On Labor Day in 2022, John Fetterman, the then lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and U.S. Senate candidate, met with President Biden to discuss the legalization of marijuana. Biden responded positively to the idea, signaling a potential shift in federal cannabis policy. Fetterman, a Democrat, believed that supporting marijuana legalization could have political benefits, especially considering that over two-thirds of Americans support legalization. He sees it as a high-reward, low-risk move for the president, who has shown support for cannabis reform.
Despite having a history of supporting tough-on-crime policies, Biden has made efforts as president to decriminalize marijuana. He has pardoned thousands of individuals convicted of marijuana possession under federal law and directed the review of marijuana’s drug classification. This review opens the door to less restrictive regulations on production, research, and access to public services for marijuana users and businesses. While Biden has promoted these actions at events, he has not embraced the issue publicly yet, leaving a political opportunity on the table.
Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, a long-time advocate for marijuana reform, believes that Biden should fully embrace cannabis policy to energize young voters and align with the progressive movement. He views rescheduling marijuana as a significant step in ending the war on drugs and praises the administration for considering the change. However, Biden’s cautious approach to marijuana policy mirrors his handling of other progressive priorities, such as student loans. Progressives have urged Biden to take bolder steps, but he has proceeded with moderation.
The Biden administration’s move to relax federal restrictions on marijuana comes as many states have already legalized the drug for medicinal or recreational purposes. Some Republicans downplay the impact of Biden’s action, viewing it as a nonpartisan issue and signaling that legalization may be inevitable in certain states. Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, a Republican, acknowledges the shifting political landscape on marijuana but still views it as a controversial topic due to concerns about it being a gateway drug. Despite a lack of strong Republican criticism, the public perception of marijuana has evolved significantly.
Christine O’Donnell, the last Republican to run against Biden for Senate, has maintained a relatively low profile since her infamous 2010 campaign highlighted by her “I’m not a witch” declaration. O’Donnell adopted novice political populism before Trump, but her loss to Biden in 2008 was not due to voter fraud as she claimed. Reflecting on her political career and views on the 2020 election, O’Donnell believes that her campaigns paved the way for others to challenge the American political system. While living a quiet life in Florida, O’Donnell’s past continues to shape perceptions of her, with some attributing Trump’s rise to her influence.
