When we think of political parties, we mainly think of Republicans and Democrats. But cannabis political parties? Now we’re talking.
This article will review the various cannabis political parties so you can determine which you’d like to join.
Cannabis Political Parties in the United States
U.S. Marijuana Party
U.S. marijuana party? Why didn’t I get an invite?
Although the U.S. Marijuana Party may seem like a fun event, it is a serious political party. It was founded in 2002 by Loretta Nall. It is among the cannabis political parties that aim to legalize cannabis and end the war on drugs.
The Republican and Democratic parties are recognized in all 50 states. However, the U.S. Marijuana Party, and other cannabis political parties, are only recognized in certain states. Therefore, they cannot elect a presidential candidate. But they can elect state leaders in the states they are recognized.
The USMP are anti-prohibitionists. They are tired of the government intruding on their personal lives with drug testing and home invasions. They feel the War on Drugs is more harmful than drugs themselves.
The party aims to remove all cannabis-related felonies for adults. They back medical marijuana and the expungement of criminal records. They want the right to grow weed at home. They want law enforcement to stop punishing people for possessing and using marijuana so that American’s tax dollars can be used more efficiently.
Legal Marijuana Now Party
The Legal Marijuana Now Party is one of the cannabis political parties that aim to end prohibition. They have been recognized as a political party in Minnesota. They are using their recognition to give voters the chance to support legalization by writing “legalize marijuana now” next to their names on the ballot.
The organization is part of the Grassroots Party. It was established in 1998. In addition to being an official political party in Minnesota, it also has chapters in Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Their platform supports the Bill of Rights. It aims to end prohibition. It also supports the hemp industry.
You can support the organization by donating or volunteering. They also have an online shop. You can buy items to fund their organization.
Green Party
The Green Party consists of environmentalists, grassroots activists, and social justice advocates. They stand for several social and political issues including:
- Black Lives Matter
- Clean water
- The New Green Deal which supports a more sustainable future
- Legal status for immigrants
- Medicare for all
- Monetary justice to distribute money fairly among people to keep the rich from getting richer
- Muslim support
- A democratic state of Israelis and Palestinians
- Reparations to address inequality issues
- Roe vs. Wade
- Gender equality
- Women’s equality
- Working people
- Whistleblowers
- Weed legalization
The Green Party has long advocated for weed legalization. They aim to end the war on drugs. They are hoping to redirect funds to support research, education, and treatment counseling.
The organization is recognized as a political party in most states. You can register green to support the cause. You can also volunteer or sign their petitions.
Libertarian Party
The Libertarian Party claims to be the only political party that respects people as unique and responsible individuals. They stand on “The Party of Principle”. They oppose government interference in personal, family, and business decisions.
The party supports the following issues:
- Eliminating or reducing taxes
- A free-market approach that allows people to freely offer goods and services on the market
- Equal rights for all people
- Reform in the crime and justice system
- A free market in education that would allow parents, students, and educators to make their own decisions without government guidance
- Peace among nations
- More accessible healthcare
- The right to arm themselves in self-defense
- Elimination of the war on drugs
- Immigration
- The Libertarian Party is not considered one of the main cannabis political parties. But they have fought against marijuana prohibition since 1971. They back medical marijuana. They feel the war on drugs is ineffective.
- You can donate and volunteer to support their causes.
Democratic Party
The Democratic party is not considered one of the main cannabis political parties. However, it has done a lot to push marijuana reform forward.
Most Democratic voters feel marijuana should be legalized. 19% say it should be a legislative priority. Others recognize its importance but don’t think it needs to take a front position in political agendas.
Most cannabis-related bills introduced in Congress are initiated and backed by Democratic politicians. Democrats have introduced bills for federal legalization, social equity, safety, banking, and more. President Joe Biden is currently working on reclassifying marijuana to increase accessibility and research opportunities.
Many Republicans are against marijuana reform. If a Republican takes office in 2024, it is unlikely that marijuana will be legalized.
The cannabis political parties listed above represent the United States only. However, countries throughout the world have parties that support marijuana. They include:
- Australia
- Canada
- Denmark
- Greece
- Israel
- Ireland
- Kanya
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Spain
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
The cause is widely recognized and is gaining support every day.
Now that you know the various cannabis political parties, which will you support?