Biden Administration Advocates Cannabis Pardons, Rescheduling, Citing Reduced Risks

The Biden campaign is intensifying efforts to highlight stark differences in cannabis policies between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. They assert that cannabis is “not as dangerous as we once believed” and promote pardons and rescheduling as key reforms.

Campaign Focus on Cannabis Reform

President Biden’s campaign underscores his commitment to modernizing outdated cannabis laws, particularly those impacting communities of color. They emphasize Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s efforts, citing significant federal reform initiatives since taking office.

Criticism of Trump’s Approach

The campaign criticizes Trump’s stance on cannabis reform, accusing his administration of exacerbating failed policies and hindering state-level cannabis programs. They point to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’s actions as a prime example of undermining state legalization efforts.

Push for Rescheduling and Clemency

Highlighting their proposal to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, the campaign views this as a monumental shift in federal drug law that could spur crucial medical research and alleviate longstanding barriers.

Digital Campaign Advocacy

The Biden campaign has launched digital ads promoting their cannabis actions, including highlighting federal pardons and redirecting viewers to campaign resources. They contrast Biden’s reform agenda with Trump’s purportedly regressive approach to drug policy.

Future Policy Directions

As the election cycle progresses, advocates anticipate more debate on drug policy issues between the candidates, noting Trump’s varied positions on cannabis and Biden’s continued push for progressive reform.