Joe Biden and the Cannabis Carrot: A Costly Mistake for Democrats
Joe Biden dangled the cannabis carrot before the cannabis community, and it cost the Democrats the election. This historical blunder alienated an already marginalized group and raised the critical question: Did the Democrats learn their lesson, or will Trump seize the cannabis issue from them?
During the 2020 presidential debates, Joe Biden made a bold statement to Senator Cory Booker, who many believe would have been a much stronger presidential candidate. Biden declared, “I think we should decriminalize marijuana, period. I think anyone who has a record should be let out of jail, their records expunged, completely zeroed out.”
The moment was electrifying. Senator Booker’s expression seemed to convey both pleasure and disbelief, as Biden’s proclamation marked a stark departure from his previously cautious stance on cannabis. Biden’s promise ignited hope, particularly among the families of the roughly 3,000 individuals incarcerated in federal prisons on cannabis-related charges. The message was clear: both Democratic nominees in 2020 supported freeing these prisoners. It was a bold stance that galvanized the cannabis community—a community that, in many ways, gave Biden the extra push he needed to secure his victory.
The influence of cannabis cannot be understated. By 2023, the U.S. cannabis market was estimated to generate $20.7 billion in sales, surpassing alcohol sales in 2022. Cannabis isn’t just popular; it’s a cultural and economic force. For many, cannabis is more than a product—it’s a way of life. Cannabis enthusiasts share a bond akin to a cult or even a religion. This diverse group—spanning political affiliations, ethnicities, and backgrounds—finds unity in their shared love and reverence for the plant. Whether Republican or Democrat, cannabis users form tight-knit communities, communicating in code and gathering in secret to celebrate what they consider their medicine.
Biden’s unfulfilled promise has left a scar on this community, and its repercussions could be felt for years to come. As the 2024 election looms, the Democrats must decide whether to reclaim the trust of the cannabis community or risk losing them to a savvier opponent who recognizes the political power of this diverse and passionate group.
Joe Biden and Governor Wes Moore: Exposing Fake Cannabis Legalization Efforts
President Joe Biden has pardoned all Americans convicted at the national level for possessing small amounts of marijuana—a move that officials estimate benefits around 6,500 individuals with federal convictions for simple possession. However, this gesture was widely seen as an insult to the cannabis community. Despite mainstream media’s attempts to applaud the decision, the reality was stark: this move had no tangible effect on ordinary, working-class Americans who rely on cannabis. Families with loved ones still incarcerated for cannabis-related charges saw no meaningful change. The cannabis community was vocal in exposing this political pandering for what it was—a hollow gesture.
Governor Wes Moore’s pardons in Maryland present a more complex case. While his actions had some positive impact on the cannabis community, they fall short of addressing deeper injustices. For instance, the case of Harold J. Morris III highlights the glaring hypocrisy in Maryland’s approach to cannabis reform. Morris is serving a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence for a cannabis conviction, even as the state prepares to profit from recreational cannabis sales.
As The Washington Post noted, some legislators and advocates during the legislative session recognized the inconsistency of creating a recreational cannabis market without fully decriminalizing marijuana. While the General Assembly passed a bill to protect individuals from intrusive police searches, House Bill 135—which would have repealed mandatory 20-year sentences for nonviolent cannabis sales—remains unpassed. Morris’s case exemplifies the ongoing injustice: Maryland profits from cannabis, while individuals like him remain behind bars for nonviolent offenses.
The hypocrisy must end. Joe Biden still has time—through December and January —to grant clemency to the 3,000+ inmates in federal prison on cannabis charges. Similarly, Governor Moore has the opportunity to ensure that Maryland’s cannabis reforms leave no one behind. Until then, the cannabis community will continue to demand action.
Written by Travis Cullen, through the lens of serving 8 years in federal prison on cannabis charges.