ENDORSED
A
Josh Becker (D)

Becker has voted well. 

Race for State Senate District 15
ENDORSED
A
Dave Cortese (D)
Has voted well. 
  
Race for State Senate District 17
ENDORSED
A
John Laird (D)

Votes well. Cares about environment. 

Race for State Senate District 19
B+
Lisa Middleton (D)

Local activists report Middleton is supportive of cannabis, including on Palm Springs city council. (We are seeking more information about her views.)

D
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R)

Has posted a poor voting record, except for supporting reduced taxes for cannabis.  Skips votes. 

Race for State Senate District 21
ENDORSED
A
Monique Limón (D)

Votes very well. 

 

Race for State Senate District 23
C-
Suzette Valladares (R)

One of the more moderate Republicans in the Assembly, Valladares posted a weak voting records in the Assembly, opposing employment rights and taking a walk on other important bills, but supporting interstate commerce.

Race for State Senate District 27
ENDORSED
A
Henry Stern (D)

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

Race for State Senate District 29
ENDORSED
A
Eloise Reyes (D)

Good voting record.

Race for State Senate District 31
C
Sabrina Cervantes (D)

Shaky voting record, opposed employment rights bill.

Race for State Senate District 33
A-
Lena Gonzalez (D)

Votes well; has skipped some votes. 

Race for State Senate District 35
A-
Michelle Chambers (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

Chambers had strong answers on Cal NORML's candidate questionnaire. She wrote, "I support both legal adult and medical uses of marijuana. I don’t view marijuana as an issue that needs to be prosecuted or criminalized when it is used by consenting adults. Our government should not be criminalizing those who do use marijuana as it pertains to racial and socioeconomic justice. Further, I would like to see marijuana properly regulated like any product in a store so that consumers are able to purchase safe marijuana and have tax revenues that the government can reinvest in our community." 

Race for State Senate District 37
ENDORSED
A
Josh Newman (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

Votes very well. Met with us on Lobby Day 2023 and was friendly and engaged, as well as rational. 

D
Steven Choi (R)
Lousy voting record.
Race for State Senate District 39
B
Akilah Weber (D)

Votes pretty well; could do better. 

Race for State Assembly District 2
ENDORSED
A
Chris Rogers (D)

Rogers is a cannabis-friendly Santa Rosa city councilmember. 

C-
Michael Greer (R)

"I want to make it clear that I don’t believe in cannabis or alcohol consumption but it’s legal and should be treated as such. I am against illegal cultivation and believe that local and county agencies concerns should be part of regulating the industry. I also believe that in the discussion of future regulations or restrictions that small and large growers need to have a large role in the process, not just after but from the beginning." 

Race for State Assembly District 3
D+
James Gallagher (R)

Bad voting record in legislature, slightly improved in 2024 with yes votes on ending double cannabis taxation at local level, and allowing small farmers to sell directly to consumers. 

Race for State Assembly District 4
ENDORSED
A+
Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D)

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

Race for State Assembly District 5
C
Joe Patterson (R) MANDATORY MINIMUMS

Voted in favor of the 2024 cannabis cafe bill but not favorably on other bills. 

Race for State Assembly District 7
ENDORSED
A
Josh Hoover (R)

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

Race for State Assembly District 8
C+
David Tangipa (R) MEDICAL USE

Tangipa wrote, "Marijuana is already legal and has been approved by the Voters in CA.  I will not oppose the will of the voters. That being said, taxes and regulations have been too strict, and have led many consumers back to the black market. We must encourage those who do use marijuana to do so the legal way by lowering the already excessive taxes and fees to open a dispensary."

He added, "I have seen the medical side of marijuana use support military men and women.  Not only is it effective, I support that use over using opioids."

D-
George Radanovich (R)

Has bad voting record. 

Race for State Assembly District 9
B+
Tami Nobriga (AI) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
In response to Cal NORML's questionnaire, Nobriga said, "I've been a supporter from day one of the legalized marijuana movement."
 
She wrote, "The taxes are too high on marijuana sales. Taxes should be at the same rate as any other retail product."
 
She answered that she was in favor of employment rights for cannabis users, and the expansion of licensed cannabis consumption spaces. 
 
She added, "I don't personally use marijuana however,  I believe and have since the issue first came about in the 80s that marijuana should be legal not only to use and sell, but to grow. Marijuana use is a lot less concerning than a substance such as alcohol, especially when driving. 
I still think that excessive marijuana use should be enforced while driving or operating any heavy equipment similar to alcohol. Which, of course, is a whole other can of worms that will have to be legislated." 
C+
Heath Flora (R)

Poor voting record has improved in recent years. 

Race for State Assembly District 10
ENDORSED
A
Stephanie Nguyen (D)

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.

Race for State Assembly District 11
ENDORSED
A
Lori Wilson (D)

Excellent voting record.

Race for State Assembly District 12
ENDORSED
A
Damon Connolly (D)

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. 

Race for State Assembly District 13
ENDORSED
A
Rhodesia Ransom (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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." 

Race for State Assembly District 14
ENDORSED
A
Buffy Wicks (D)

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.

Race for State Assembly District 15
B
Sonia Ledo (R)

In response to Cal NORML's candidate questionnaire, Ledo said that she supports cannabis legalization and employment rights for cannabis users. She said cannabis taxes are too high and supports lowering them for medical marijuana patients (only). She did not answer the question," Do you support the expansion of cannabis consumption spaces and events?" 

Race for State Assembly District 16
B
Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D)

Attorney, law professor and environmental advocate. Has a good voting record; didn't vote on employment rights bill. 

Race for State Assembly District 17
ENDORSED
A+
Matt Haney (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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. 

Race for State Assembly District 18
ENDORSED
A
Mia Bonta (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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

Race for State Assembly District 19
D
Catherine Stefani (D)

SF Supervisor Catherine Stefani wants to increase the minimum distance between cannabis retail stores and day care centers from 600 ft. to 1000 ft. 

Race for State Assembly District 20
ENDORSED
A
Liz Ortega (D)

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.

Race for State Assembly District 21
ENDORSED
A
Diane Papan (D)

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

Race for State Assembly District 22
B+
Jessica Self (D)

Democrat candidate Jessica Self,  a public defender,  prides herself on being "a voice for the voicelss." Publicly supported proposition 47 (CA-2014) and proposition 64 (CA-2016). Spoke publicly at Modesto City Council and Stanislaus County Board of Supervisor meetings in support of allowing permits to be provided for local dispensaries.  

B-
Juan Alanis (R)

Modesto Republican has voted well on most cannabis bills; didn't vote on employment rights.  

Race for State Assembly District 23
ENDORSED
A
Race for State Assembly District 24
ENDORSED
A+
Alex Lee (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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. 

Race for State Assembly District 25
ENDORSED
A+
Ash Kalra (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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

Race for State Assembly District 26
ENDORSED
A
Tara Sreekrishnan (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE MEDICAL USE

In answer to Cal NORML's questionnaire, Sreekrishnan wrote, "Yes, I strongly support both the legal adult use of marijuana and medical marijuana. During my work under then-County Supervisor Dave Cortese, I staffed an initiative that aimed to waive the Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) fees for patients in Santa Clara County. I worked with local Cannabis advocates and the Santa Clara County Health Advisory Commission. This program was critical for low-income individuals and Medi-Cal beneficiaries who rely on cannabis for medical purposes. The initiative sought to alleviate the financial burden for patients who were prescribed cannabis by their doctors, ensuring equitable access. This effort is reflective of my broader support for the use of cannabis, not only for personal and recreational purposes but especially for its medical benefits, helping patients in need without imposing unnecessary financial barriers. When I worked on waiving MMIC fees, it was clear that cost can be a major barrier for those who really need cannabis for their health."

She answered that cannabis taxes are too high, and she would be in favor of lowering them for all cannabis businesses, including for medical marijuana patients and equity businesses.  

In answer to the employment rights question, she responded, "Just like people can drink alcohol or take medications off the job, responsible cannabis use should be treated the same way. What someone does on their own time shouldn’t be used against them at work, as long as it doesn’t affect their job performance."

She also wrote that she is in favor of expanding safe and regulated spaces for cannabis consumption. "Not only does it give people a designated place to use cannabis responsibly, but it also creates opportunities for local businesses and tourism. Done right, it can boost the local economy while keeping public spaces more orderly. We’ve seen how cannabis consumption can be normalized in a safe way, and I believe this is a step in the right direction."

In summary, she wrote, "I believe cannabis policy should focus on equity, access, and public health. My work on waiving fees for medical marijuana patients was just one way I’ve tried to make cannabis more accessible. Beyond that, we need to ensure that the tax revenues from cannabis sales are invested in communities that were hit hardest by the war on drugs."

 

Race for State Assembly District 27
ENDORSED
A
Esmeralda Soria (D)

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

Race for State Assembly District 28
ENDORSED
A+
Gail Pellerin (D)

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

Race for State Assembly District 29
ENDORSED
A
Robert Rivas (D)

Votes well on cannabis bills. 

Race for State Assembly District 30
ENDORSED
A
Dawn Addis (D)

Voted well in her first term in office. 

Race for State Assembly District 31
ENDORSED
A
Joaquin Arambula (D)

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

He has voted well on cannabis bills. 

Race for State Assembly District 32
Race for State Assembly District 34
B+
Tom Lackey (R) MEDICAL USE

Ex-CHP officer and leading Republican co-sponsor of legislation to legally regulate cannabis.  Supports lower cannabis taxes, but strong enforcement.

B+
Ricardo Ortega (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

Democrat;  supports legal cannabis and employment rights for users. Thinks "some reform needed " to make it easier for people to access cannabis.  There's only one dispensary in this district.

 

Race for State Assembly District 35
B-
Jasmeet Bains (D)

Dr. Jasmeet Bains is the medical director of a network of Bakersfield addiction treatment centers.  Regarded to be the more moderate Democrat, she has been backed by the state's medical lobby and law enforcement unions.

Has voted well, except on cannabis cafe bills, from which she has abstained. Shut down any discussion of relatative harms of cannabis and tobacco smoke in committee. 

Race for State Assembly District 37
ENDORSED
A
Gregg Hart (D)

Good voting record. 

Race for State Assembly District 38
ENDORSED
A
Steve Bennett (D)

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.” 

Race for State Assembly District 39
ENDORSED
A
Juan Carrillo (D)

Votes well. 

Race for State Assembly District 40
ENDORSED
A
Pilar Schiavo (D)

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

Race for State Assembly District 42
C-
Jacqui Irwin (D)

Mixed voting record.   Sponsored failed bills to ban cannabis billboards and impose restrictive labeling requirements on cannabis products; voted against cannabis cafes;  skipped votes on employment rights, medical access. 

To her credit, she did move AB 2555, a bill to extend cannabis compassion programs, through a key committee she chaired in 2024. 

Race for State Assembly District 44
C
Tony Rodriguez (R) MEDICAL USE

Rodriguez supports marijuana legalization "if used for medical reasons and prescribed by a licensed physician," he said in response to Cal NORML's questionnaire. He thinks taxes on cannabis are too low but would support lowering them for medical marijuana and equity businesses. He said he supports employment rights for cannabis users, but wrote, "I believe when you are off the clock you can do whatever you want, however if you get injured on the job and it is because your cannabis consumption then the workers comp laws should not allow the person to file claims under workers comp or sue the employer." To the question, "Do you support the expansion of cannabis consumption spaces and events?" Rodriguez replied, "No, I do not." 

Race for State Assembly District 45
C
James Ramos (D)

Rather poor voting record for a Democrat, though he has improved somewhat. 

As San Bernardino County Supervisor he repeatedly voted in opposition to legal cannabis in the county.  

Race for State Assembly District 46
C
Jesse Gabriel (D)

Good voting record; didn't vote on employment rights bill.  

Race for State Assembly District 47
A
Christy Holstege (D)

The Democratic mayor of Palm Springs, one of the most cannabis-friendly communities in the state, Holstege has been supportive of the city's cannabis development.  She describes herself as a "social justice attorney."  claims to be the only openly bisexual mayor in the U.S., and is endorsed by LGBTQ and pro-choice groups.

 

ENDORSED
A
Greg Wallis (R)

He has voted well. 

Race for State Assembly District 48
ENDORSED
A
Blanca Rubio (D)

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

Race for State Assembly District 49
ENDORSED
A
Mike Fong (D)

Perfect voting record in 2021-2 session.

Race for State Assembly District 51
ENDORSED
A
Rick Zbur (D)

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. 

Race for State Assembly District 54
ENDORSED
A-
Mark Gonzalez (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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."

Race for State Assembly District 55
ENDORSED
A
Isaac Bryan (D)

Has voted well. Human rights advocate. 

Race for State Assembly District 56
B+
Lisa Calderon (D)

Typically good vote on cannabis issues.  From a family of Calderon legislators.

Race for State Assembly District 57
ENDORSED
A
Efren Martinez (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

In answer to Cal NORML's questionnaire, Martinez wrote, "Yes, I support the legalization of cannabis. As chair of the Huntington Park Planning Commission I supported and was a part of crafting the city cannabis city ordinance."

Martinez responded that cannabis taxes are too high and he would support lowering them for all businesses. He wrote, "Cannabis sales already get charged the regular sales tax; therefore, I personally believe that excise taxes should be removed completely."

On the employment rights questoin, he wrote, "Absolutely, I believe it should be treated in the same manner that alcohol is; you cannot drink while on the job nor should you be going to work intoxicated but should should be able to partake on your own time." He also said he supports the expansion of cannabis consumption spaces and events.

He added, "I have had partnerships within the legal cannabis industry and I am currently in the middle of purchasing a licensed location."

Race for State Assembly District 59
C+
Phillip Chen (R)

Poor voting record, but getting better. Endorsed by CA Police Chiefs and Peace Officers Research Assoc of CA.

Race for State Assembly District 60
ENDORSED
A
Corey Jackson (D)

Votes well. 

Race for State Assembly District 61
ENDORSED
A
Tina McKinnor (D)

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

Race for State Assembly District 63
D+
Bill Essayli (R)

Ex-US attorney and Riverside DA's office. Opposes criminal justice reform measures Prop 47, Prop 57 and AB 109. "Put Criminals in Jail and Keep Them There"

Votes poorly (or not at all). 

Race for State Assembly District 64
ENDORSED
A
Blanca Pacheco (D)

Votes well. 

Race for State Assembly District 65
ENDORSED
A
Mike Gipson (D)
Superior voting record.
Race for State Assembly District 66
B-
George Barks (R) MEDICAL USE

Hermosa Beach City Council and Hermosa Beach City Mayor

D+
Al Muratsuchi (D)

Ex-prosecutor. Worst voting record of any Assembly Democrat. Sponsored lousy enforcement bill. 

Race for State Assembly District 67
ENDORSED
A
Sharon Quirk-Silva (D)

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

Race for State Assembly District 68
ENDORSED
A
Avelino Valencia (D)

Voting well. 

Race for State Assembly District 69
A
Josh Lowenthal (D)

Voting well. Raises concerns about children. 

Race for State Assembly District 70
D-
Tri Ta (R)

Former Westminster Mayor Ta is a fiscally conservative Republican who takes a tough line on public safety.  He replaced outgoing Republican Janet Nguyen, who was a terrible vote on cannabis issues. So is he. 

Race for State Assembly District 71
D+
Kate Sanchez (R)

Not voting very well. 

Race for State Assembly District 72
D
Diane Dixon (R)

Votes rather badly. 

Race for State Assembly District 73
ENDORSED
Race for State Assembly District 74
D
Laurie Davies (R)

Republican Assemblywoman Davies, who also owns a wedding planning business, failed to post a single good vote on key cannabis legislation in 2021-2, and improved only slightly in 2023-4.   

Race for State Assembly District 75
D
Carl DeMaio (R)

San Diego activists do not like DeMaio, whose track record on cannabis is described as "pretty abysmal."

Race for State Assembly District 77
ENDORSED
A-
Tasha Boerner Horvath (D)

Generally good vote on cannabis and drug reform bills.

Race for State Assembly District 78
ENDORSED
A
Chris Ward (D)

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

Race for State Assembly District 79
B+
Colin Parent (D)

Has an excellent track record of supporting marijuana policy and businesses as a council person in La Mesa.

C-
LaShae Sharp-Collins (D) MEDICAL USE

On Cal NORML's questionnaire, she wrote, "I find California’s marijuana taxes to be too high. In other states, where marijuana taxation is less, purchases of marijuana product is greater, and so are their tax revenues." She noted, "We don’t bar employees for previous use of alcohol and that is, statistically, a far more dangerous substance with greater long term impacts." 

She added, "I’ve meet with community groups about cannabis equity for the city of San Diego. I’ve supported family, friends and community members during their use of medical marijuana."

However, she wants to ban smoking in peoples' homes. She writes, "Smoking should not be allowed inside the home, nor the automobile or mobile home for the same reasons tobaccos smoke is not allowed inside....All homes should be smoke free, especially those with children."

Race for State Assembly District 80
ENDORSED
A
David Alvarez (D)

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

Your Elected Officials
Governor
A-
Gavin Newsom (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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)

Lieutenant Governor
B
Eleni Kounalakis (D)

When asked whether or not she supports medical or recreational legalization, her campaign responded to Cal NORML, "California voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, and Eleni believes that now we need to make sure that the implementation of the law protects the public, especially our kids. Regulations must be put in place for a wide-range of aspects, from ensuring products are properly labeled, to setting up a banking system which keeps the industry from operating on an all-cash basis. Legalization poses other new challenges to public safety that must also be addressed, including a possible increase in people driving under the influence. Eleni believes we can develop effective regulatory practices to address these problems by imposing taxes, ensuring strict identification for purchases, and proposing and supporting bills that are specifically designed to protect our kids, and the public at large."

Attorney General
A+
Rob Bonta (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE
Leading advocate for legal cannabis in Assembly.
U.S. Senate
A
Alex Padilla (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE
As secretary of state after California’s 2016 vote to legalize recreational marijuana, Padilla helped implement legalization by licensing cannabis businesses and creating an online portal to help migrate the state’s legacy medical cannabis companies into the new regulation area. To promote that service, Padilla appeared in a public service announcement with comedian Cheech Marin.

As state senator, Padilla voted to support employment protections for medical cannabis patients and opposed DEA raids on cannabis companies. Padilla has expressed support for the federal MORE Act.

In 2021, Padilla filed an amendment that would allow veterans to access medical cannabis through the VA system in states where it is legal and require the VA to research the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for certain conditions. 

In May 2022, Padilla joined a bipartisan effort requesting that congressional leadership include the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2021, which would allow state-legal cannabis business to access banking services, in the final version of competitiveness legislation currently being negotiated between the House and Senate.

 

U.S. House District 1
F
Doug LaMalfa (R) JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION

Has consistently opposed cannabis reform bills in state legislature and Congress.

U.S. House District 2
A+
Jared Huffman (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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. 

U.S. House District 3
D+
Kevin Kiley (R)

Kiley has voted wrong on nearly every key vote in the Assembly, although he did vote for cannabis compassion programs, automatic resentencing, and a resolution to ask the DOJ to allow cannabis businesses.

 

U.S. House District 4
A-
Mike Thompson (D) DECRIMINALIZE
U.S. House District 5
A
Tom McClintock (R) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

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.

U.S. House District 6
A
Ami Bera (D) DECRIMINALIZE

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.

U.S. House District 7
B+
Doris Matsui (D) DECRIMINALIZE

Matsui (pictured third from left) met with citizen lobbyists from Cal NORML at Lobby Day 2015. She has voted well on marijuana bills in Congress. 

U.S. House District 8
A
John Garamendi (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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

U.S. House District 9
A
Josh Harder (D)

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.

 

U.S. House District 10
A-
Mark DeSaulnier (D) DECRIMINALIZE
U.S. House District 11
A
Nancy Pelosi (D)

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.

U.S. House District 12
A+
Barbara Lee (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a longtime friend and champion of the marijuana reform movement. She was a staffer for Rep. Ron Dellums, one of the first Congress members to advocate marijuana reform in the 1970s, and continued to support marijuana reform as a state legislator and Congress member during the darkest days of the drug war. A strong racial justice advocate, Rep. Lee denounces cannabis laws for their disproportionate impact on minorities.  

Lee is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.  She was a leading co-sponsor of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, the first-ever federal legalization bill to be approved (twice, in 2019 and 2021) by the House of Representatives.  At age 77, Rep. Lee is the most senior major candidate in the race, but also the most likely to push cannabis as a high-priority issue in the Senate.      

U.S. House District 14
A
Eric Swalwell (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

U.S. House District 15
A
Kevin Mullin (D)

Good voting record in state legislature.

U.S. House District 16
A
Anna Eshoo (D)

Eshoo has been a reliably good vote.  Though not a vocal advocate for cannabis or drug reform,  she did co-sponsor the SAFE Banking Act, and has been a staunch defender of human rights in general.  

U.S. House District 17
A
Ro Khanna (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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. 

U.S. House District 18
A
Zoe Lofgren (D) DECRIMINALIZE

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.

U.S. House District 19
A
Jimmy Panetta (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE
U.S. House District 21
A-
Jim Costa (D) DECRIMINALIZE
U.S. House District 22
D+
David Valadao (R)

As an Assemblyman, Valadao voted against every marijuana reform measure and opposed recreational legalization, but co-sponsored an industrial hemp bill.  In Congress, he supported the SAFE banking act and medical marijuana research, but joined other Republicans in opposing the Democrats' MORE legalization bill.    One of just two Republican House members running for re-election who voted to impeach Donald Trump.

U.S. House District 23
D+
Jay Obernolte (R)

Obernolte has had a  poor voting record in the legislature and Congress.  Voted against certifying the 2020 electoral college results.

U.S. House District 24
A+
Salud Carbajal (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

U.S. House District 25
A
Raul Ruiz (D) DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

Dependably good vote on cannabis and criminal justice issues.

U.S. House District 26
A
Julia Brownley (D) DECRIMINALIZE
U.S. House District 27
D
Mike Garcia (R) MANDATORY MINIMUMS

Republican Mike Garcia has made a point of denouncing illegal marijuana growers and dispensaries. He criticized Gov. Newsom for cutting taxes on marijuana, but not gasoline.  He twice voted against the MORE Act to legalize marijuana, but did vote for the SAFE Banking Act. He voted against certifying the 2020 election results.

U.S. House District 28
A
Judy Chu (D)

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

U.S. House District 29
A+
Tony Cárdenas (D) DECRIMINALIZE

Cardenas has a solid pro-marijuana voting record, both in the Assembly and in Congress, going back to 1999.  

U.S. House District 30
A-
Adam Schiff (D) DECRIMINALIZE
U.S. House District 31
A-
Grace Napolitano (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

Napolitano has followed the Democratic leadership in supporting the MORE Act and other cannabis reform legislation.

U.S. House District 32
A
Brad Sherman (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

Longtime supporter and co-sponsor of cannabis reform legislation

U.S. House District 33
A
Pete Aguilar (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

U.S. House District 34
A+
Jimmy Gomez (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

U.S. House District 35
A
Norma Torres (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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. 

U.S. House District 36
A+
Ted Lieu (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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

U.S. House District 37
A
Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D)

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

U.S. House District 38
B+
Linda Sánchez (D) DECRIMINALIZE
U.S. House District 39
A
Mark Takano (D)

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. 

U.S. House District 40
D+
Young Kim (R)

Kim had a poor voting record in the state legislature except on more recent regulatory bills, and she opposed Prop. 64. In Congress, she voted against the MORE Act but supported the SAFE Banking Act.

U.S. House District 41
F
Ken Calvert (R)

Tea Party Republican Ken Calvert has voted badly on every cannabis bill in Congress.  An evangelical conservative, he has been hostile to gay rights and reproductive freedom.   He is one of seven Californians to vote against certifying the 2020 electoral vote.  He is vulnerable to a challenge this year, as socially liberal Palm Springs has been added to his district.    

U.S. House District 42
A+
Robert Garcia (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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.

U.S. House District 43
A+
Maxine Waters (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE
U.S. House District 44
A-
Nanette Barragán (D) DECRIMINALIZE
U.S. House District 45
D
Michelle Steel (R) DECRIMINALIZE

  Unlike her Republican predecessor in this district - Dana Rohrabacher -  former Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel has not been friendly to cannabis, voting against the MORE legalization act and the SAFE Banking Act. 

U.S. House District 46
A+
Lou Correa (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE

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

U.S. House District 47
A
Katie Porter (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

Katie Porter is co-chair of the Democratic Progressive Caucus.  She takes pride in being the only candidate who never accepts corporate donations.  She is  particularly interested in economic issues, but has consistently voted well on marijuana bills.  She has participated in the Congressional cannabis caucus  and co-sponsored the MORE legalization act.  Porter is the only single mother in Congress. She was the first Democrat to be elected to represent her district, which covers much of south-central Orange County. She was voted toughest questioner in Congress for her tough questions to corporate executives on wage and banking issues.  Porter is fighting to beat out Republican Steve Garvey in the race for second place in the primary, so she can run face-to-face in the runoff against her Democratic colleague Adam Schiff, who is leading the polls.

 

U.S. House District 48
F
Darrell Issa (R)

Issa is a staunch drug warrior with a terrible voting record who advocated for a DOJ crackdown on state MMJ laws.  An accused car thief in his youth, he went on to make a fortune on car anti-theft alarms.   Issa voted repeatedly against certifying the 2020 election results and accuses critics of overplaying the Jan 6th insurrection.

U.S. House District 49
A
Mike Levin (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE MANDATORY MINIMUMS

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

U.S. House District 50
A
Scott Peters (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

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

U.S. House District 51
A
Sara Jacobs (D) DECRIMINALIZE

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

U.S. House District 52
A
Juan Vargas (D) DECRIMINALIZE

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

State Senate District 1
C-
Brian Dahle (R)

Senator Dahle voted badly on every key cannabis rights bill in 2022, including workers' rights and expanded access to medical cannabis. In 2023/24, his voting record improved (except on employment rights). When he was in the Assembly, he supported legislation to regulate medical marijuana but generally opposed penalty reduction bills.  His campaign advocates re-establishing the defunct Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement to crack down on drug traffickers.  He charges that the state has turned a blind eye to continued illegal growing of cannabis: "If growers want to join the legitimate system, they should," he says, "but we will not tolerate lawlessness." 

State Senate District 2
A
Mike McGuire (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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. 

State Senate District 3
A
Bill Dodd (D)

Votes well. 

State Senate District 4
B-
Marie Alvarado-Gil (R)

Mixed voting record. Voted for cannabis cafes and against restrictive labeling on cannabis products. Was absent for employment rights vote and voted against farmer's market bill. 

Sponsored a bill to forfeit property from illicit cannabis growers; took amends from Cal NORML to target grows of 1,000 plants or more. 

Switched from a Democrat to a Republican in mid-2024. 

State Senate District 5
A+
Susan Eggman (D)

Excellent voting record.

State Senate District 6
C
Roger Niello (R)

Pro-business Niello voted for cannabis cafes and farmers markets and against restricting labeling, but voted against employment rights. 

State Senate District 7
B
Steve Glazer (D)

Votes well, but missed a few votes. 

State Senate District 8
B
Angelique Ashby (D)

Voting well enough, though not an enthusiastic supporter. Skipped vote on cannabis cafes in 2024.

Serving as Business, Professions & Economic Development Chairwoman and Assistant Majority Leader,

State Senate District 9
A+
Nancy Skinner (D)

Longtime, strong supporter and cannabis advocate.  Led campaign for Berkeley's 1979 marijuana initiative.  One of first legislators in U.S. to vote for a total legalization bill in 2009.     Has headed off bad legislation as chair of Public Safety Committee.

State Senate District 10
C
Aisha Wahab (D)

Rather poor voting record for a Democrat. Voted against cannabis cafes and farmers markets, but also against restrictive labeling for cannabis products in 2024. 

State Senate District 11
A+
Scott Wiener (D)

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

State Senate District 12
D+
Shannon Grove (R)

Generally poor voting record, but supported Bradford bill to lower taxes and other pro-business bills. 

Sponsored unsuccessful bill to exclude law enforcement from our employment rights law. 

State Senate District 13
A
Josh Becker (D)

Becker has voted well. 

State Senate District 14
A+
Anna Caballero (D)

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

State Senate District 15
A
Dave Cortese (D)
Has voted well. 
  
State Senate District 16
D
Melissa Hurtado (D)

Worst voting record of any Democrat in State Senate 2021-2, and just as bad in 2023-4. Did vote in favor of parental rights. 

State Senate District 17
A
John Laird (D)

Votes well. Cares about environment. 

State Senate District 18
A
Stephen Padilla (D)

Has voted well since taking office. 

State Senate District 19
A
Monique Limón (D)

Votes very well. 

 

State Senate District 20
B-
Caroline Menjivar (D)

Voted against 2024 cannabis cafe bill, otherwise has voted well. 

State Senate District 21
C-
Scott Wilk (R)

Lousy voter, except he's voted in favor of a few business-oriented bills. 

State Senate District 22
C-
Susan Rubio (D)

Avoids votes on controversial drug issues - employment rights, medical cannabis access, safe injection sites for drug users.

State Senate District 23
D
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R)

Has posted a poor voting record, except for supporting reduced taxes for cannabis.  Skips votes. 

State Senate District 24
A
Ben Allen (D)

Good voting record.

State Senate District 25
State Senate District 26
A
Maria Durazo (D)

Consistently good voting record.  

State Senate District 27
A
Henry Stern (D)

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

State Senate District 28
A-
Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D)

A good voter. 

State Senate District 29
A
Josh Newman (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

Votes very well. Met with us on Lobby Day 2023 and was friendly and engaged, as well as rational. 

State Senate District 30
A
Bob Archuleta (D)

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.

State Senate District 31
A-
Richard Roth (D)

Votes well, although he expresses skepticism at times in committee hearings. 

State Senate District 32
D-
Kelly Seyarto (R)

Seyarto has voted badly in the Assembly. 

State Senate District 33
A-
Lena Gonzalez (D)

Votes well; has skipped some votes. 

State Senate District 34
B
Thomas Umberg (D)

Voting record is getting better. 

State Senate District 35
A+
Steven Bradford (D)

Votes well and has sponsored bills to lower taxes and expand employment rights for cannabis users. 

State Senate District 36
D+
Janet Nguyen (R)
Has long record of bad votes going back to days in Assembly.
State Senate District 37
B+
Dave Min (D)

Generally good vote, but opposed AB 2188 employment rights bill.  Former UCI economics law professor, supports cannabis banking reform.

State Senate District 38
A
Catherine Blakespear (D)

Has voted well. 

State Senate District 39
A
Toni Atkins (D)

Votes very well. 

State Senate District 40
C-
Brian Jones (R)

Had a weak record in state Assembly 2011-2016 and a bad one in the Senate, too.

State Assembly District 1
C-
Megan Dahle (R)

Her bad voting record in the Assembly improved in 2024. 

Her website said: "Let me be very clear: as your Assemblywoman I will vote to get rid of the laws which let dangerous felons out of jail early, and which have decreased penalties for drug and property crime. At the same time, we need to have some compassion for our fellow Californians." 

Perhaps she has figured out that supporting the legal cannabis industry is the best way to eliminate the illicit market. 

State Assembly District 2
A
Jim Wood (D)
Strong advocate for small growers in the district. Has weakness for tough enforcement measures and excessive regulations.
State Assembly District 3
D+
James Gallagher (R)

Bad voting record in legislature, slightly improved in 2024 with yes votes on ending double cannabis taxation at local level, and allowing small farmers to sell directly to consumers. 

State Assembly District 4
A+
Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D)

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

State Assembly District 5
C
Joe Patterson (R) MANDATORY MINIMUMS

Voted in favor of the 2024 cannabis cafe bill but not favorably on other bills. 

State Assembly District 6
A-
Kevin McCarty (D)
Votes well; supported legal dispensaries in Sacramento when on city council.
State Assembly District 7
A
Josh Hoover (R)

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

State Assembly District 8
D
Jim Patterson (R)

Poor voting record has improved with yes vote on allowing small cannabis farmers to sell directly to consumers, but still voting against cannabis cafe bills. 

State Assembly District 9
C+
Heath Flora (R)

Poor voting record has improved in recent years. 

State Assembly District 10
A
Stephanie Nguyen (D)

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.

State Assembly District 11
A
Lori Wilson (D)

Excellent voting record.

State Assembly District 12
A
Damon Connolly (D)

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. 

State Assembly District 13
B
Carlos Villapudua (D)

Avoided controversial votes in the past on employment rights, medical access; opposed safe injection site bill. But voted in favor of employment rights and farmers' rights bills in 2024, and twice voted in favor of cannabis cafes.

Served on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors from 2008-2016. He was endorsed by the California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations.

State Assembly District 14
A
Buffy Wicks (D)

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.

State Assembly District 15
A
Tim Grayson (D)

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

State Assembly District 16
B
Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D)

Attorney, law professor and environmental advocate. Has a good voting record; didn't vote on employment rights bill. 

State Assembly District 17
A+
Matt Haney (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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. 

State Assembly District 18
A
Mia Bonta (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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

State Assembly District 19
A
Phil Ting (D)

Votes in line with pro-cannabis views of San Francisco. Sponsored bill to force more local outlets. 

State Assembly District 20
A
Liz Ortega (D)

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.

State Assembly District 21
A
Diane Papan (D)

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

State Assembly District 22
B-
Juan Alanis (R)

Modesto Republican has voted well on most cannabis bills; didn't vote on employment rights.  

State Assembly District 23
A
State Assembly District 24
A+
Alex Lee (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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. 

State Assembly District 25
A+
Ash Kalra (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

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

State Assembly District 26
A
Evan Low (D) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE

Young, openly gay, progressive Democratic legislator who has been a vocal supporter on LGBTQ rights and cannabis issues in the state assembly. Sponsored AJR 27 calling on President Trump to leave legal cannabis industry alone.   

As chair of the Assembly Business and Professions committee, Low was supportive of cannabis bills. 

In 2016, he co-authored AB 2740 to establish a 5 ng/ml per se standard for THC, criminalizing drivers with that amount in their blood, contrary to science and Cal NORML's objections. In 2017, he co-authored another bill that would have made smoking while driving an alternative misdemeanor or infraction. (Both bills failed.) 

State Assembly District 27
A
Esmeralda Soria (D)

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

State Assembly District 28
A+
Gail Pellerin (D)

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

State Assembly District 29
A
Robert Rivas (D)

Votes well on cannabis bills. 

State Assembly District 30
A
Dawn Addis (D)

Voted well in her first term in office. 

State Assembly District 31
A
Joaquin Arambula (D)

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

He has voted well on cannabis bills. 

State Assembly District 32
D-
Vince Fong (R)

Fong posted a terrrible voting record on marijuana & drug issues in the Ca Assembly, just like his former boss, Kevin McCarthy. He vacated his Assembly seat to run for Congress. 

State Assembly District 33
C
Devon Mathis (R)

Poor voting record in the past, but has supported hemp and interstate commerce. Voted against cannabis cafe bill twice, but did vote in favor of employment rights and small farmers in 2024. 

State Assembly District 34
B+
Tom Lackey (R) MEDICAL USE

Ex-CHP officer and leading Republican co-sponsor of legislation to legally regulate cannabis.  Supports lower cannabis taxes, but strong enforcement.

State Assembly District 35
B-
Jasmeet Bains (D)

Dr. Jasmeet Bains is the medical director of a network of Bakersfield addiction treatment centers.  Regarded to be the more moderate Democrat, she has been backed by the state's medical lobby and law enforcement unions.

Has voted well, except on cannabis cafe bills, from which she has abstained. Shut down any discussion of relatative harms of cannabis and tobacco smoke in committee. 

State Assembly District 36
A-
Eduardo Garcia (D)
Good voting record.
State Assembly District 37
A
Gregg Hart (D)

Good voting record. 

State Assembly District 38
A
Steve Bennett (D)

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.” 

State Assembly District 39
A
Juan Carrillo (D)

Votes well. 

State Assembly District 40
A
Pilar Schiavo (D)

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

State Assembly District 41
A
Chris Holden (D)

Good voting record. 

State Assembly District 42
C-
Jacqui Irwin (D)

Mixed voting record.   Sponsored failed bills to ban cannabis billboards and impose restrictive labeling requirements on cannabis products; voted against cannabis cafes;  skipped votes on employment rights, medical access. 

To her credit, she did move AB 2555, a bill to extend cannabis compassion programs, through a key committee she chaired in 2024. 

State Assembly District 43
A
Luz Rivas (D)

Posted a good voting record in the legislature. 

State Assembly District 44
A
Laura Friedman (D)

Good voting record in state legislature.

State Assembly District 45
C
James Ramos (D)

Rather poor voting record for a Democrat, though he has improved somewhat. 

As San Bernardino County Supervisor he repeatedly voted in opposition to legal cannabis in the county.  

State Assembly District 46
C
Jesse Gabriel (D)

Good voting record; didn't vote on employment rights bill.  

State Assembly District 47
A
Greg Wallis (R)

He has voted well. 

State Assembly District 48
A
Blanca Rubio (D)

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

State Assembly District 49
A
Mike Fong (D)

Perfect voting record in 2021-2 session.

State Assembly District 50
A
Eloise Reyes (D)

Good voting record.

State Assembly District 51
A
Rick Zbur (D)

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. 

State Assembly District 52
A
Wendy Carrillo (D)

Good voting record. 

State Assembly District 53
B-
Freddie Rodriguez (D)
Skipped tough votes.
State Assembly District 54
A
Miguel Santiago (D)
Good voting record.
State Assembly District 55
A
Isaac Bryan (D)

Has voted well. Human rights advocate. 

State Assembly District 56
B+
Lisa Calderon (D)

Typically good vote on cannabis issues.  From a family of Calderon legislators.

State Assembly District 57
A+
Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D)

One of five Assembly leaders on legal cannabis legislation. Cal NORML 2017 legislator of the year award. Sponsored parental rights bill and co-sponsored Employment Rights legislation in 2022. Termed out. 

State Assembly District 58
C
Sabrina Cervantes (D)

Shaky voting record, opposed employment rights bill.

State Assembly District 59
C+
Phillip Chen (R)

Poor voting record, but getting better. Endorsed by CA Police Chiefs and Peace Officers Research Assoc of CA.

State Assembly District 60
A
Corey Jackson (D)

Votes well. 

State Assembly District 61
A
Tina McKinnor (D)

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

State Assembly District 62
A
Anthony Rendon (D)
As Speaker of the Assembly, Rendon voted and led well on cannabis issues.
State Assembly District 63
D+
Bill Essayli (R)

Ex-US attorney and Riverside DA's office. Opposes criminal justice reform measures Prop 47, Prop 57 and AB 109. "Put Criminals in Jail and Keep Them There"

Votes poorly (or not at all). 

State Assembly District 64
A
Blanca Pacheco (D)

Votes well. 

State Assembly District 65
A
Mike Gipson (D)
Superior voting record.
State Assembly District 66
D+
Al Muratsuchi (D)

Ex-prosecutor. Worst voting record of any Assembly Democrat. Sponsored lousy enforcement bill. 

State Assembly District 67
A
Sharon Quirk-Silva (D)

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

State Assembly District 68
A
Avelino Valencia (D)

Voting well. 

State Assembly District 69
A
Josh Lowenthal (D)

Voting well. Raises concerns about children. 

State Assembly District 70
D-
Tri Ta (R)

Former Westminster Mayor Ta is a fiscally conservative Republican who takes a tough line on public safety.  He replaced outgoing Republican Janet Nguyen, who was a terrible vote on cannabis issues. So is he. 

State Assembly District 71
D+
Kate Sanchez (R)

Not voting very well. 

State Assembly District 72
D
Diane Dixon (R)

Votes rather badly. 

State Assembly District 73
State Assembly District 74
D
Laurie Davies (R)

Republican Assemblywoman Davies, who also owns a wedding planning business, failed to post a single good vote on key cannabis legislation in 2021-2, and improved only slightly in 2023-4.   

State Assembly District 75
B
Marie Waldron (R)

Weak voting record, improving slightly. Voted in favor of cannabis cafes. 

State Assembly District 76
B-
Brian Maienschein (D)

Weak voting record, starting to improve.  Skipped votes on controversial cannabis issues.  Ex-Republican, pro-choice, secular.

State Assembly District 77
A-
Tasha Boerner Horvath (D)

Generally good vote on cannabis and drug reform bills.

State Assembly District 78
A
Chris Ward (D)

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

State Assembly District 79
B
Akilah Weber (D)

Votes pretty well; could do better. 

State Assembly District 80
A
David Alvarez (D)

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