Up in Smoke: ACC Questions Biden’s Cannabis Policy Stance Post State of the Union

Image Credit, Elsa Olofsson

The American Cannabis Collective (ACC), a forward-thinking organization committed to addressing free-market principles in the cannabis industry, expressed disappointment at President Joe Biden’s failure to fulfill campaign promises and take decisive action on federal cannabis policy.

Don Murphy, Co-founder of the American Cannabis Collective, criticized the President’s apparent disregard for the voters who played a pivotal role in his election. “It’s political malpractice to ignore the voters who got him here. Black and brown voters, most affected by the War on Drugs, resurrected his failing campaign four years ago. He promised an end to incarcerations for simple possession, yet arrests persist, keeping the War on Drugs alive and well,” Murphy stated.

ACC Co-founder, Carl Cameron, questioned the authenticity of Biden’s proposed cannabis pardons. “We do not know why he continues to bring up these supposed cannabis pardons; they aren’t real, no matter how much they might believe their own rhetoric. Shame on them and shame on those that give them cover. Voters know when they have been lied to, even when advocates fail to hold them accountable,” remarked Cameron.

In October 2022, President Biden issued a general pardon for federal offenders with simple possession, but it had no tangible impact, leaving individuals behind bars. Moreover, this pardon does not extend to state-level charges, leaving countless offenders facing drug-related allegations without reprieve.

Gretchen Gailey, another Co-founder of the American Cannabis Collective, emphasized the need for genuine progress. “Voters deserve better, minorities deserve better, patients deserve better, and cannabis businesses deserve better than more failed campaign promises, failed policies, and rhetoric inconsistent with the truth. This is no longer Nixon’s Drug War; this is the Biden and Harris Drug War, having failed for over three years to put an end to it,” said Gailey.

Highlighting the widespread support for cannabis legalization, a recent Gallup Poll revealed that 70% of Americans believe cannabis should be legalized—an all-time high since Gallup began tracking the issue in 1969.

“The President stands in front of Congress and makes disingenuous comments about how no one should be in jail, but where is the action? He says he wants to ‘review the classification of cannabis,’ but that doesn’t legalize cannabis; people will still go to jail. The legal cannabis experiment has been alive and well for over 10 years. It’s time to end the empty promises and put the 400,000 workers of the cannabis industry and countless patients first,” added Gailey.

In light of the overwhelming support for cannabis legalization across the United States, it becomes increasingly evident that the time has come for the nation to align itself with the progressive steps taken by many states. The cannabis industry, with over a decade of successful implementation in various states, has proven its potential to contribute positively to the economy, create jobs, and foster innovation.

As American citizens continue to express their desire for legalized cannabis, the nation must consider the successes of its Canadian neighbors and other countries globally that have embraced a more inclusive and pragmatic approach to cannabis legislation. The shift towards a national legalization framework is not just a reflection of changing times but a recognition of the vast benefits that a regulated cannabis industry can bring.

It is high time for the United States to follow the footsteps of its forward-thinking counterparts, listen to the will of the people, and create a comprehensive and progressive national cannabis policy. The path to a legalized and regulated cannabis market not only honors the democratic voice but also positions the nation at the forefront of a global movement towards a more enlightened and evidence-based approach to drug policy.