There are major differences between Missouri’s two prominent Senate candidates when it comes to state marijuana policy.

The federal government currently classifies marijuana as a Schedule I illegal drug, along with drugs like heroin and ecstasy.

Missouri has legalized marijuana for recreational use in 2023, only for adults 21 and older.

Speaking to St. Louis Public Radio, incumbent Republican Senator Josh Hawley called marijuana a “gateway drug,” called it dangerous and reiterated his opposition to the 2022 referendum that would legalize it in Missouri.

Hawley also stressed that he was convinced of the limited medical benefits of the drug.

“I know we voted for it, Missouri,” Hawley said. “That’s the law of the land. I didn’t vote for it. I’m following it, of course, but I wouldn’t support an extension.”

Democratic Senate candidate Lucas Kunce told STLPR he would fight for federal legalization, citing marijuana’s benefits for veterans and people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Kunce added that federal legalization would give cannabis companies better access to the banking sector, which is currently a major problem for many dispensaries.

“It’s about regular people being able to make their own decisions,” Kunce said. “It solves a lot of problems. It helps people get into the industry. It helps veterans like me or others who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder to actually use marijuana without fear. … It allows the (Veterans Administration) to prescribe it. I mean, it has a whole host of positive aspects.”

Missouri reported $1.04 billion in sales for recreational marijuana use in 2023, according to figures released in January by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.