Biden Campaign Highlights Cannabis Reform Successes in New Ads

President Joe Biden has intensified his efforts to promote his administration’s achievements in cannabis reform. Highlighting mass marijuana pardons and the rescheduling of cannabis, Biden’s campaign seeks to contrast his policies with those of former President Donald Trump.

Biden’s Cannabis Reforms

Biden emphasizes the importance of his cannabis pardons and the recommendation by the Justice Department to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). These actions are positioned as major steps toward addressing outdated and harmful federal drug laws, particularly those impacting communities of color. The Biden campaign website explicitly states, “Joe Biden has been clear for a long time that our nation’s marijuana laws are outdated and are failing communities, particularly communities of color.”

Strategic Differentiation from Trump

Biden’s focus on marijuana reform is also strategic in differentiating his administration from Trump’s. The campaign underscores Trump’s opposition to marijuana reform, noting that his administration not only failed to progress on the issue but also exacerbated the situation by empowering federal prosecutions in states where cannabis use is legal. The Biden campaign asserts, “Donald Trump opposes marijuana reform and, as president, made the failed approach worse,” highlighting the contrast in their approaches.

Achievements and Future Plans

The campaign further elaborates on Biden’s achievements and future plans. It mentions the clemency actions that resulted in pardons for thousands of individuals convicted of simple marijuana possession. Additionally, it highlights the potential benefits of rescheduling marijuana, which could facilitate more research into its medical uses. This is particularly significant for veterans and individuals with chronic diseases like cancer. The campaign claims, “Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug will remove long-standing barriers to critical research. That could mean more research into the medical benefits of marijuana, including for our veterans and Americans with chronic diseases like cancer.”

Historical Context of Biden’s Cannabis Advocacy

Cannabis reform has been a cornerstone of Biden’s presidency. From his campaign promises in 2020 to his recent actions, Biden has consistently advocated for changes to federal marijuana laws. His administration’s efforts are depicted as the most significant federal reform in U.S. history, aimed at correcting long-standing injustices within the criminal justice system. “When he ran in 2020, Biden promised to fight to ensure that no one is in jail for marijuana possession alone. And since taking office, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have led the most significant federal reform to our nation’s approach to marijuana in history.”

Contrast with Trump’s Administration

The Biden campaign page also points out the proactive measures taken under his leadership compared to Trump’s administration. It states, “Trump took no steps whatsoever to reform our country’s approach to marijuana,” adding that Trump’s rescindment of federal guidance empowered prosecutors “to more aggressively enforce federal laws against marijuana consumers and businesses, even in states that have decriminalized its production and sale.”

Appeal to Broader Populations

Biden’s strategy not only appeals to cannabis advocates but also to broader segments of the population who see cannabis reform as a key issue of social justice. The campaign is leveraging this narrative to attract voters who support the progressive stance on cannabis. The page adds, “The way our justice system has treated marijuana use has harmed individuals, families, and communities for too long. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are leading the charge to reverse long-standing injustices and to right historic wrongs.”

Future Commitments

The emphasis on cannabis reform is not just about past achievements but also about future commitments. Biden’s campaign portrays him as a leader with a clear vision for advancing marijuana policies, in stark contrast to Trump’s perceived backward-looking approach. The campaign warns, “Donald Trump has no new ideas for marijuana reform, and you can expect more of the same backward-looking approach if he gets a second term in office.”