January 29, 2020 John,
Today, we are proud to release our 2020 Gubernatorial Scorecard!
This extensive database assigns a letter grade 'A' through 'F' to states' governors based upon their comments and voting records in 2019 specific to matters of marijuana policy.
Most legislative activity specific to marijuana policy takes place at the state level and America's governors are our nation's most powerful state-elected officials. These 50 lawmakers play a key role in whether or not marijuana policy reform advances at the state level so it is vitally important that reformers are aware of where they stand on the issue. You can see the full scorecard here.
KEY FINDINGS
- Thirty-two US governors received a passing grade of 'C' or higher (22 Democrats, 10 Republicans); last year, only 27 Governors received a grade of 'C' or higher.
- Of these, nine US governors -- all Democrats -- received an 'A' grade.
- Twelve governors received a 'B' grade (11 Democrats, 1 Republican)
- Eleven governors received a 'C' grade (9 Republicans, 2 Democrats)
- Ten governors -- nine Republicans and one Democrat -- received a 'D' grade
- Eight governors -- all Republicans -- received a 'F' grade
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Among Democratic Governors, 39 percent received an 'A.' Ninety-six percent of Democratic Governors received a grade of 'C' or higher.
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Among Republican Governors, only 37 percent received a grade of a 'C' or higher. Thirty percent received a failing grade.
THE TAKEAWAY
Political support among US governors for marijuana policy reform continues to grow. However, this support is more partisan than ever before. No Republicans are on record in support of adult-use legalization and few are in favor of regulating medical cannabis access. By contrast, a large percentage of Democrats are supportive of both issues. This partisan divide is not similarly reflected among the general public.
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Important and timely publications such as this are only made possible when concerned citizens become involved with NORML. Please consider making a donation today so we may continue to work towards legalization and providing you the tools necessary to be an informed voter.
According to national polling data compiled by Gallup in October 2019, 66 percent of the public -- including majorities of self-identified Democrats, Republicans, and Independents -- favor adult-use legalization. Bipartisan support among the public for medical marijuana legalization is even stronger.
Until this public support is similarly reflected among lawmakers, many cannabis-specific legislative reforms – in particular adult-use legalization proposals – will continue to meet resistance at the state level.
Thanks for being in the fight to normalize legalization,
Your friends at NORML
P.S. Our educational and advocacy efforts are supported by thousands of people throughout the country as we work to advance marijuana reform in all 50 states and the federal level. Can you kick in $5, $10 or $20 a month to help us keep going?
