Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is making another bold push for federal marijuana legalization, this time through a nationwide petition drive. His campaign is urging supporters to sign on and demonstrate widespread backing for the cause, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most vocal cannabis advocates in the Senate.
Fetterman Keeps Legalization Front and Center
Fetterman’s campaign sent out an email blast over the weekend, making it clear that legalizing marijuana is still one of his top priorities. The message painted him as a rare voice in Washington willing to fight for full legalization, calling on Americans to help him prove just how much public support exists for the issue.
“John stands firm in his beliefs,” the email stated, highlighting his work on cannabis reform alongside other key issues like healthcare and workers’ rights. It described legal weed as a policy that could generate revenue, create jobs, and correct injustices tied to outdated drug laws.
The email also emphasized one of Fetterman’s longstanding talking points—expunging past marijuana-related convictions. “He sees it as a vital chance to expunge all bogus marijuana records and release folks incarcerated just for using the plant,” the campaign wrote.
A Longtime Advocate, But Not the Loudest in the Senate
Fetterman has championed marijuana reform for years. As Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor, he was one of the state’s most aggressive voices pushing for legalization, even going as far as displaying pro-cannabis banners from his office balcony. He also played a direct role in granting clemency to individuals convicted of low-level marijuana offenses.
Since joining the Senate in 2023, however, his stance on cannabis has been slightly less vocal. While he has backed major legalization proposals, including the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), he has yet to sponsor a marijuana reform bill of his own.
Still, his campaign insists that marijuana remains “a center-most issue” for him. The new petition, they argue, is just another way of proving that Fetterman and his supporters are committed to making federal legalization a reality.
A Political Tool or Genuine Advocacy?
Campaign petitions are a common tactic in politics, often used to build email lists and mobilize support for fundraising efforts. Some skeptics may see this move as less about direct policy influence and more about expanding Fetterman’s campaign reach.
But the numbers speak for themselves. The email cited polling data suggesting that 89% of Americans support marijuana legalization in some form, making the issue far from controversial in the eyes of most voters.
• Public opinion: The overwhelming majority of Americans support legal weed.
• Federal inaction: Despite growing support, Congress has been slow to move on legalization.
• Bipartisan challenge: While many Democrats back reform, resistance remains strong in certain Republican circles.
With Fetterman positioning himself as one of the loudest pro-legalization voices in the Senate, this petition could serve as a pressure point for lawmakers still hesitant to act.
Will Washington Listen?
Fetterman’s petition campaign lands at a time when momentum for national marijuana reform appears to have slowed. Even as more states legalize cannabis, federal lawmakers have struggled to push meaningful legislation through Congress.
The senator himself acknowledged this in a recent interview with AskAPol, where he admitted that the legalization movement has “lost some steam over the last couple years.” He expressed frustration with the slow pace of change, calling it “disappointing” that such a popular issue remains tied up in political gridlock.
His criticism extended to Donald Trump’s nominee for DEA chief, an anti-legalization figure who represents a potential roadblock for reform efforts. “It’s not controversial to anyone other than the extreme fringes,” Fetterman said.
His blunt take? “We should just make legal weed.”
As his petition circulates and supporters sign on, the real question is whether federal lawmakers—especially those reluctant to embrace reform—will start paying attention.
