President Joe Biden made history by mentioning cannabis reform in his first State of the Union speech on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The president called for reviewing the federal classification of cannabis and expunging thousands of convictions for the mere possession of cannabis, saying that no one should be jailed for simply using it or have it on their record.
The president’s remarks came amid a heated debate over cannabis legalization in the country, as more states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, and as the public support for cannabis reform has reached an all-time high. According to a Gallup poll conducted in October 2023, 70% of Americans favored legalizing cannabis nationwide, up from 66% in 2019.
The president’s remarks also came after he signed a marijuana research bill into law in December 2022, which was the first piece of standalone federal cannabis reform legislation in U.S. history. The bill, which was sponsored by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), allowed researchers to access cannabis from state-legal sources, and to study the potential benefits and harms of cannabis for various conditions and populations.
The president faces pressure and criticism from both sides of the aisle
The president faces pressure and criticism from both sides of the aisle over his stance on cannabis reform, which has been seen as moderate and inconsistent by some advocates and opponents. The president has expressed support for decriminalizing cannabis, allowing states to set their own policies, and rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule II under the Controlled Substances Act, which would recognize its medical value and allow more research. However, the president has not endorsed legalizing cannabis at the federal level, and has not taken any executive action to implement his promises.
Some Democrats and progressives have urged the president to be more bold and proactive on cannabis reform, and to support the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which was reintroduced in the House by Representative Jerry Nadler (D-NY) in May 2023. The MORE Act, which passed the House in December 2020 but stalled in the Senate, would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, expunge federal cannabis convictions, and create a fund to support communities impacted by the war on drugs.
Some Republicans and conservatives have warned the president to be more cautious and responsible on cannabis reform, and to respect the existing federal law and the role of Congress. They have argued that legalizing cannabis would pose a threat to public health and safety, especially for young people and vulnerable groups. They have also raised concerns about the potential conflicts and challenges between the federal and the state laws, and the lack of regulation and oversight of the cannabis industry.
The president hopes to find a bipartisan and balanced solution
The president hopes to find a bipartisan and balanced solution that would address the needs and the concerns of all stakeholders, and that would reflect the will and the values of the American people. The president said that he would work with his cabinet, especially the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to review the federal classification of cannabis and to expunge thousands of convictions for the mere possession of cannabis. The president also said that he would work with Congress, especially the Senate, to pass a comprehensive and sensible cannabis reform bill that would respect the rights and the responsibilities of the states and the federal government.
The president said that he believes that cannabis reform is not only a matter of justice and fairness, but also a matter of opportunity and prosperity. The president said that cannabis reform would create jobs and revenue for the economy, reduce the costs and the harms of the criminal justice system, and improve the health and the well-being of millions of Americans who use cannabis for medical or personal reasons.
The president said that he is confident that the country can achieve cannabis reform in a way that is safe, responsible, and beneficial for all. The president said that he is optimistic that the country can overcome the divisions and the differences on this issue, and that he is hopeful that the country can unite and move forward on this issue.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
