Cannabis Policies in the Spotlight for 2024 Election
As Election Day draws near, marijuana policy has once again become a central campaign issue for incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Both candidates’ positions on cannabis are being closely examined by voters, and their records reveal distinct approaches to drug policy.
Biden’s Cannabis Reform Efforts
President Biden’s administration has taken several notable actions regarding cannabis. One of his significant moves was issuing two rounds of mass pardons for individuals convicted of low-level marijuana offenses. While these pardons were symbolic and did not expunge prior records, they marked a historic step. Biden also directed a review of cannabis scheduling, leading the Justice Department to recommend rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This change would ease research barriers and allow state-licensed cannabis businesses to take federal tax deductions.
In late 2023, Biden signed a bill to streamline marijuana research, marking the first time a president enacted standalone cannabis reform legislation. Despite these advancements, Biden faces criticism for his ongoing opposition to broader legalization and his past as a drug warrior in the Senate. His administration has also been scrutinized for defending policies like the ban on cannabis consumers owning guns and the seizure of cannabis from state-legal businesses by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Trump’s Mixed Record on Cannabis
Former President Trump has had a less consistent approach to cannabis. While he generally supported states’ rights to set their own marijuana laws during his presidency, he did not advocate for federal legalization. Trump signed the “Right to Try” legislation, allowing terminal patients to access drugs not approved by the FDA, which some advocates say includes marijuana. He also gave final approval to legislation legalizing hemp with up to 0.3% THC by dry weight.
However, Trump has made extreme anti-drug proposals, such as advocating the death penalty for drug traffickers. His administration also issued policies affecting immigrants, stating that marijuana use or involvement in the cannabis industry, even in legal states, could disqualify them from U.S. citizenship. Additionally, Trump’s campaign issued a cease and desist letter to Mississippi medical cannabis activists using his name in their campaign.
Candidates’ Stance on State Rights
Both Biden and Trump seem to agree on one crucial aspect: states should have the autonomy to set their own cannabis policies without federal interference. This aligns with the broader public sentiment favoring state-level legalization efforts.
Future of Cannabis Policy
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, both candidates’ cannabis policies are likely to be scrutinized further. Biden’s record shows a trend towards reform, albeit cautiously, while Trump’s stance remains somewhat ambiguous, marked by both support for medical marijuana and extreme anti-drug rhetoric. With Americans increasingly supporting the end of cannabis prohibition, it will be interesting to see if either candidate adjusts their stance to align more closely with public opinion as the campaign progresses.
