Trump backs marijuana decriminalisation, opposes arrests for small amounts

Former US President Donald Trump on Saturday suggested his support for the decriminalisation of marijuana, saying taxpayer dollars should not be wasted arresting people carrying ”personal amounts.”

”In Florida, like so many other states that have already given their approval, personal amounts of marijuana will be legalised for adults with Amendment 3,” Trump said about an effort in his home state to legalise the possession and purchase of up to 3 ounces for adults over the age of 21.

”Whether people like it or not, this will happen through the approval of the voters, so it should be done correctly.”

Trump, who is the Republican nominee for president, said state lawmakers should create laws that ban use of marijuana in public spaces.

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He added that someone should not be a criminal in one state when marijuana use is legal in others.

Marijuana is legal in some form in nearly 40 states.

Former President Donald Trump’s recent willingness to consider the decriminalisation of marijuana marks a significant shift in his stance on drug policy. Throughout his political career, Trump has consistently advocated for a tough approach to drug enforcement. When he launched his reelection campaign in November 2022, he emphasised securing the southern border and targeting Mexican cartels as key priorities, even advocating for the execution of drug dealers.