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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhy the Hell Isn't Biden Ending the Federal War on Cannabis?
Getting the federal government out of the war on marijuana is popular with both Republicans and Democrats. Why is Biden not keeping his promise to do it?
Ben Burgis
Published Jul. 13, 2022 8:00PM ET
Joe Biden and the Democrats are in deep trouble. The presidents approval ratings are in the sewer and all signs continue to indicate that his party will be pulverized this fall.
Its not surprising. Biden enjoyed public support at the beginning of his presidency when he was actually doing things for the public (like economic stimulus and child tax credits). All of thats a distant memory now. The president and his spokespeople barely even talk about the ambitious legislative proposals they introduced with so much fanfare in 2021. And gas and food keep getting more expensive.
Under these circumstances, you would think that the administration would be leaping for any action they could possibly take that lies in the overlap area of the Venn Diagram of (a) promises that Biden made during the 2020 campaign that (b) can be carried out by executive action (no need to get the often recalcitrant Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin or Kyrsten Sinema on board), and crucially (c), are extremely popular.
And yet.
snip
more at link
If Joe supported ending the "war", and Congress did it, we would ace the 2022 & 2024 elections.
padfun
(1,792 posts)I waited for 8 years during the Obama admin and nothing happened.
Hekate
(90,978 posts)questionseverything
(9,666 posts)Biden needs to do an eo moving it off the schedule 1 list
jmbar2
(4,914 posts)He has bigger priorities right now, like dealing with fascism, Ukraine war, resurging pandemic, inflation, an attempted coup, global warming, defending women's rights, and holding onto the House.
The RWNJs are itching for something new to whip up their fans now that their favorite politicians are all implicated in the insurrection. Don't give them a new issue.
JoeOtterbein
(7,702 posts)...I'm suggesting.
Just A Box Of Rain
(5,104 posts)For fuck's sake!
Doc Sportello
(7,542 posts)Like calling facts fake news. Isn't that what the other side does.
GoodRaisin
(8,933 posts)Hekate
(90,978 posts)Like a withdrawal treaty with the Taliban that Trump wrote and that left Joe no leeway.
Like a SCOTUS that is now so far to the right well be lucky if we have a soul left when they get done installing their theocracy. The SCOTUS issue alone is in process of undoing a centurys worth of womens progress and the foundational laws for that include LGBTQ+ rights, gay marriage, trans rights, contraceptive rights
maybe you didnt know that?
So you and the others on this thread just go on telling us that Joe Biden doesnt give a damn because your personal pet project cant get thru Mitch McConnells Senate. Sure it is all Joe Bidens fault.
GoodRaisin
(8,933 posts)Please dont put words in my mouth. I neither said or implied he doesnt give a damn. Dont assume because I weigh in on one issue that it is a personal pet project or that I dont know about other issues. I dont disagree with you on the Afghanistan withdrawal, or SCOTUS, or McConnell, etc
Nobody said being president is easy. We still need to keep our promises. He did campaign on this issue, and the OP wasnt bashing him by bringing it up.
lapucelle
(18,378 posts)It's Jacobin hack Ben Burgis who's putting words in President Biden's mouth.
Who benefits from a Daily Beast narrative (written by the same guy who wrote such tripe as "Bernie Sanders Successors Are More Woke Than Progressive" and "Neither Party Cares About the Working Class" ) that bashes Joe Biden for not "keeping promises" that he never actually made?
Cui bono?
Not Democrats
GoodRaisin
(8,933 posts)Lets have an honest conversation. Weve already agreed that he ran on decriminalization. Ill agree that the article was harsh, but, when you dont do what you say, you set yourself up to be criticized for it.
lapucelle
(18,378 posts)BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)But, I guess thats not running on it.
lapucelle
(18,378 posts)Burgis claims that Biden promised to "end the federal war on cannibas" which is unworkable hyperbole.
Sorry, but I can't take a person seriously who falsely claims to be a professor at Morehouse College, whose only steady gig is at Jacobin, and who has published other potboiler crap at Daily Beast entitled, "Bernie Sanders Successors Are More Woke Than Progressive" and "Neither Party Cares About the Working Class".
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)Weed decriminalization is an important issue.
People like me who can't use opioids due to prior addiction use weed for pain management.
Right now I could be tossed in jail for years should I decide to travel to say WY from Colorado for vacay because I took my pain meds with me.
Do you know, weed is one of the largest reasons why POC are incarcerated? This is a social justice issue and some seem to forget that.
One EO would decriminalize it and it's a very important and huge issue for young voters who are now the largest voting bloc.
Yup, this needs to get done & will get the vote out. What's not to love?
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)and do the other 29 doctors agree with you?
As far as your concern about being tossed in jail for years because you crossed state lines with marijuana, then you need to make a decision. Which is more important, getting your MJ pain relief or traveling to Wyoming from Colorado for vacation? You're a health professional so you certainly have the intelligence to prioritize. The simple solution is if you don't want to get arrested for marijuana possession for crossing state lines, then DON'T cross state lines with marijuana--particularly if you value your professional licenses.
Meanwhile, feel fortunate that you are wealthy enough to even get to consider your hypothetical situation because I couldn't afford out-of-state vacations even when I was employed. Feel fortunate that you are working in a medical/health career considering that you admitted that you had prior addiction problems. The last person I knew working in a medical field that had addiction problems lost their DEA license and is running a gym now.
Lordquinton
(7,886 posts)Response to Lordquinton (Reply #91)
TexasTowelie This message was self-deleted by its author.
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)Nobody should be getting jailed for weed possession and that's the point. And it's a bit concerning you seem absolutely fine people are.
Do you know weed possession is one of the largest reasons why POC are incarcerated at much higher rates than white people? have you stopped to consider the social justice narrative that accompanies this? There's really no reason to not support weed legalization and or weed decriminalization. Zero.
I should feel fortunate? Personal attacks won't cut it with me and this has zero to do with anything. I'm sorry you're so upset that you need to project on to me and insult me. I'm also sorry that your take lacks class consciousness entirely. But hey! I'm not the one who is in the minority on this issue.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)No, the point is that people are supposed to follow the laws in the jurisdiction where they reside or where they visit--the same as the Brittney Griner situation in Russia. If you aren't willing to obey the laws in that jurisdiction then that is the risk that you choose to take. Otherwise, people can selectively choose to follow whatever laws they desire.
Even if President Biden issued an executive order regarding the federal prohibition against marijuana, it doesn't resolve your hypothetical travel situation if the state laws in Wyoming still prohibit marijuana.
Yes, I know, but there are other questions that need to be asked along with that question. What are the reasons that the person is being incarcerated? Is it for simple possession, or are they street dealers, or involvement in a major crime syndicate? Were there also weapons or violence involved? Was there a traffic-related offense involved? Making a statement that the incarceration rate is racially motivated is meaningless unless the entire context of those arrests are evaluated.
Yes, and the same questions in my prior response also apply here.
I'm certain that there are people that have been harmed or have relatives/friends harmed by marijuana consumers--that has happened in my own family and also in the families of two of my in-laws. It may be direct physical harm such as a traffic accident or it may be harm done to the family when people selfishly spend money on weed rather than on other necessities such as food or utilities. Even as a marijuana smoker, I wouldn't make a blanket statement saying there are zero reasons to legalize/decriminalize when there are obviously reasons that non-smokers may have that are as valid as smokers' rights. Drug possession is not a victimless crime.
By the way, I also know quite a bit about pain since I had my right leg amputated nearly two years ago. I will suffer from pain for every remaining day of my life. While the reform of marijuana laws would benefit me, I'm also aware that it could infringe on the rights of others.
But hey! You do you babe. I'm merely pointing out that this isn't as cut and dry as you suggest and that you may have not considered actual justice issues while you were making points about the social justice issues.
betsuni
(25,764 posts)inthewind21
(4,616 posts)Calculating
(2,957 posts)It's literally a victimless crime if someone wants to get high after work to chill or treat their pain/sleep issues.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)I think about the fights within my family and within the families of my two BILs, and it is apparent that there are victims. Pretending that others are not affected is denialism and a coping mechanism.
I also recognize that people have medical issues that marijuana may alleviate since I'm in that boat as an amputee. I suspect that there are a far greater number of people that are smoking solely for the purpose of getting high than there are people that have medical/sleep issues. It shouldn't come as a surprise that some marijuana users will rationalize circumstances to justify their behavior--been there, done that, and observed that behavior among other marijuana users.
I'll also point out that there are plenty of marijuana users who are consuming before they go to work. The potential to have "victims" is obvious, particularly in high risk occupations.
Calculating
(2,957 posts)Why is alcohol legal and not cannabis? Why shouldn't I just want to "get high" sometimes in my free time? Why is that anymore wrong than having some beers? Your arguments are like something I'd expect from a social conservative.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)since I've proven my bonafides at this site with over 94,000 posts.
Second, you once again use the fallback of rationalizing your position by comparing marijuana with alcohol. Will you at least acknowledge that?
The facts are that any type of drug usage affects the people that associate with the users. Drug usage (including alcohol) is not a victimless crime despite all the claims to the contrary that I've heard over the 40+ years that I've been a smoker. I used to make the same arguments as you are using when I was younger, but then I woke up and acknowledged the harm that I caused along with the observations that I made outside of my personal experience. Recognizing and acknowledging reality is not social conservatism.
Calculating
(2,957 posts)To protect people from themselves. Banning alcohol, banning drugs or prostitution, burning books that give the kids impure thoughts, banning things that are seen as non family friendly, etc. This is all done in the name of the greater good, but limits freedom within our society. Personally I want more freedom and not less.
I bring up alcohol because it's impossible to correctly analyze the justness of cannabis prohibition without looking at the status of legal alcohol. How in the world is it right that the much more harmful drug is legal and socially encouraged, while the less harmful drug that comes from a natural plant is criminalized? I don't care about the greater good of society as much as what is right/fair. Doing everything in the name of the greater good is how you get dystopian nightmares like China where they're even limiting video games now. It's like they want everyone to be a perfect obedient robot.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)I had a colleague at work make a similar comment to me about 15 years ago when I was employed. That comment came from a conservative/libertarian so after your earlier remark about me the irony is amusing.
We aren't going to agree on this matter. My personal experiences and observations provide plenty of evidence that any drug usage has the potential to harm others; therefore, I can't rationalize it by stating that it is a victimless crime. I haven't read any comments in this thread that has shifted my opinion.
Calculating
(2,957 posts)Without the govt kicking in their door, shooting the dogs, and confiscating their stuff? How many people use worse drugs or alcohol because cannabis is illegal? How many young people have had their lives ruined because the cops caught them with a joint? The harm caused to society by prohibition of cannabis seems to be way more than what would result from legalizing.
Aside from that, I resent being told that I shouldn't have access to something that I greatly enjoy and have never had an issue using responsibly because "some people might use it before work or drive stoned"
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)Pardon me, but I think that is how someone who is not a user would respond to the questions you asked.
At least we cut to the crux of the matter--this is about your personal liberties and freedom. The welfare of those who may be affected by the user's actions are irrelevant or secondary as long as the user's desires are fulfilled.
I'm not intending to be harsh with you. I recognize some of my past mindset when I read those questions and comments.
Hekate
(90,978 posts)
as a person. Too late for MIRT, unfortunately, but I would certainly like to query someone about that.
Maru Kitteh
(28,344 posts)where the sentence indicates plurality, not the possessive? Also, I have a difficult time believing 30 doctors share a DU account. Thats silly to me. Its like something a person who has never actually known a doctor would make up. Theyre not really big on sharing attributions, in my experience.
Hekate
(90,978 posts)Its kind of disturbing.
ripcord
(5,553 posts)I know the President can't do anything about Congress but I think he has some power over the Justice Department. There was an attempt at a petition to reschedule recently but it was dismissed in federal court after the D.E.A. opposed it. Maybe next time the President should direct them not only not to oppose it but to approve it.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/court-dismisses-dea-marijuana-rescheduling-case-but-judge-says-cannabis-reclassification-may-be-coming-anyway/
Emile
(23,117 posts)Biden said, As president, Ill work to reform the criminal justice system, improve community policing, decriminalize marijuana, and automatically expunge all prior marijuana convictions.
mcar
(42,439 posts)He's been pretty busy with saving lives and the economy, the war in Ukraine, etc.
He said he'd work on these things and I believe him. I also believe we've got many more important issues to contend with right now - like saving democracy by electing more Democrats in November.
This article is yet another attempt to suppress the Democratic vote in November, another chew toy for certain people to latch onto. Akin to the student loan stuff.
Emile
(23,117 posts)Ask them and see.
BannonsLiver
(16,542 posts)Hope that helps.
GoodRaisin
(8,933 posts)Hope that helps you.
BannonsLiver
(16,542 posts)I totally forget that he mentioned it
that one time in a TV ad. But yeah, sure, its totally the same as running on it (which implies it was a high .
priority.)
GoodRaisin
(8,933 posts)Thats laughable.
I guess thats better than pretending it didnt happen at all.
lapucelle
(18,378 posts)Biden said he would "work to decriminalize marijuana."
Legislation has stalled in the Senate. Anyone who wants this done should be busy working to elect more Democrats
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/11/biden-war-on-drugs/
GoodRaisin
(8,933 posts)He did say he would work to decriminalize it. There are other actions he can take that are not waiting on the Senate.
lapucelle
(18,378 posts)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Ben Sturgis bellows
and then someone else wonders
and
The answer is
no matter how many times the question is asked.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe Ben Burgis should contact the White House directly so they can take his invective under advisement.
And when Ben is through with that call, he might want to contact Morehouse College. Ben Burgis claims to be an adjunct professor of philosophy there, but he's not in the faculty directory.
Burgis' Patreon page is, however, active.
https://morehouse.edu/faculty-profiles-home/
https://morehouse.edu/academics/majors/philosophy/faculty/
GoodRaisin
(8,933 posts)Well just have to disagree.
lapucelle
(18,378 posts)and that Jacobin hack Ben Sturgis has a troubling history of telling tales.
GoodRaisin
(8,933 posts)Hekate
(90,978 posts)AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)Really?
BannonsLiver
(16,542 posts)BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)Smh.
BannonsLiver
(16,542 posts)SMH.
BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)How is that not running on it?
BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)From another thread, post number 3
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100216923430
Hekate
(90,978 posts)Good job, that!
Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)inthewind21
(4,616 posts)Shellback Squid
(8,937 posts)Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)betsuni
(25,764 posts)msongs
(67,478 posts)Hekate
(90,978 posts)It wont be a real Saudi trip unless he does that, right?
Or do you think hell be cold sober about the oil prices?
iemanja
(53,112 posts)I never heard him say that.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)questionseverything
(9,666 posts)An eo to take it off the schedule 1 list would go a long way
We are paying for 40,000 people to be imprisoned for simple pot possession not to mention the terror the law inflicts on their children and families
Hekate
(90,978 posts)Last edited Fri Jul 15, 2022, 12:00 PM - Edit history (1)
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)We wouldnt have to worry about the repubs getting back in charge
But you knew that didnt you?
Hekate
(90,978 posts)questionseverything
(9,666 posts)Over 90% for medical mj
So basically everyone but dea agents
Calculating
(2,957 posts)Even the Republicans mostly want it legal. This is low hanging fruit that would help Biden.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)tritsofme
(17,422 posts)Its also not true that Biden could reschedule by executive order, it would require a new rule, likely at the FDA, and would have to follow all APA processes.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)Mariana
(14,861 posts)fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)also it would be a good wedge issue to campaign against republicans on.
And it would fulfill his promise.
ANd it's a really good, common sense idea.
fescuerescue
(4,448 posts)Legalizing weed would give him a quick win.
That would be nice.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)However, continuing the Democrats are in disarray message is a yawner. I guess that the Daily Beast didn't have any other material to publish.
JoeOtterbein
(7,702 posts)...not just because it would be a clear winning message and prove again that the idiot republicans can't agree to do anything good, but also for moral reasons too.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)Biden can't do anything until there is a bill on his desk. While he can exert pressure on the Democratic senators, he doesn't have much influence among the GOP senators.
Sorry, but this is a weak attempt to take a pot shot (pun intended) at Biden. An alternative question could be phrased as "Why the hell isn't Senator ______ doing something to pressure colleagues to pass a marijuana legalization bill?" At least that question is more germane in that it is addressed to the people that could actually do something to fix the issue rather than blaming President Biden.
In It to Win It
(8,303 posts)I'm not sure if it's "10 senators" kind of interest... but there is some.
Some members of the GOP have played footsie with the idea.
Sure, Joe Biden can make a fuss about it but the Democratic senators need to be the ones to push a deal with the GOP. That work should go to the Democratic legislators.
robodruid1
(84 posts)Oklahoma, freaking red oklahoma has legal cannabis.
In It to Win It
(8,303 posts)But some GOP senators will resist any legislation just for the sake of sake if resisting, just playing politics.
If I recall correctly, our very own Joe Manchin opposes cannabis legalization, so we don't even have our full senate caucus on board. I don't even think Jon Tester is on board with legalizing cannabis.
That can be a really big bipartisan push and it's extremely popular but we're stuck with a few folks who are stuck in the 70s.
ETA: I think Diane Feinstein is also opposed to legalization.
Hekate
(90,978 posts)In It to Win It
(8,303 posts)I recall reading an article a few months back that mentioned she still opposes it. Maybe that was an old article
Hekate
(90,978 posts)Doc Sportello
(7,542 posts)Polls say it could help them. I don't see pointing out promises made are not being kept is Democrats in disarray.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)Polls say a lot of issues could help Democrats. So where does legalizing marijuana fit in on the scale as far as getting potential votes? Does it rank above or below student loan forgiveness, child care tax credits, abortion rights, voters rights, having a job (a necessity to be able to afford weed unless you are dealing or growing your own)? When examining and comparing issues, I doubt that marijuana legalization is the #1 issue for most voters.
Finally, why blame President Biden when it is the fault of legislators for not giving him a bill to sign into law?
Doc Sportello
(7,542 posts)That could control who controls the House and Senate. Cannabis could get more voters, such as younger ones, to the polls. It doesn't have to be the number one issue for it count with some.
Blame Biden? You do know that presidents can lead on issues, even talk to legislators about bills. Read up on how LBJ got legislation passed, for an example.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)And if not President Biden, perhaps VP Harris is having those discussions?
BTW, I could easily counter that cannabis legalization could also get less voters to the polls. If they are anything like myself, they probably would rather chill out or take a nap after smoking.
Doc Sportello
(7,542 posts)Which is Biden's promises regarding cannabis, which doesn't even include the topic of legalization. The fact that nothing has been done in regards to promises is the proof.
Here's an unbiased take on the matter:
https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/biden-promise-tracker/promise/1529/decriminalize-marijuana/
The House has voted, etc. but the take here is that it is stalled due to inaction at the top:
"Maritza Perez, a director at the Drug Policy Alliance, an organization that supports changing marijuana laws, said that Biden could order the Justice Department to deprioritize marijuana prosecutions or use his clemency power to release people serving time for federal marijuana offenses. Biden could also throw his weight behind the MORE Act, a bill that would remove marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminate criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes or possesses marijuana. The bill was introduced in May by Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and has 101 co-sponsors."
Some of these steps would be easy to implement, and have bipartisan support, which is right in Biden's wheelhouse. I wonder if his own beliefs on this topic are playing a role.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)The article you linked to is over six months old so it obviously wouldn't include more recent actions.
I do agree with the article regarding whether President Biden should use his political capital on legislation which will likely die in the Senate.
Meanwhile, there are more important events occurring than this legislation or implementing executive orders that will be rescinded the next time a Republican is president.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)Which is crazy anyway
TheFarseer
(9,328 posts)This is a winner. This would give millions of people that dont vote a reason to vote and maybe even sway a bunch of libertarians and moderates. Besides probably getting millions of people back their right to vote that would probably vote for us.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)Mj, student loans and codifying abortion rights are all the young people talk about
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)Of the three topics you mentioned, the only one we talked about was marijuana and that was because I was procuring my next supply. Student loans and codifying abortion rights weren't discussed at all.
Perhaps you need to expand your base of young friends if the only things they talk about are mj, student loans, and codifying abortion rights. Do any of them talk about music, art, and physical activities (camping, hiking, biking, swimming)? Has any of those young people read a book lately or watched any movies? Have young adults given up video games?
Based upon the list you provided the young adults are more concerned about their social freedoms than politics which makes me wonder if they will turn out to vote even if their wish lists are granted.
When I think about it, it makes me wonder if mj, student loans and codifying abortion rights are all the young people talk about.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)Direction
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)and the next president can rescind the EO the day they are inaugurated. Not really a good way to run a government when the laws can change backwards and forwards at each election.
And if any Democratic or borderline voters are foolish enough to not vote for the Democratic nominees in 2022 or 2024 because of this one issue, then they should be reminded of the results of their purity tests in prior elections and why we are in our current predicaments.
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)when a full 2/3rds support legalization itself.
This is from 2019, it's likely gone up even more since.
Twohttps://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/11/14/americans-support-marijuana-legalization/
-thirds of Americans say the use of marijuana should be legal, reflecting a steady increase over the past decade, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. The share of U.S. adults who oppose legalization has fallen from 52% in 2010 to 32% today.
Meanwhile, an overwhelming majority of U.S. adults (91%) say marijuana should be legal either for medical and recreational use (59%) or that it should be legal just for medical use (32%). Fewer than one-in-ten (8%) prefer to keep marijuana illegal in all circumstances, according to the survey, conducted Sept. 3 to 15 on Pew Research Centers American Trends Panel.
As in the past, there are wide partisan and generational differences in views of marijuana legalization. Nearly eight-in-ten Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (78%) say marijuana use should be legal. Republicans and Republican leaners are less supportive, with 55% in favor of legalization and 44% opposed.
Majorities of Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1997), Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) and Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) say the use of marijuana should be legal. Members of the Silent Generation (born between 1928 and 1945) continue to be the least supportive of legalization: Only 35% favor legalizing marijuana, while 64% are opposed.
TexasTowelie
(112,620 posts)Democrat over a Republican if legislation is passed or an executive order is signed. I see minimal impact on any elections related to this one issue.
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)And can you show me anything which says decriminalizing weed loses votes? No because it doesn't exist.
Welcome to the HeadCount's Cannabis Voter Project that lists candidates policies on weed https://www.cannabisvoter.info/
Also....
CNN-- Legal weed won big in the election https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/business/cannabis-election-win/index.html
H2O Man
(73,668 posts)It's very popular with young people, and absolutely motivates them to vote.
dclarston13
(414 posts)Hekate
(90,978 posts)Cha
(297,935 posts)Focus!
Please Fight to Save Our Democracy💙 in 2022 & 2024!
BannonsLiver
(16,542 posts)God help this country if this is our level of discourse. I guess any form of intelligible convo is quickly becoming out of style, replaced by sentences like Cuz he old.
The world LAUGHS at us.
dclarston13
(414 posts)First the original post was meant as a joke, but I forgot the punchline.
What I meant is that many people from President Biden's Generation have strong views regarding drugs in general. So his motivation to legalize any drugs is probably much lower than someone like Beto. Thats all I meant.
Snarkoleptic
(6,002 posts)Just A Box Of Rain
(5,104 posts)Caribbeans
(784 posts)wouldn't you know it was because of war
One of the worst things the Feds ever did was make the most useful plant on the planet illegal. Then they spread it around, to Japan for example.
Despicable. Really too bad those who gifted this nightmare upon us all can't be prosecuted - hard.
Arazi
(6,829 posts)For the young voters, it matters.
Its an easy no-brainer way to collect some portion of the younger voters AND some percentage of older voters sick of having to illegally hit up their kids (or grandkids) for some of their illegal stash
JI7
(89,283 posts)If you care about this issue then focus on changing it but stop with the bs about how it has anything to do with elections.
NNadir
(33,582 posts)I have very little patience for the idea that a recreational drug is all that important.
Personally I abhor the use of pot; which is not the same as saying I want people to go to prison for using it, but really in a time when the country is threatened, and, in fact, the planet is threatened with severe environmental degradation, is it that important.
Isn't there some other thing to bitch about?
Hekate
(90,978 posts)Its really aggravating.
womanofthehills
(8,801 posts)Marijuana takes down their anxiety. I dont get why anyone would abhor use of a drug that helps so many. Maybe where you live makes a big difference - everyone I know in NM is into marijuana.
As far as environmental degradation, maybe peace talks need to start happening to prevent European countries from starting up their coal plants and big corporations need to be held accountable. In NM, we produce more wind power than any other state. So why are we reopening coal plants? Because PNM is selling our wind power to the states west of us for money.
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)Very well said
inthewind21
(4,616 posts)The "everyone I know" argument. And "everyone I know" will not vote for Trump so don't worry! How'd that work out?
Calculating
(2,957 posts)Cannabis being illegal is completely unjustified, corrupt and based on racism. This is literal low hanging fruit here, legalize it and win a lot of support from younger demographics. There's no reason why we can't legalize cannabis and deal with the other important stuff at the same time. Also why do you hate the use of it? Do you similarly hate alcohol?
NNadir
(33,582 posts)If I announce that brain cancer is bad for you, do I need to discuss and defend breast cancer?
I think it's trivializing serious issues like racism by saying that the desire to get high has any importance in connection with it.
In fact I'd say that one would need to be high to state that making pot laws go away would alleviate or eliminate racism.
It won't happen.
Calculating
(2,957 posts)Racism was literally the reason for it being made illegal, it was a way to go after black people, Mexicans, and anyone outside of the mainstream. Again, why are you even against it? It's a better and safer alternative to alcohol. God knows we need something to take the edge off lately with the disastrous state of our world. I'm 33 and fully expect to die in a nuclear war caused by climate change and resource scarcity at some point.
Doc Sportello
(7,542 posts)In fact, Biden addressed that in the campaign but has not acted on it. Perhaps you think they are just bitching and shouldn't be listened to.
NNadir
(33,582 posts)...someone while doing dangerous things while high, only one example of which would be driving stoned, drunk or otherwise wasted.
On the other hand, this is quite the opposite of applauding drug abuse or pretending it's "normal" or NORML or something to be encouraged as if it were innocuous and without consequence.
Objecting to people being in prison for possession of drugs however is not the same as saying that this issue is the most exigent before humanity, or to imply that the President of the United States should focus his attention on it in the face of the other issues on this planet which should need no enumeration.
I'm an old man. I came of age in the era of sex, drugs and rock and roll. I certainly knew my share of stoners.
My generation is leaving a largely destroyed world. I have had no problem with my generation making love, as love not just faceless sex, but the rest of it strikes me as pure self indulgence. We are/were without a doubt, the most self indulgent generation ever to have inhabited this country. We should have and have had better things to whine about than the importance of getting high.
In short, we should have been more.
I will be dead soon enough, and what I think surely doesn't matter, but that said, that's my opinion, anyway.
I think history will not forgive us, nor should it.
Takket
(21,684 posts)Bullshit.
I quit reading right there.
PortTack
(32,819 posts)Ohio Joe
(21,774 posts)But this is not very high on the priority list for me.
iemanja
(53,112 posts)Who cares about democracy, abortion rights, voting rights. What really matters is getting high.
I can't think of anything I care less about.
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)And it's nice to know you don't care about people like me who have to use weed for pain management because we can't use opioids due to prior addiction.
Thanks....
iemanja
(53,112 posts)which is already legal in most states. There are only four states where marijuana is fully illegal, and you don't need Biden to wave a magic wand to change state law. Nice try, but no sale.
https://disa.com/map-of-marijuana-legality-by-state
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)It's about both.
Your positioning here is awful. Right now I can be arrested for crossing state lines with weed.
Do you want more voters or not? Because decriminalizing weed is one way to get more voters. So why exactly are you against this?
iemanja
(53,112 posts)There is a habit of people to believe themselves the barometer of all things political, and they rarely are.
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)Where are you getting this from? lol
Quite the opposite.
CNN - Legal weed won big in the election
https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/business/cannabis-election-win/index.html
iemanja
(53,112 posts)not state elections. If you have some evidence that legalizing weed will make voters more likely to support Biden, then provide it.
ripcord
(5,553 posts)iemanja
(53,112 posts)absent congressional approval?
However, all campaign promises are not a priority for me, and this one isn't. I'm far more concerned about voting rights and abortion rights (which weren't promises per se but crucial issues that have since arisen). Your priorities are obviously different, which is your right. Just don't expect everyone to feel the same way.
ripcord
(5,553 posts)That is one way to go about it but it can also be rescheduled by the D.E.A which is under the Justice Department, guess who appoints the Attorney General who oversees the Justice Department and by default the D.E.A.?
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10655
iemanja
(53,112 posts)given how upset you are about it. I won't be doing that.
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)I showed you it does. Now you're wanting to move goal posts.
So how about it.
Show us all please where it says it hurts GOTV. You won't because you can't. It doesn't exist.
Even a majority of REPUBLICAN VOTERS support legalization.
Are you really wanting the Republican Party to be out front on a popular issues that a massive majority of American's support? Because that certainly harms us come elections, a hell of a lot.
iemanja
(53,112 posts)are going to suddenly vote Democrat if Biden magically legalizes or decriminalizes marijuana? Because that is some bullshit. You've shown people like weed. You haven't shown that it will motivate them to vote for a particular party or change their party vote. That would require it to be a top one or two issue for voters--and it would depend on voters voting based on issues, which they don't (Poly Sci research shows as much).
Your suggestion that the Republican party would be out front on legalizing drugs is laughable.
No, I don't have evidence to prove a negative. And as I started this discussion off, I don't give a shit about the issue. You can't force me to care about something that I don't. You aren't going to argue me into trashing the president because people can't get high, or to put it over voting rights, equal rights, and abortion rights.
This is not 1982. The vast majority wants legal weed. The issue does indeed motivate a lot of people to vote.
Response to iemanja (Reply #64)
Sky Jewels This message was self-deleted by its author.
inthewind21
(4,616 posts)So did and so DO I, for pain. Why is this the hill you want to die on when clearly, by your own admission, legal or not, your still using it? And newsflash, weed isn't the ONLY solution for alternative pain management. It's just the one YOU prefer. So stop with the pity party of "you don't care about me". THIS is the reason we're in this mess in the first place. ME ME ME and I want it RIGHT NOW, or i'll take my ball and go home! How's that worked out so far?
ripcord
(5,553 posts)But during the elections The President specifically said getting these things done were reasons to support him. I'm sorry but I am old fashioned and expect people to keep their promises or at the very least make a serious attempt at it.
iemanja
(53,112 posts)because I never heard it. Also, as for student loans, he said congress should consider forgiving loans of $10k or less. He never promised blanket forgiveness.
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)from POTUS Biden during his campaign
iemanja
(53,112 posts)How can he change federal law without the authorization of congress?
Lordquinton
(7,886 posts)At least admit defeat first before changing the subject.
iemanja
(53,112 posts)I asked for evidence that he promised to legalize pot. Of course he didn't, but he did promise to decriminalize it. Now you don't seem to care if it's possible to do or not, so what are you complaining about?
My fundamental position was and remains that I don't give a shit about this issue. My priorities are not defeated because someone posted a campaign ad.
Lordquinton
(7,886 posts)Yeah, some people, a lot of people actually, do care about this issue, and insulting and bullying the people you want support from doesn't help you to get them to support you. Perhaps you should reflect why you "don't give a shit" about the issue of PoC being disproportionally imprisoned for minor cannabis offences and how that impacts communities.
betsuni
(25,764 posts)inthewind21
(4,616 posts)"Yeah, some people, a lot of people actually, do care about this issue, and insulting and bullying the people you want support from doesn't help you to get them to support you. Pperhaps you should reflect why you "don't give a shit" about the issue of PoC being disproportionally imprisoned for minor cannabis offences and how that impacts communities.
2016 anyone. I mean that worked out awesome!
iemanja
(53,112 posts)I care about mass incarceration. What I don't care about is if people are able to get high recreationally anywhere where it isn't already legal or decriminalized, which is in many states.
That comment about my not caring about racist mass incarceration is a dishonest one. It shows you have no intention of arguing in good faith.
You have every right to work to change the law at the state level. You don't have to wait for the President to bestow it upon you, especially when the legal means by which he could do so aren't at all clear.
So yeah, democracy, voting rights, and abortion rights matter more to me than recreational marijuana. Imagine that.
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)Also, are you aware that the House has already passed a bill to decriminalize weed?
You're very much behind the 8 ball on this issue. A massive majority of voters support this and it's not close.
This is bipartisanship which doesn't come at the expense of the working class & poor. How often can you say THAT happens because it rarely ever does.
iemanja
(53,112 posts)Because we have another legislative body called the senate. And we have something called the filibuster. So you're pissed at Biden because the Senate won't approve the House bill? Is that it?
I'll fully admit to being "behind the 8 ball" on the issue. One doesn't tend to research what they don't care about.
herding cats
(19,569 posts)Fuck the war on our local and global Democacy.
The War on women and gay rights to be fucking humans who live their own damn lives how they choose.
The war in Ukraine and the deaths and destruction there.
The global economy and the inflation eating at all of us.
Pay attention to my niche issue right this damn minute!! Which will still be dealt with on a state level even after it's legalized federally.
Sure, dude. This seems top tier. Nothing else is taking place here ATM. I get it.
Calculating
(2,957 posts)...
LT Barclay
(2,613 posts)A lot of money flows into the war on drugs.
Plus it fuels the consistent right wing mantra of Democrats are soft on (fill in the blank).
yaesu
(8,020 posts)property keeping the prices out of reach for everyone else just to launder the money. Its time to do this. Make a hell of a lot more sense than letting the repukes rich tax gut go on.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)inthewind21
(4,616 posts)You take a look at what ACTUALLY has to happen when it is legalized. It's nowhere near the cut and dry utopia you seem to think it is.
yaesu
(8,020 posts)YoshidaYui
(41,869 posts)smoke to that!
JoeOtterbein
(7,702 posts)...vape double back at ya! (we can't legally "smoke" medical cannabis here in PA, we have to vape it)
BannonsLiver
(16,542 posts)AdamGG
(1,297 posts)Biden can say that he's still leaving it up to the states' discretion, but that it's time to remove the federal law over something that 20 states have chosen to legalize.
Keeping marijuana as a federal schedule 1 controlled substance, the same as heroin, is ridiculous. Biden is polling in the 30's and this is just the kind of thing which would give him a bounce. He could speak about it in a very clear, common sense way and the majority agrees with this.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)And build so much good energy
I dont understand why he wont grab the low hanging fruit
SunImp
(2,228 posts)We need to keep up the pressure on Dem politicians and repug ones who can be convinced to vote in favor for this
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)The president could sign an eo telling the dea to reschedule mj as a level 5 drug
.if the whoever at the dea refuse, he has every right to fire them
Then the dea would have plenty of time to chase heroin, coke and meth dealers (as they should)
Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)Biden isn't doing it for the same reason Obama didn't do it. The President doesn't have unilateral power to deschedule a schedule 1 drug, and even if he could influence the process there's no guarantee it wouldn't just move to a lower schedule and almost certainly remain illegal indefinitely at the federal level.
The far better remedy lies with congress. So the real question that should be asked is why isn't congress moving forward a bill? The answer is because it's not politically important enough.
AdamGG
(1,297 posts)This is a high profile social issue that gets a lot of press. The timing now would be perfect to come out and make the Democrats the party of federally decriminalizing weed before the midterms.
It shifts the focus away from inflation and gas prices and things that Biden in actuality has no blame for, but that bring him down in the polls. If the Democratic party passed this through the House and Senate and Biden signed it into law on Oct. 10th, we would get a bump in the polls.
How can something be more politically important than that? And, it's the right thing to do. Currently, in California and Colorado and Massachusetts, all the people that are legally buying and selling pot are breaking federal law. It would be a positive position that would gain us desperately needed positive press to remove this hypocrisy and not have the government making criminals out of otherwise law abiding citizens.
Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)All it would take is a bill to pass both houses and get signed by Biden. The fact this isnt even seriously considered should be telling.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)He can direct HHS to reconsider the current classification, but he doesnt have the power to unilaterally change the law or reschedule any drug.
H2O Man
(73,668 posts)I agree.
Steve Canuck
(45 posts)A federal drop on weed would create a massive industry. In the few short years its been out, theres practically a cannabis shop next to every liquor store. In 2021, weed is a 4.4 billion dollar industry, and expected to grow to 8.8 by 2027.
The amount of jobs and wealth generated in the U.S. would be insane, so insane that, if a Republican president, tried to kill it all, he'd likely be a one term president, political suicide.
This is a no brainer, the more time that cannabis is legal in the states, the bigger and more positive impact it will have, and the greater contrast it will create for dems vs repubs.
FoxNewsSucks
(10,435 posts)Nothing more need be said.
iemanja
(53,112 posts)FYI, he promised to decriminalize it, not legalize it.
ripcord
(5,553 posts)AdamGG
(1,297 posts)I'm unsure how this works. If so, then I believe it's a no brainer. It would let Biden be seen doing something strong and positive. He could clearly point out that it still leaves the decision about legality up to the individual states, but the federal government would be respecting the decision of those states that did choose to legalize.
The President cant change a signed law.
iemanja
(53,112 posts)ripcord
(5,553 posts)That is according to the Controlled Substances Act.
iemanja
(53,112 posts)That after all is the point of the OP: criticizing Biden because he hasn't decriminalized weed.
You might have noticed that voting rights and BBB didn't pass. What makes weed more important as a legislative priority to the extent it would break the filibuster or get 60 votes? And if it hasn't already, what can Biden do to change that?
I don't know what you are thinking of in regard to the DEA. Are you suggesting that Biden can reschedule drugs without congressional authority?
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)The dea is under Bidens control, he has the responsibility to direct them
Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)The President can appoint agency heads and department secretaries with the consent of the Senate. Beyond that its up to them, but even if he appointed someone willing to do it, they would still have to justify their decision via the rule making process which can and almost certainly would be challenged in court.
Again we get back to Biden cant just wave a magic wand and make it happen. Theres a lot more to it.
AdamGG
(1,297 posts)The Republicans aren't going to pass voting rights because they know that if the game's not rigged, they lose. But, lots of their redneck constituents smoke weed too.
betsuni
(25,764 posts)What a horrible article. Is everyone five years old?
Response to JoeOtterbein (Original post)
Sky Jewels This message was self-deleted by its author.
brooklynite
(94,922 posts)If youre not going to vote because Abby den wont let you get high pegally, maybe your priorities need to be re.evaluated.
Act_of_Reparation
(9,116 posts)As to whether it should be a priority given the circumstances... I mean, I don't think the Red Hot Chili Peppers should be a popular band, but here we both are.
questionseverything
(9,666 posts)brooklynite
(94,922 posts)Emile
(23,117 posts)Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)Just throwing it out there...
Emile
(23,117 posts)Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)I think prioritisation may not be a strong point here....
Emile
(23,117 posts)another excuse for not doing something that should have been done many years ago!
Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)Two just off the top of my head:
1. Stopping the US from sinking into being an authoritarian regime
2. Reproductive rights for women
There's a few more. A solution to the Israel/Palestine conflict, perhaps? Maybe even the invasion of Ukraine? Or China flexing its muscles and threatening Canadian and Australian warships in the South China Sea?
A serious question here. In how many US states is it illegal to possess marijuana? Where I am (not in the US) it's decriminalized and it seems to work pretty well. I don't really see what difference there is between decriminalisation and making it totally lega...
Emile
(23,117 posts)it's time to legalize it nation wide. NO MORE EXCUSES! It's on the Democratic platform and it's what the majority of Democratic voters want!
AntivaxHunters
(3,234 posts)for every issue imaginable.
The ERA, universal healthcare, wages, student loan debt, climate, ending forever wars, on and on.
And it's a huge reason why we lag behind the rest of the rest of the world outside of anything military, mass incarceration, student loan and medical debt, where we're at the top of the charts in.
It's time to get shit done. No more excuses.
betsuni
(25,764 posts)What are you talking about?
betsuni
(25,764 posts)betsuni
(25,764 posts)ripcord
(5,553 posts)Read the Controlled Substance Act and stop making false statements.
Calculating
(2,957 posts)All Biden needs to do is order the dea to reschedule cannabis from schedule 1. The dea is a federal agency under control of the executive branch.
Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)Sorry. I'm tired and probs not reading as well as I normally can. I know the reason why the US lags behind the rest of the world on just about everything worthwhile, and it's nothing to do with whether weed is legal or not. It's to do with how the society views themselves and feels a collective responsibility to each other. It's about a state where large corporations aren't regulated and are able to use workers as basically slave labour for short term gain, yet those workers are peddled propaganda that tell them that even though they don't earn enough to even put a roof over their heads and there's no parental leave, no annual leave, no universal healthcare, the US is far superior to socialist countries elsewhere.
I agree with you. There's so much shit to be done in the US that I wouldn't know where to start. But when I'm doing my to-do list of how to drag the US up to the standard of other countries, legalising weed's going to be down at about 20th position. It's not because it shouldn't happen or it's a bad thing, it's just because without a few other things happening first it's not going to happen at all....
PatSeg
(47,711 posts)questionseverything
(9,666 posts)Costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars per convict because
Some
Privileged
Person
Doesnt think they are important
AdamGG
(1,297 posts)is a slam dunk and will boost Biden's poll numbers. Package it with being pro-choice and push the theme that we're the rational party of common sense battling fundamentalist maniacs.
Celerity
(43,694 posts)When they tell you who they are, believe them.
Hard to believe anyone is shocked by this.
Biden Opposes Marijuana Legalization Because Hes From The Reefer Madness Generation, Neil deGrasse Tyson Says
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/biden-opposes-marijuana-legalization-because-hes-from-the-reefer-madness-generation-neil-degrasse-tyson-says/
Neil deGrasse Tyson isnt necessarily surprised that President Joe Biden is opposed to legalizing marijuana. He is, after all, part of the Reefer Madness generation, the astrophysicist said.
During a recent episode of his podcast StarTalk, Tyson brought on Harvard University neuroscientist Staci Gruber to talk about the intersection of cannabis science, policy and sports. They discussed why athletic leagues have largely opted to ban marijuana usea rule that led to the widely criticized Olympics suspension of U.S. runner ShaCarri Richardson this summer, for example.
Link to tweet
To understand the sports ban, its important to look at the broader origins of marijuana prohibition in the U.S., Gruber said. Despite the historic use of cannabis as a medicine, it was banned and demonized during during a period of hysteria driven by the 1936 propaganda film Reefer Madness, when the nation really fell under this spell that marijuana was dangerous and warranted criminalization. While many myths about cannabis have been debunked and theres a growing scientific literature demonstrating its therapeutic value, the governmentand sports associationshave stalled on enacting reform that reflects that reality.
StarTalk co-host Chuck Nice pointed out that while Biden has emphasized the need to follow the science when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic, the same cant be said with respect to his marijuana policy position. The president remains opposed to federally legalizing cannabis. Tyson said that makes sense because hes the Reefer Madness generationthats why, thats why. Biden was born just six years after the cannabis propaganda movie came out.
snip
Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)For some strange reason that was the first video I ever watched back when I first got the internet. And then I rushed off to send an email to the Spice Girls dictated by my 4 year old. Good times...
https://tubitv.com/movies/536572/reefer-madness-in-color
Celerity
(43,694 posts)Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)That's so annoying when things get geoblocked
Celerity
(43,694 posts)LymphocyteLover
(5,662 posts)IMO if Congress passes a bill legalizing or decriminalizing pot, he will sign it
Celerity
(43,694 posts)As far as not knowing, all one had to do was look at his multi-decade record.
Biden, once a warrior in the war on drugs, may slowly retreat
The president-elect has reluctantly embraced decriminalizing marijuana, but he could struggle to change laws.
January 11, 2021
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/11/biden-war-on-drugs/
President-elect Joe Biden built part of his political career on being known as a fighter in the war on drugs, supporting legislation as a senator that set harsh penalties for some drug offenses. But as president, Biden could potentially oversee broad changes in federal drug policy, including how the government and law enforcement agencies view drug addiction and treatment and classify the use of marijuana.
Biden will take office at a time when the nations attitudes about drugs, particularly the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana, appear to be one area where there is relative, and growing, bipartisan unity. In an election that was otherwise defined by stark political differences, voters in both red states and blue states Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota supported ballot initiatives to legalize the personal use of marijuana, while Mississippi voters legalized it for medicinal use. Along with earlier action by state legislatures or voters, 15 states have legalized marijuana, while 36 others have approved some form of medicinal marijuana use, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
snip
But marijuana remains illegal under federal law, leaving users and suppliers vulnerable to prosecution even in places where the drug is otherwise legally sold and used. The nations growing cannabis industry also faces hurdles in transporting its products across state lines and accessing the countrys federally regulated banking system.
During his primary campaign, Biden was one of the few Democratic candidates who did not support federal legalization of marijuana for recreational use, citing concerns that it could be a gateway drug. But during the general-election campaign, he softened his stance, saying that the drug should be decriminalized and that individual states should decide whether to legalize it for recreational use. As the general-election campaign progressed, Kamala D. Harris, Bidens running mate and a former prosecutor, also advocated for the decriminalization of marijuana despite past opposition to legalizing it. During the October vice-presidential debate, Harris said a Biden-Harris administration will decriminalize marijuana, and we will expunge the records of those who have been convicted of marijuana crimes.
snip
superpatriotman
(6,254 posts)Because its a very easy bureaucratic fix to a racist, anti-poor injustice.
Just do it, Joe.
Emile
(23,117 posts)betsuni
(25,764 posts)And no, Obama didn't. Four months and ten days for a bare minimum filibuster proof 60 votes.
Violet_Crumble
(35,980 posts)Even if there was a great urge to pass legislation, there's not the votes to get it passed....
betsuni
(25,764 posts)betsuni
(25,764 posts)Emile
(23,117 posts)betsuni
(25,764 posts)Republicans couldn't repeal the ACA because they didn't have enough votes. What does "excuse" mean?
Emile
(23,117 posts)Emile
(23,117 posts)Emile
(23,117 posts)What's this one about?
inthewind21
(4,616 posts)Calculating
(2,957 posts)...
Response to JoeOtterbein (Original post)
Post removed
Emile
(23,117 posts)reminder of what is on the democratic platform is for the good of the party. Some are calling it bashing and I don't get it.
inthewind21
(4,616 posts)MineralMan
(146,345 posts)Meanwhile more and more states are legalizing recreational use or expanding their medical use laws. Some, of course, are not doing that.
Bottom line is that there are far more important things for President Biden to be dealing with. I suggest we let him deal with those things and work in our own states on legalization.
Finally, I do not believe that this issue will be the deciding one in either election. Nope.
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(108,398 posts)I live in a state which legalized pot 9 years ago.
As such I see many more issues of national importance.
Calculating
(2,957 posts)Because you've got yours. What about those of us in red states who would like to see a bit of progress on the issue?
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(108,398 posts)Been nearly thirty years since I smoked pot.
Though I did vote to legalize it there are higher priorities in my opinion.
Emile
(23,117 posts)your blue state legalized it nine years ago. Thanks for your support.
MineralMan
(146,345 posts)Elect more Democrats!
GOTV!
PatSeg
(47,711 posts)And Biden's got 'em.
Who on earth is so shallow at this critical time in history to believe that federal legalization of marijuana should be a high priority? Being President is truly a thankless job.
Calculating
(2,957 posts)How will it make sense when probably 2/3 of states have it legal and the federal government still keeps it illegal schedule 1? What about those of us stuck in non legal states that use the federal law as an excuse to keep it illegal? I can't just move to another state, I have a job and stuff.
MineralMan
(146,345 posts)to elect more Democrats, both in Congress, and in state legislatures and local offices. If we do that, you'll get what you want with regard to cannabis and everything else.
Simple.
GOTV!
Peacetrain
(22,881 posts)Seriously..
Calculating
(2,957 posts)Cannabis prohibition is a corrupt racist abomination.
48656c6c6f20
(7,638 posts)The fucking world is burning and I'm so poor I can't buy groceries. But definatley before the world is going to end because we're still using fossil fuels.
And remember he's giving out free Heroin according to the right, so there's that
Mysterian
(4,599 posts)Too much to ask for, apparently.
Demsrule86
(68,772 posts)we could siphon off enough Democratic votes to allow the GOP to win the midterms...voters are demoralized and seem to believe that nothing will ever help in my experience. And like all articles negative to the president or Democrats it has been shared extensively. Of course, Republicans will immediately legalize weed They will likely also make abortion illegal in all states, end Medicare and Medicaid and impose a fascist government ultimately.
I mean with such enormous majorities(50 50) it should have been done by now. Seriously, this post should be self-deleted. It serves no purpose other than to turn voters against a Democratic president. And honestly, the lack of support for our leaders is why we can't have nice things like decent health insurance and perhaps in the end a Republic.
it surely will not encourage our voters ahead of the midterm. Of course, being but a mere woman with three daughters, I have more pressing issues than the legalization of weed. I am concerned with civil rights for women which includes but is not limited to abortion rights and contraception. In fact, one can get weed in Ohio legally. In any case, I find this post reprehensible and thus will trash it. Have fun and all bashing Biden ahead of the midterms.
USALiberal
(10,877 posts)Mysterian
(4,599 posts)There should be no higher priority than justice for the people.
Calculating
(2,957 posts)Such easy low hanging fruit to make our country better and win support from young people.
LymphocyteLover
(5,662 posts)Congress is the problem
57sneirno
(10 posts)Kamala is also an enthusiast, so we should all relax. It will happen.
RANDYWILDMAN
(2,678 posts)They do need to relax the federal laws, so Weed can have banks involved and get credit. As a cash only business they are a target for robbery.
gulliver
(13,198 posts)His name shouldn't be appearing in a "Why the Hell..." sentence. It's rude and diminishing of him.
Voltaire2
(13,245 posts)Basically learned their political mindset in the 80s and 90s and generally cannot adjust.
This issue has been sitting there for a long time, it s popular across political tribes, and the Democratic Party refuses to own it and use it.
Its just stupid at this point.
treestar
(82,383 posts)This is pure Biden bashing.
867-5309.
(1,189 posts)He can deschedule cannabis from Schedule I and pardon every federal prisoner serving time for non-violent weed offenses himself.
treestar
(82,383 posts)If there is a reason. Maybe it has to do with consideration of all voters, rather than a small minority for whom THIS is the issue they stake their life on?
867-5309.
(1,189 posts)He campaigned on it.
In a campaign ad that hit YouTube seven days before the 2020 election, Biden said, As president, Ill work to reform the criminal justice system, improve community policing, decriminalize marijuana, and automatically expunge all prior marijuana convictions.
And it's popular
According to a Gallup poll last fall, 68 percent of Americans said that they wanted to go beyond Bidens promise. They want full federal legalization of the recreational use of marijuana by adults. The kinds of big dramatic steps in that direction that Biden promised would be attention-grabbing and base-mobilizing (it has 83 percent support among Democrats)but best of all it wouldnt even be a potent issue for mobilizing conservative voters.
Emile
(23,117 posts)treestar
(82,383 posts)Or maybe it's lower on the list of priorities right now?
Emile
(23,117 posts)second term? Or never? He did promise it and it's not bashing to remind him of his campaign promise.
ecstatic
(32,781 posts)liberal black woman as the replacement AG. She'll know what to do.
BTW, I say this as someone who HATES smoke and never inhaled (despite people trying to force me to). I also have some cousins who I believe developed severe mental problems from (contaminated??) marijuana. If it were legalized, people would no longer have to risk their lives by consuming unregulated street products. And then there's the prison industrial complex / mass incarceration issue that might potentially be addressed as well. A win win.
budkin
(6,725 posts)You can't criticize Biden!
AdamGG
(1,297 posts)Look at the response that a thread on this topic gets. If the Democrats could change federal marijuana laws it would get huge press and everyone would be talking about it. It's a made to order issue to change the narrative and get positive press and a bounce in the polls.
JoeOtterbein
(7,702 posts)JI7
(89,283 posts)Governor . If you claim it's a big issue then he should win easily .
AdamGG
(1,297 posts)Your point isn't serious. That one issue isn't going to supersede all other factors about a candidate. That doesn't mean it's not a winning issue and also, Beto running as a candidate that supports that issue isn't the same as Biden being the one that actually accomplishes it.