On Labor Day in 2022, a significant meeting took place between John Fetterman and President Biden in Pittsburgh. Fetterman, then the lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and in the midst of his Senate campaign, had a clear message for the president: go big on legalizing weed.
The response from President Biden was a resounding “Yes, absolutely,” according to Fetterman. This interaction came at a time when the Justice Department announced its recommendation to relax federal restrictions on marijuana, a move that aligns with the Biden administration’s efforts to liberalize cannabis policy.
Fetterman, known for his advocacy on marijuana legalization, humorously mentioned that he advises Biden on fashion and weed policy. The push for cannabis reform is seen as a strategic move that could appeal to young voters and supporters of criminal justice reform.
Despite these positive steps, some allies of the president feel that he could do more to embrace the issue publicly. Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, a longtime advocate for looser cannabis policies, believes that Biden is missing a political opportunity by not fully embracing marijuana reform.
Biden’s cautious approach to marijuana policy mirrors his handling of other progressive priorities, such as student loans. While he has taken steps like pardoning individuals convicted of marijuana possession and reviewing the drug’s classification, some feel that he could do more to champion the cause.
The broader shift towards marijuana legalization is evident in the growing number of states that have legalized the drug for medical and recreational use. Even some Republicans, traditionally opposed to marijuana reform, acknowledge that legalization is becoming inevitable.
Overall, the evolving attitudes towards marijuana in American politics suggest a changing landscape where cannabis reform is seen as a sensible and increasingly popular policy. As Fetterman aptly put it, the opposition to marijuana reform is dwindling, making it a no-brainer for politicians to support.
