Joe Biden Not in Favor of Pot Legalization, Says Its a 'Gateway Drug'. He is the only high-profile 2020 Democratic candidate to carry this stance. A recent Pew poll states that legalization is supported by almost 80 percent of Democrats and left-leaning voters. 11 states and D.C. allow it for recreational use and it is medically available in 33. Nearly a decade ago, Biden declared his opposition to making pot legal, calling it a "gateway drug.". At a recent town hall, he said his position on a federal level has not changed. "There has not been nearly enough evidence acquired as to whether or not it's a gateway drug." - Joe Biden, via town hall. Biden went on to say that he is in favor of individual U.S. states making their own laws on cannabis. He has also stated opposition to jailing people for marijuana. In terms of criminal records, the former Vice President believes cannabis-related charges should be removed