Biden’s Quiet Embrace of Cannabis Reform: A Political Opportunity Missed

Labor Day in 2022 was not just another holiday for John Fetterman, the Democrat who was then the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and in the midst of a successful Senate run. On that day, he found himself in a room in Pittsburgh with none other than President Biden.

Fetterman had a clear message he wanted to convey to the president: Go big on legal weed. And to his surprise, Biden’s response was a resounding “Yes, absolutely,” as Fetterman shared in a recent interview.

The Justice Department’s announcement that federal restrictions on marijuana could be relaxed was a significant step towards liberalizing the nation’s cannabis policy. This move, supported by Democrats like Fetterman, aligns with the fact that over two-thirds of Americans are in favor of legalizing marijuana.

Fetterman, known for his casual attire, humorously mentioned that he advises Biden on matters of fashion and weed policy. Biden, a more formal president, has become known as the “pot president,” a title that could boost his popularity among young voters and supporters of criminal justice reform.

However, some allies of the president feel that he should talk more openly about his support for marijuana reform. Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, a longtime advocate for looser cannabis policies, believes that Biden should fully embrace this significant step in the war on drugs.

While Biden has made strides in pardoning individuals convicted of marijuana possession and initiating a review of marijuana’s classification, some feel he could do more to promote these actions. The lack of vocal support from Biden on this issue has left some political opportunities untapped, according to Blumenauer.

Despite some mild objections from Republicans, the overall shift in American attitudes towards marijuana is evident. With a majority of states already legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use, the momentum for federal reform is growing.

As Fetterman aptly put it, embracing marijuana reform is a “no-brainer,” especially as public opinion on the issue continues to evolve. The days of the “reefer madness caucus” are fading, and the push for legal weed is gaining traction in both political and public spheres.