Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed his dedication to undertake significant changes in drug policy if he happens to secure the presidency despite his underdog status.
During an interview last week, Kennedy, who is vying against President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination in 2024, expressed his intent to reform the current federal ban on cannabis.
“My plan would be to federally decriminalize marijuana and allow its regulation to be handled by individual states. I would impose a federal tax on it. The revenue collected from such a tax would be used for constructing rehabilitation centers nationwide and support drug treatment programs,” stated Kennedy during his conversation with ReasonTV, as quoted by Benzinga.
He further expounded on his plan for drug policy transformation at a town hall meeting held the previous day.
“We need to establish this infrastructure,” Kennedy affirmed, as reported by Benzinga. “As President, my plan would involve decriminalizing marijuana, establishing safe banking regulations for its sellers, applying a federal tax, and using the collected funds to build therapeutic centers in distressed rural regions throughout the nation. These centers could provide organic food and holistic healing opportunities for the youth.”
Further, Kennedy stated, “Certainly, I’d decriminalize psychedelics,” as per the outlet.
As the progeny of the late senator and U.S. attorney general Bobby Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, announced his run for the 2024 presidential election in April.
It’s uncommon for an incumbent president to face a challenge for his party’s nomination, but Biden has two competitors in the upcoming Democratic primary.
In addition to Kennedy, Marianne Williamson, who contested for the party’s nomination in 2020, is also running against Biden.
Surveys indicate that Kennedy has managed to secure slightly less than 20 percent support among potential Democratic primary voters, a commendable achievement even though he lags behind Biden by about 40-50points.
“I’m uncertain about what I’ll do,” Kennedy declared, as reported by The Hill. “Let’s watch how this campaign unfolds. Let’s see if people adhere to democratic values, engage in debates and discussions. I’m not going to jump the gun.”
Kennedy emphasized that his primary goal is to secure the nomination and eventually take up residence in the White House.
“I’m aiming to win this election, and I don’t have a backup plan,” he asserted, according to the Hill.