President Joe Biden made history on Wednesday night by becoming the first president to mention cannabis policy reform in a State of the Union address. He reiterated his commitment to ending the federal prohibition of marijuana and expunging the records of those who have been convicted of simple possession.
Biden’s Pledge to Reverse Decades of Failed Drug Policies
Biden, who has faced criticism from some cannabis advocates for his past support of harsh drug laws, said that he has kept his promises to change course on marijuana policy since taking office in 2021.
“Keep building public trust, as I’ve been doing by taking executive action on police reform, and calling for it to be the law of the land, directing my Cabinet to review the federal classification of marijuana, and expunging thousands of convictions for mere possession, because no one should be jailed for using or possessing marijuana!” Biden said to applause from the audience.
Biden’s statement echoed his previous actions on cannabis, such as pardoning thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession under federal law in 2022 and urging federal agencies to review cannabis’s Schedule I status in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which places it in the same category as heroin and LSD.
Biden’s Support for States’ Rights and Medical Marijuana
Biden also expressed his support for respecting the rights of states to legalize cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, as well as expanding access to medical marijuana for patients who need it.
“I believe in states’ rights when it comes to cannabis. If a state wants to legalize it, that’s their decision. But I also believe in science and compassion. That’s why I support medical marijuana for patients who suffer from chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and other conditions. And that’s why I support research into the potential benefits and risks of cannabis, so we can make informed decisions based on facts, not fear,” Biden said.
Biden’s stance on states’ rights is in line with his campaign promise to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level and allow states to set their own policies. However, some cannabis activists have called for more federal leadership and legislation to end the conflict between state and federal laws and to ensure social justice and equity in the cannabis industry.
Biden’s Vision for a Sustainable and Inclusive Cannabis Economy
Biden also outlined his vision for creating a sustainable and inclusive cannabis economy that would generate jobs, revenue, and innovation, while addressing the environmental and social impacts of cannabis production and consumption.
“We have an opportunity to create a new cannabis economy that is green, fair, and prosperous. A cannabis economy that supports small businesses, farmers, and workers. A cannabis economy that protects our environment, our health, and our safety. A cannabis economy that recognizes the historical harms of cannabis prohibition, especially on communities of color, and provides opportunities for those who have been left behind,” Biden said.
Biden highlighted some of the initiatives that his administration has launched or supported to achieve this vision, such as:
- Investing in clean energy and infrastructure to reduce the carbon footprint of cannabis cultivation and processing
- Providing grants and loans to help cannabis entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Regulating and taxing cannabis products to ensure quality, safety, and transparency for consumers and to generate revenue for public services and programs
- Expanding access to banking, insurance, and legal services for cannabis businesses and workers
- Promoting education, training, and research to foster innovation and best practices in the cannabis industry
- Supporting social equity and diversity in the cannabis industry by creating pathways for ownership, employment, and participation for people of color, women, veterans, and other marginalized groups
- Reforming the criminal justice system to end the mass incarceration and stigmatization of cannabis users and to provide restorative justice and reentry services for those who have been impacted by cannabis prohibition
Biden’s Appeal for Bipartisan Cooperation on Cannabis Reform
Biden concluded his remarks on cannabis policy by appealing for bipartisan cooperation and dialogue on this issue, which he said affects millions of Americans across the political spectrum.
“I know that cannabis is a controversial and complex issue for many Americans. I respect the views and values of those who disagree with me. But I also know that we can find common ground and work together to reform our cannabis laws in a way that reflects our shared ideals of freedom, justice, and opportunity. I urge Congress to join me in this effort and to pass comprehensive cannabis reform legislation as soon as possible. Together, we can end the failed war on drugs, heal the wounds of prohibition, and build a brighter future for our country,” Biden said.
Biden’s call for bipartisanship on cannabis reform comes at a time when public support for legalizing marijuana is at an all-time high, with 68% of Americans in favor of it, according to a Gallup poll conducted in November 2023. However, cannabis reform faces significant challenges and opposition in Congress, especially from some Republican lawmakers who remain staunchly opposed to legalization or decriminalization.
