How much of an issue would a candidate legally buying and using marijuana be?

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Let's assume at some point in the future it's revealed that a politician running for President, who is not from Colorado, Washington, Oregon or Alaska was still visiting one of those states at one point and there's evidence revealed they purchased non-medical marijuana from a legal venue. Would this have a major impact on the campaign?

For a Republican, it would depend. If they were a Paul-type candidate obviously it wouldn't shock anyone or hurt them, but they'd never have a chance at the nomination to begin with. For a standard Republican, I can see it crippling the campaign and ruining their chances at the nomination, though they'd probably still be able to continue their Senate or Governorship.

For a Democratic candidate, no impact at all. Unless they were a hypocrite who had previously taken a hardline against marijuana or legalization in their state. If they had what's basically the default position of most Democratic politicians now (basically not openly supporting legalization but not interfering with states that do), it'd look a tad hypocritical but would be survivable, might even help actually as it'd provide some ressurance they really wouldn't interfere with states on it. But if they never spoke out against it, no impact.

[🦀🎂🦀🎂]

Well North of the border, Justin Bieber Trudeau constantly brags about getting stoned, and it hasn't hurt him too much. Yes, I know ... Canada, but I highly doubt many votes would be swing on it.

[bobloblaw]

Well North of the border, Justin Bieber Trudeau constantly brags about getting stoned, and it hasn't hurt him too much. Yes, I know ... Canada, but I highly doubt many votes would be swing on it.

Actually the Libs and Cons are tied in the polls. The Libs should be winning a majority not on the cusp of losing once again.

[Mr. Illini]

It didn't hurt Gary Johnson in New Mexico, and he admitted that he did it illegally.

Granted, it was for medical reasons, but nonetheless.

[DS0816]

It would be a help.

Texas U.S. Senator—and Unserious Presidential Candidate—Ted Cruz should make his move. Soon!

[morgieb]

Probably very little these days. A lot of politicans have done weed and didn't take a hit* from it


*in their nomination chances, smartarses

[Nichlemn]

If it had occurred very recently at the time it was discovered (i.e. it's not a youthful indiscretion), it would be a pretty big negative for any mainstream politician. There's a big difference between thinking something shouldn't be illegal and condoning your elected leaders doing it. There are tons of things that few people think should be illegal (like adultery, excessive alcohol consumption and atheism) that are nonetheless big negatives for almost any politician. I would imagine that a fairly large proportion of the people who think marijuana should be legal would nonetheless frown at a politician getting high, especially if they were running for President. Like if it were revealed that Hillary Clinton had smoked pot this year, it would really really hurt her "competency" image.