Sen. Rand Paul received the highest grade out of more than 20 declared 2016 potential candidates in a voter guide released Friday by the Marijuana Policy Project, according to a report by The Washington Times.
The group ranked the prospective 2016 candidates based on their interest in relaxing anti-marijuana enforcement laws in the United States.
Paul received an “A-” from the advocacy group for his sponsorship of a medical marijuana bill and for his support in reducing marijuana-related penalties for adult use.
“I think a lot of these guys talk the talk but the only person who has so far walked the walk is Rand Paul,” Marijuana Policy Project Director Dan Riffle told WCPO.
The first term Republican senator from Kentucky has been an outspoken opponent of the War on Drugs, stating that it creates an undercurrent of unease in the country.
“The War on Drugs has created a culture of violence and puts police in an impossible situation,” Paul said at the Desert Vista Community Center in Las Vegas.
Other candidates on the list include Chris Christie and Rick Santorum, who both received a failing grade because of their vocal support of federal prohibition laws in states where marijuana is legal. Texas Gov. Rick Perry scored the second highest score among Republican candidates, receiving a “B” for his support in reducing marijuana possession policies.
Democratic candidates were also featured by the advocacy group. The project gave Vice President Joe Biden a “D”, citing his new legislation for the creation of mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offenses.
The rankings of all 20 prospective candidates can be viewed on the Marijuana Policy Project website.