Biden’s Marijuana Tweet Was His Most Popular Post From State Of The Union, Highlighting Broad Support For Reform

Amid a flurry of social media posts from President Joe Biden’s account recapping his State of the Union address, one stood out as the clear winner in terms of engagement: “No one should be jailed just for using or possessing marijuana.”

With the most likes, shares and views of the night on Thursday, the cannabis post on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the president seems to support an increasingly obvious political reality: marijuana reform is popular.

Beside Biden, numerous advocates and lawmakers have also jumped on the issue after the president made a historic mention of his cannabis pardons and scheduling review during the high profile annual event.

But the official POTUS account’s marijuana post offers a unique metric, even if unscientific. It’s received thousands more like and shares than posts on other hot-button issues issues that were also highlighted during Biden’s speech.

For example, as of the time of publication:

• Marijuana: 77,000 likes

• Setting a minimum 25 percent tax for billionaires: 62,000 likes

• Border security: 16,000 likes

• Gun safety: 9,400 likes

• Affordable housing: 7,100 likes

• Climate change: 4,900 likes

• Early childhood education: 4,800 likes

• Healthcare: 4,200 likes

• Voting rights: 11,000 likes

• Prescription drug affordability: 3,900 likes

No one should be jailed just for using or possessing marijuana.

— President Biden (@POTUS) March 8, 2024

That said, the president did again misstate the scope of his administrative actions on marijuana, falsely asserting that he expunged thousands of records when, in fact, a pardon does not clear a person’s record.

The marijuana reform mention itself speaks to the administration’s understanding that the issue is compelling to the public, which was also underscored in a recent poll that showed how Biden’s cannabis moves stand to benefit him in November.

The survey found the president’s favorability spiked after people were made aware of the possibility that cannabis could be rescheduled under the Biden-initiated review.

Multiple lawmakers and advocacy groups have also taken the opportunity to weigh in on marijuana reform in light of the president’s speech.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) said in a press release on Thursday that the president’s comments represent “an acknowledgement that cannabis reform is not only inevitable, but wildly popular.”

“The issue helped deliver Biden the White House in 2020 and further progress will do it again in 2024,” he said. “There is more to do as we work to remove marijuana as a Schedule I substance and end the failed federal prohibition.”

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) said the president “is right” that people should be incarcerated over cannabis.

.@POTUS is right. With marijuana legalized in various states across the nation, no one should be in prison for cannabis-related offenses in 2024. That’s why we need to pass my #MOREAct to decriminalize marijuana, expunge the records of those who were imprisoned, and reinvest in… https://t.co/k0Xeg8hsD4

— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) March 8, 2024

“With marijuana legalized in various states across the nation, no one should be in prison for cannabis-related offenses in 2024,” he said, adding that that’s the reason “we need to pass” his Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act to federally legalize cannabis and expunge prior records.

Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party who previously served as Florida’s agriculture commissioner, also took note of the president historic cannabis remarks.

I think that was a first…cannabis in SOTU!!!!

— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) March 8, 2024

Meanwhile, Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) said that Biden should have used his address to talk about Marc Fogel, an American who has been incarcerated in Russia since 2021 over possession of medical cannabis he was recommended under Pennsylvania law.

Here's who President Biden should mention during his #SOTU address — Marc Fogel.

In 2021, the PA teacher was arrested in Russia for possession of medical marijuana used to treat his severe back injury, a charge very similar to that of Brittney Griner.

We must bring him home.

— Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) March 7, 2024

Here’s what advocates and stakeholders are saying about the speech: 

Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR)

“Tonight marked a historic moment as the President of the United States addressed cannabis reform in the annual State of the Union address for the first time,” Andrew Freedman, executive director of CPEAR, said in a press release.

“Let’s be clear, it is far past time for Washington’s policymakers to acknowledge states have taken the lead on cannabis policy in the absence of federal action,” he said. “We applaud President Biden’s recent actions, including his pardon proclamation and support for rescheduling cannabis. However, there is still work to be done.”

U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC)

“The US Cannabis Council applauds President Biden for highlighting cannabis reform as an issue of national concern during his State of the Union address,” David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at USCC, said. “The President has issued historic pardons for nonviolent cannabis offenses and initiated a groundbreaking review of the status of cannabis under federal law. Tonight’s remarks before a national audience signal the President’s ongoing commitment to advancing cannabis reform. We are encouraged by what we heard this evening and optimistic that the Biden Administration will move cannabis down to Schedule III this year.”

American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH)

“Tonight’s remarks by President Joe Biden acknowledging that nobody should go to jail for using or possessing marijuana and recognizing a Cabinet review of the federal classification of marijuana—in his State of the Union address—signals that the time for cannabis reform has finally arrived,” ATACH President Michael Bronstein said. “Reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III will be one of the most historic cannabis reforms in US history.”

“We applaud President Biden’s remarks and his administration’s support to reverse decades of failed drug policies which have devastated countless lives,” he said. “Reclassification is in step with today’s science and medical research, public opinion, and goal to get America out of outdated drug laws that have for over decades, hurt marginalized communities.”

Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform (CCSR)

“President Biden made history tonight by addressing cannabis reform during the State of the Union,” Adam Goers, co-chair of CCSR, said. “The President is committed to modernizing the federal government’s approach to cannabis, and he reinforced that commitment tonight in front of the American people. Moving cannabis down to Schedule III would represent an historic shift in our nation’s drug laws. We thank the President for his remarks and urge his Administration to push ahead with rescheduling.”

American Cannabis Collective

“It’s political malpractice to ignore the voters who got him here. Black and brown voters that are most affected by the War on Drugs resuscitated his failing presidential campaign following fourth and fifth place showings in New Hampshire and Iowa four years ago,” Don Murphy, the group’s co-founder, said. “He promised that he would stop sending people to jail for simple possession, but the arrests continue, and he is keeping the War on Drugs alive and well.”

Carl Cameron, another ACC co-founder who previously worked as a Fox News reporter, said “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,” he said.

Curaleaf

“It’s a significant moment for the country to hear cannabis rescheduling mentioned during President Biden’s State of the Union speech. This level of public support of cannabis reform at the federal level is long overdue, and demonstrates a strong point of leverage for cannabis politically,” Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf, said. “We hope that the DEA will follow President Biden’s lead by rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III this year.”

“Rescheduling would contribute to further de-stigmatization of the plant, and by removing the burden of 280-E, would allow businesses to place further focus on growth and job creation,” he said. “For Curaleaf, removal of 280-E could equate to savings of more than $150MM in excess tax contributions. By reducing the tax burden, cannabis businesses of all sizes will be better positioned to thrive and the true potential of this industry realized.”

Poseidon Investment Management

“Tonight marks the first time a president has acknowledged the need for cannabis reform during The State of the Union address,” Emily Paxhia, managing partner, Poseidon Investment Management, said. “Each year, the President addresses the most salient critical issues of our nation from the famed bully pulpit. The topics addressed in the State of the Union are a barometer for the will of the people and the voters want cannabis reform at an amazing rate of 70 percent per the most recent Gallup Poll. President Biden’s comments tell us that the Executive Branch is listening, we need to see this sentiment reflected through the actions of our branches of government.”

Fact-Check: Biden Falsely Claims His Marijuana Pardons Expunged ‘Thousands Of Convictions’ In State Of The Union Address

Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

Vice President Harris, Colorado Governor And Other Top Officials Cheer Biden’s Expanded Marijuana Pardon

President Joe Biden’s newly expanded marijuana pardon proclamation is getting praise from top officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, with supporters cheering the clemency action as another step in the right direction.

The president announced the latest mass pardon—which covers people who’ve committed federal cannabis possession offenses, and also provides relief for the first time to those who’ve possessed marijuana on federal properties—on Friday. This comes about a year after Biden issued an initial mass cannabis pardon and directed an administrative review into marijuana scheduling.

While some advocates have been critical of the limited reform, imploring Biden to vocally support efforts to actually end what he’s described as the country’s “failed approach” to marijuana, the new proclamation is still being touted as a meaningful, if incremental, example of the president’s commitment to repairing the harms of criminalization.

The pardons “will help thousands of people by making it easier for them to find a job, buy a home, and get an education,” the vice president said in a statement following the announcement. “President Biden and I have been clear: We must continue to change our nation’s approach to marijuana and reform the criminal justice system.”

President Biden and I have long been clear: We must continue to change our nation’s approach to marijuana and reform the criminal justice system.

Today, we took another step forward to make sure that our justice system truly lives up to its name. Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/AJ5XryF5hx

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) December 22, 2023

“As I have declared many times before, no one should be in prison simply for smoking weed,” Harris said, joining Biden in a call for governors to follow suit with state-level cannabis relief.

“President Biden and I will continue to work to address historic inequities and racial disparities in federal drug policy and sentencing, to make sure that our justice system truly lives up to its name,” she said.

Here’s how other officials, lawmakers, advocates and others are reacting to the president’s pardon:

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D)

“I’m thrilled to see President Biden following Colorado’s lead by pardoning federal and D.C. marijuana use and possession offenses,” Polis, who has granted thousands of state-level cannabis pardons over his tenure as governor, said.

“This overdue action will help people who were convicted for something that is no longer a crime get jobs, housing, and more,” he said. “This is a major step toward breaking down barriers and helping more people and our economy thrive.”

Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)

In a joint statement on Friday, the CBC said it “applauds President Biden’s proclamation to pardon marijuana offenses, including the use on federal lands, which have  disproportionately incarcerated and upended the lives of far too many Black Americans by creating barriers to employment, education, and housing.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

The majority leader, who has sponsored legalization legislation, called the pardons “a good step.”

“I will continue working in the Senate to end the federal prohibition on cannabis and make criminal justice reforms,” he said.

This is a good step by President Biden. I will continue working in the Senate to end the federal prohibition on cannabis and make criminal justice reforms. https://t.co/Wd6HDjpcXQ

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 23, 2023

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA)

The senator, who has long championed marijuana legalization, wrote on Friday about how he personally urged the president to back comprehensive reform before he joined Congress. “This Christmas, as a Senator, THANK YOU,” he said.

A few Christmases ago, as Lieutenant Governor, I pushed for legal weed and delivering pardons for bullshit weed charges.

As a Senate candidate, I personally asked @POTUS to de-schedule cannabis and pardon those charges.

This Christmas, as a Senator, THANK YOU @POTUS 🎄🎁 https://t.co/3NLGTy2RAApic.twitter.com/F73dCbdTOo

— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) December 22, 2023

Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN)

“Nobody’s life should be ruined because of some low-level cannabis offense,” the senator said. “It’s ridiculous that Republicans keep blocking marijuana legalization.. BUT in the meantime, this is a great step by the President.”

Nobody’s life should be ruined because of some low-level cannabis offense.

It’s ridiculous that Republicans keep blocking marijuana legalization… BUT in the meantime, this is a great step by the President. https://t.co/fjJXWqE4J7

— Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) December 22, 2023

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

“Cannabis has been legal and regulated in Nevada since 2017, but unfortunately, federal laws have been slow to catch up,” Rosen said. “People should not be incarcerated for simple possession of cannabis. This announcement will provide an overdue second chance to many.”

Cannabis has been legal and regulated in Nevada since 2017, but unfortunately, federal laws have been slow to catch up.

People should not be incarcerated for simple possession of cannabis. This announcement will provide an overdue second chance to many. https://t.co/8ciPfrbfZJ

— Senator Jacky Rosen (@SenJackyRosen) December 22, 2023

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)

“The failed War on Drugs began more than 50 years ago when Richard Nixon declared drug abuse public enemy number one,” Jeffries said. “At the time, there were an estimated 300,000 people incarcerated in America. Today, there are approximately 1.8 million, and they are disproportionately Black and Latino.”

“Today, President Biden took additional steps forward in undoing the legacy of the failed War on Drugs by commuting the sentences of several individuals with non-violent drug offenses and pardoning additional Americans convicted of simple possession and use of marijuana,” he said.

The minority leader added that he commends Biden “for acknowledging that much more needs to be done to right these historic wrongs by urging Governors to follow the administration’s lead at the state level.”

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)

Blumenauer, a founding co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus who is retiring next year after nearly three decades advocating for reform in the House, said in a statement that he’s “hopeful that today’s welcome news will not be President Biden’s last act to promote justice and rectify the ongoing harms of the failed war on drugs.”

Rep. Barbra Lee (D-CA)

Lee, another Cannabis Caucus co-chair,  said Biden’s move is “a long overdue step in remedying the harm of the war on drugs, which has disproportionately impacted people of color.”

Thank you, @POTUS. This is a long overdue step in remedying the harm of the war on drugs, which has disproportionately impacted people of color.   Let’s keep the momentum going and pass the #MOREAct. https://t.co/H2T5mAhqsc

— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) December 24, 2023

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)

Nadler, who has sponsored legalization legislation that twice passed the House, said “far too many lives have been upended because of the US’ failed approach to marijuana.”

“I applaud today’s pardons & will keep fighting for my #MOREAct to decriminalize marijuana & expunge the marijuana-related convictions of those impacted by the War on Drugs,” he said.

.@POTUS is right—far too many lives have been upended because of the US’ failed approach to marijuana. I applaud today’s pardons & will keep fighting for my #MOREAct to decriminalize marijuana & expunge the marijuana-related convictions of those impacted by the War on Drugs.…

— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) December 22, 2023

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA)

The congressman thanked the president, saying it’s “time to end the outdated war on drugs and push for drug reform.”

Thank you to @POTUS for pardoning thousands who were convicted of marijuana charges. It’s time to end the outdated war on drugs and push for drug reform. We can modernize hiring and treat mental health.

— Congressman Robert Garcia (@RepRobertGarcia) December 22, 2023

Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH)

“Pardoning those convicted of unnecessarily harsh marijuana charges is the right thing to do,” the congresswoman said. “Historically, these kinds of convictions have been applied disproportionally to people of color. I applaud President Biden for taking action.”

Pardoning those convicted of unnecessarily harsh marijuana charges is the right thing to do. Historically, these kinds of convictions have been applied disproportionally to people of color. I applaud President Biden for taking action. https://t.co/Gs6DfaR3MN

— Rep. Shontel Brown (@RepShontelBrown) December 22, 2023

Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA)

The congressman said that he’s “long championed pardons and clemency for individuals who are serving sentences for the possession of marijuana,” adding that these “misdemeanors can result in restrictions on folks’ ability to access educational aid, housing assistance, occupational licensing, & more.”

I have long championed pardons and clemency for individuals who are serving sentences for the possession of marijuana. These misdemeanors can result in restrictions on folks' ability to access educational aid, housing assistance, occupational licensing, & more. Delivering justice… https://t.co/NgHAc8b47S

— Congressman Troy A. Carter (@RepTroyCarter) December 22, 2023

“Delivering justice for Black Americans who have been disproportionately impacted by this is essential to comprehensive cannabis reform,” he said, commending Biden for the pardon action.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)

“The war on Drugs has failed to prevent the harm drugs can do and has burdened millions with unnecessary prison time and the stigma of a criminal record,” Coleman said, reacting to the clemency announcement.

Find out more about the Drug Policy Reform Act here: https://t.co/JbBp6odQw1

— Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (@RepBonnie) December 22, 2023

She added that a bill she’s previously sponsored to broadly decriminalize all currently illicit drugs would “rethink how we approach helping people struggling with addiction.”

Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO)

“We welcome the news of [Biden] pardoning thousands of people convicted of marijuana charges,” the congresswoman said. “It’s time we fully deschedule & legalize marijuana, expunge records, promote equity in the cannabis industry, and end the War on Drugs.”

We welcome the news of @POTUS pardoning thousands of people convicted of marijuana charges.

It’s time we fully deschedule & legalize marijuana, expunge records, promote equity in the cannabis industry, and end the War on Drugs. https://t.co/8rrpTe26bu

— Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) December 22, 2023

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)

“Black people are far more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession & use, and this action is long overdue,” Jayapal said. “Next, let’s decriminalize, legalize, & invest in those disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.”

This is a MAJOR step toward social & racial justice from @POTUS!

Black people are far more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession & use, and this action is long overdue. Next, let’s decriminalize, legalize, & invest in those disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. https://t.co/lIqfjvjEDF

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) December 22, 2023

Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV)

“No one should experience disproportionately long sentences or barriers to employment for minor marijuana charges,” Titus said. “This is an important step towards modernizing our criminal justice system.”

No one should experience disproportionately long sentences or barriers to employment for minor marijuana charges.

This is an important step towards modernizing our criminal justice system. https://t.co/uVNX9XTuWl

— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) December 22, 2023

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)

The president’s action “will help reduce barriers to employment, housing and education,” Schiff said. “This is an important step towards decriminalizing marijuana nationwide.”

President Biden just pardoned every American who has used marijuana.

This will help reduce barriers to employment, housing and education.

This is an important step towards decriminalizing marijuana nationwide.

— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) December 22, 2023

Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA)

“Our nation’s so-called War on Drugs has ruined enough lives and hollowed out entire communities,” Porter said, “Glad to see this welcomed step from President Biden, making pardons possible for thousands of people convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana.”

Our nation’s so-called War on Drugs has ruined enough lives and hollowed out entire communities. Glad to see this welcomed step from President Biden, making pardons possible for thousands of people convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana.https://t.co/vA3H3FIXHM

— Katie Porter (@katieporteroc) December 22, 2023

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA)

Biden’s move is a “historic and common sense action on marijuana,” Lieu said,.

“Spending even one penny of taxpayer dollars criminalizing the use or possession of cannabis is totally stupid and a waste of taxpayer funds,” he added.

Thank you to @POTUS for this historic and common sense action on marijuana!

Spending even one penny of taxpayer dollars criminalizing the use or possession of cannabis is totally stupid and a waste of taxpayer funds. https://t.co/iwUPzb3NgK

— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) December 22, 2023

Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA)

Gomez called the pardons a “long overdue step in ending the war on drugs, which has disproportionately harmed communities of color.”

This is a long overdue step in ending the war on drugs, which has disproportionately harmed communities of color.

I applaud @POTUS for this act of justice.

Now it’s time to pass the #MOREAct and decriminalize marijuana nationwide. https://t.co/pWsZdPV9r3

— Rep. Jimmy Gomez (@RepJimmyGomez) December 22, 2023

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)

Pallone praised Biden for “taking a critical step to right this historic injustice by pardoning offenses of simple marijuana possession or use.”

“The next step is to end the federal marijuana prohibition once and for all,” he said.

Too many Americans have had their lives ruined by unfair marijuana laws. Now, @POTUS is taking a critical step to right this historic injustice by pardoning offenses of simple marijuana possession or use. The next step is to end the federal marijuana prohibition once and for all. https://t.co/B5tVUPWtXy

— Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) December 23, 2023

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)

“I applaud President Biden for pardoning people with convictions for simple marijuana use or possession, convictions that can prevent people from finding jobs or housing,” Bonamici said.

I applaud President Biden for pardoning people with convictions for simple marijuana use or possession, convictions that can prevent people from finding jobs or housing. https://t.co/PfIP4vJgVJ

— Suzanne Bonamici (@RepBonamici) December 22, 2023

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL)

“This will lift barriers for those pardoned to access employment and educational opportunities,” Wilson said.

Thank you @POTUS for today's needed action to address the flawed justice system that criminalizes marijuana possession—something that disproportionally impacts Black Americans.

This will lift barriers for those pardoned to access employment and educational opportunities. https://t.co/UTQOCv6uP8

— Rep. Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) December 22, 2023

Virginia Senate President Pro Tem Louise Lucas (D)

“As we celebrate this historic victory, we must not take our eyes off the goal- legal and safe sales of recreational marijuana across the country,” Lucas said.

As we celebrate this historic victory, we must not take our eyes off the goal- legal and safe sales of recreational marijuana across the country. https://t.co/o2MO5Bt56O

— L. Louise Lucas (@SenLouiseLucas) December 23, 2023

California Sen. Scott Wiener (D)

The California senator, who has championed drug policy reform including psychedelics legalization and harm reduction legislation, called the president’s pardon proclamation “huge.”

This is huge – @JoeBiden is mass-pardoning people for cannabis simple possession & use. This will benefit so many people whose lives have been upended over the decades due to the misguided drug war. Thank you Mr. President. pic.twitter.com/4sOs8eCiyr

— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) December 22, 2023

“This will benefit so many people whose lives have been upended over the decades due to the misguided drug war,” he said. “Thank you Mr. President.”

NORML

“Millions of Americans carry the burden and stigma of a past conviction for behavior that the majority of voters no longer believe should be a crime,” NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Our sense of justice and our principles of fairness demand that public officials and the courts move swiftly to right the past wrongs of cannabis prohibition and criminalization.”

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)

Kevin Sabet, president of the prohibitionist group SAM, said the pardon proclamation shows that “criminal justice reform is possible without commercializing the drug,” though he said it was “unfortunate” that the president didn’t use the opportunity to talk about “how dangerous marijuana is.”

BIDEN’S POT PROCLAMATION CONTINUES ADMINISTRATION’S OPPOSITION TO BIG MARIJUANA, BUT MISSES OPPORTUNITY TO WARN THE PUBLIC ABOUT TODAY’S HIGHLY POTENT WEED pic.twitter.com/sRkbI2ppQ9

— SAM (@learnaboutsam) December 22, 2023

Last Prisoner Project (LPP)

The cannabis reform group said that while the president’s clemency action is “progress for those eligible for relief, these pardons and commutations are not enough to achieve true cannabis justice.”

“⁣As we have said before, pardons do not remove the needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities the President has rightfully acknowledged,” LPP said, urging people to send letters to the White House and Congress about the need for more comprehensive reform.

Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR)

Shanita Penny, director of CPEAR, called the clemency action “positive news for many,” but added that “there are still countless nonviolent offenders incarcerated for cannabis possession.”

.@HiShaPenny on @POTUS's latest #cannabis pardon announcement: pic.twitter.com/NAxldjUWqI

— Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (@CPEARCoalition) December 22, 2023

“In a country where 100 million people have access to state legal cannabis markets—a federal framework that removes barriers to employment, housing and education opportunities to those impacted by cannabis prohibition is the only way forward,” she said.

Color of Change

The progressive organization said that while “many celebrate” the presidential clemency development, “we know it’s not enough” and “the administration should and can go further,” including by fully descheduling marijuana.

“Doing so would end the federal prohibition on cannabis and provide an important economic boon for the industry,” it said. “It should also include economic investment and restoration for the communities harmed by this unjust war.”

“These kinds of charges have been used to needlessly rip millions of Black people away from their communities. Meanwhile, marijuana has been practically legal for rich people and white people for years, while also being the main financial benefactors of practices that put others behind bars for the same actions. President Biden is right, ‘Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach.’ Too much money has been spent to and too much pain and harm inflicted from the lack of comprehensive action on this long standing issue. We look forward to watching today’s 11 families be reunited and will fight for more reunification in the near future.”

Cannabis Freedom Alliance (CFA)

Jeremiah Mosteller, executive director at CFA and a policy director at Americans for Prosperity, said that the president’s action is “a welcome next step toward addressing the overcriminalization of cannabis.”

“However, more needs to be done and the only way to truly end the federal criminalization of cannabis is for President Biden to work with Congress to deschedule the substance,” he said.

Meanwhile, the president’s expanded pardon proclamation comes as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is considering a recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III that stemmed from a review that Biden initiated last year in conjunction with his initial marijuana clemency move.

In the year since his first cannabis clemency act, the president has repeatedly pointed to the action as an example of how he’s fulfilling campaign promises—though he’s frequently misstated the scope of the clemency by suggesting people were released from prison and had their criminal records fully expunged.

A presidential pardon represents formal forgiveness for the violation, but it does not constitute an expungement, which typically involves sealing records.

While the action symbolically recognizes the country’s “failed approach” to marijuana policy, it also falls short of the president’s pledges to more holistically enact reform by federally legalizing medical cannabis and decriminalizing the plant.

If DEA ultimately accepts the HHS recommendation to move marijuana to Schedule III, that would not legalize it. However, it would have a meaningful impact in other ways, for example by removing widely criticized research barriers and allowing state-licensed cannabis businesses to take federal tax deductions they’re currently barred from under an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E.

Despite the fact that public support for legalization has reached record highs, especially among the Democratic base, the president has declined to embrace the broader reform. After Ohio became the 24th state to enact legalization last month, for example, the White House affirmed that “nothing has changed” with Biden’s position on the issue.

Ohio GOP Governor Pushes Lawmakers To Fix ‘Ridiculous’ Marijuana Sales Delay And Send Tax Revenue To Police

Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.

Where Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips Stands On Marijuana And Psychedelics

Rep. Dean Phillips (D) announced that he was challenging incumbent President Joe Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination on October 27, 2023 and dropped out on March 6, 2024. The congressman’s drug policy record reflects a consistent commitment to reform at the state and federal level.

Phillips had said that while he thinks the president has done an effective job to date, Biden’s slumping poll numbers raise concerns about his viability in the election, and he hoped to offer an alternative pathway for Democrats.

When it comes to drug policy issues, Phillips has supported federal marijuana legalization, pushed the Biden administration to provide relief to those who’ve been criminalized over cannabis and advocated for research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

His voting record shows ongoing support for reform across the board—including incremental measures on marijuana banking, as well as more comprehensive proposals to end federal cannabis prohibition while promoting social equity.

The congressman isn’t the only candidate challenging the incumbent president for the Democratic nomination. Marianne Williamson is again seeking the party nod, with a platform that also involves marijuana and psychedelics reform advocacy. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was previously running as a Democrat, but he’s since switched to independent.

Here’s where Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips stands on marijuana and psychedelics:

Legislation And Policy Actions

Phillips has voted for and cosponsored several cannabis reform bills since joining Congress in 2019, including a Democratic-led legalization measure titled the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act in 2020, 2022 and this session, as well as a bipartisan legalization proposal called the States Reform Act this session.

He voted for the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act to safeguard financial institutions that work with state-licensed cannabis businesses in 2019 and 2021. He’s also currently listed as a cosponsor of the reform legislation this session.

The congressman further supported appropriations amendments to prevent federal interference in all state marijuana programs in 2019 and 2020. And he voted in favor of legislation that was ultimately signed by Biden late last year to streamline marijuana research, in addition to a measure to prevent security clearance denials over cannabis use alone.

Phillips’s list of cosponsorships also includes proposals to amend an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E to allow state-legal marijuana businesses to take federal tax deductions, remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), provide the marijuana industry with access to federal Small Business Administration (SBA) services and allow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doctors to issue medical cannabis recommendations to veterans living in legal states.

In short, it seems the congressman has voted favorably on each cannabis reform measure that’s come before him since taking office, and he’s also proactively showed his support by cosponsoring both modest and comprehensive legislation.

In October 2023, the congressman signed a letter to the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), urging the agency to take into account congressional and state marijuana legalization efforts as it carries out a review into cannabis scheduling. He and other lawmakers also criticized the limitations of simple rescheduling as they push for complete a complete removal of marijuana from the CSA.

Phillips further signed onto a 2022 letter to appropriations leadership calling on broad protections against federal intervention for states, territories and tribes that have enacted legalization.

In a separate 2021 letter the congressman signed that was addressed to Biden, he joined his colleagues in urging the president to use his executive authority to issue a mass pardon for people with federal cannabis convictions on their records. The president eventually did provide such relief to people who’ve committed federal marijuana possession offenses the following year.

Phillips has also taken interest in psychedelics policy issues. For example, in January 2022, the congressman was among a group of lawmakers who sent a letter to the head of the DEA, imploring the agency to allow terminally ill patients to use psilocybin as an investigational treatment without the fear of federal prosecution.

Phillips had also signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), asking that it consider creating a psychedelics task force to investigate the therapeutic of certain psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA in anticipation of federal approval of the substances for prescription use. The agency responded that it was “exploring” that possibility last year.

On The Campaign Trail

In November 2023, the candidate said that President Joe Biden should smoke marijuana to better understand the country’s “awfully hypocritical” double standard that allows people to drink alcohol and work at the White House but face potential imprisonment over cannabis.

“I’m sure he has never even smelled weed, let alone smoked it. The fact of the matter is, I think he should,” Phillips said.

“Cannabis is still a Schedule I narcotic in the United States of America, like heroin. It’s nonsensical,” he added. “But this is your federal government, with people who think that’s fine.”

Following the reporting, he said he didn’t “literally” mean it when he said President Joe Biden should smoke some marijuana.

Truth is I wouldn’t recommend he start now.

But it’s absolutely absurd that a naturally occurring plant on which no human has overdosed remains a Schedule I narcotic in America.

It should be legalized immediately and turned over to the States for regulation. https://t.co/liVIzomyva

— Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) November 29, 2023

“Truth is I wouldn’t recommend he start now,” the congressman said on Tuesday, reversing the tongue-in-cheek comments he made at a New Hampshire campaign event, where he also cast doubt on whether the president has smoked “or even smelled weed.”

He visited a cannabis retailer in December 2023 and seemed unfamiliar with the president’s mass cannabis pardon and scheduling directive, CNN reported.

Later that month, Phillips said that he thinks Biden is too old and out of touch to understand contemporary cannabis issues.

“I think it’s generational,” he said. “People in their 80s do not see things, have not lived things, have not experienced things that younger generations have.”

The congressman has also briefly discussed his support for psychedelics reform, saying that he’s talked with military veterans “whose lives have improved so dramatically from PTSD just by microdosing psilocybin—and right now we can’t even test it.”

Phillips pointed to an exit poll showing that only 25 percent of Ohio voters say Biden should run for re-election, while the state overwhelmingly approved a marijuana legalization initiative, is an example of the “disconnect between the DC political industrial complex + X, and the exhausted majority of Americans.”

Want evidence of the disconnect between the DC political industrial complex + X, and the exhausted majority of Americans?

In an exit poll of Ohioans who voted to make abortion and cannabis legal, ONLY 25% said Joe Biden should run for re-election. https://t.co/nuzq4T8Hxf

— Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) November 8, 2023

In an interview with CNN in November 2023, Phillips discussed his support for marijuana legalization and criticized the incumbent president for failing to act on an issue that’s support by the vast majority of the public.

Previous Quotes And Social Media Posts

When the congressman’s state of Minnesota was moving forward with a legalization bill in 2021, he endorsed the proposal and sent a letter to legislative leaders stating that laws prohibiting cannabis “defy both common sense and the will of the people.”

“As elected officials, it is our collective responsibility to listen to our constituents, especially when there is such broad agreement on the need to act,” he said. “I urge the Minnesota House and Senate to respect the freedom and liberty of those they serve and pass H.F. 600, joining those states—both Red and Blue—who have already recognized the sensibility of legalizing, regulating, and taxing cannabis.”

It's time. #LegalizeMN. Expunge. Regulate. Tax.https://t.co/HVwjFhAUEK 💚https://t.co/vrK1x0mvmrpic.twitter.com/fLZFXjI4iK

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) May 12, 2021

In a separate letter to a constituent that year, Phillips said that legalization “has become center-stage in our society, and the debate over related legislation is an issue that we must take seriously.”

“While we must acknowledge health and other risks associated with cannabis, we should also recognize that criminalizing its use exacerbates racial inequalities in our legal system,” he said. “Prohibition prevents those suffering from certain illnesses from receiving beneficial medication and creates a black market, emulating the very situation politicians attempt to avoid by criminalizing cannabis.”

"I believe we should legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis." – @RepDeanPhillips wrote to a constituent today in response to a message in favor of the #MOREact, which would end federal marijuana prohibition. pic.twitter.com/dy1fsCsjLa

— NORML (@NORML) June 23, 2021

“It’s time to de-schedule cannabis, allow states to control it as as they see fit, and ensure responsibly operated enterprises and their employees are treated the same as any American business,” he said in April 2023, aligning himself with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) with respect to her views on normalizing federal tax policy for the marijuana industry.

Nancy and I are in full agreement. It’s time to de-schedule cannabis, allow states to control it as as they see fit, and ensure responsibly operated enterprises and their employees are treated the same as any American business. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/Ui6oVrZvSv

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) May 1, 2023

After the House passed the MORE Act last year, he joked about giving a constituent a “high” five.

What better way to celebrate the passing of the MORE Act to decriminalize marijuana than a “high”five? https://t.co/fZPJKPNBLh

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) April 1, 2022

It wasn’t the first time that Phillips has leaned into cannabis culture. He joked about members rushing out of the chamber to get Taco Bell after the 2020 vote to approve a marijuana legalization bill.

I think some were rushing to Taco Bell after the cannabis vote.

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) December 5, 2020

When then-Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-VA) punned that the comment was “blunt,” Phillips replied that it gave “new meaning to a ‘joint’ session of Congress.”

Gives new meaning to a “joint” session of Congress.

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) December 5, 2020

“I love how you keep ‘rolling’ them out,” Riggleman said, to which Phillips responded, “Surprised it wasn’t called the ‘Green New Deal.'”

Surprised it wasn’t called the “Green New Deal”.

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) December 5, 2020

The congressman was also outspoken about his criticism of the the Olympics suspending U.S. runner Sha’Carri Richardson due to a positive THC test.

“It’s time to legalize cannabis, regulate it, tax it, and stop treating people who use it as criminals. The current law is ruining lives not saving them,” he said.

It’s time to legalize cannabis, regulate it, tax it, and stop treating people who use it as criminals. The current law is ruining lives not saving them. https://t.co/PJBcaQrA4c

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) July 2, 2021

He further condemned the incarceration of WNBA player Britney Griner in a Russian prison after she was convicted of possessing vape cartridges with cannabis oil. The athlete was later released following a prisoner swap.

Brittney Griner’s 9 year sentence for possession of cannabis is just as absurd as classifying cannabis as a Schedule I narcotic.

— Rep. Dean Phillips 🇺🇸 (@RepDeanPhillips) August 5, 2022

At Benzinga’s cannabis conference in April 2023, Phillips discussed how Biden is being “pushed” to move on cannabis reform. He added, however, that “anyone who has to be pushed to understand that cannabis should not be classified along with other dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine needs much more education.”

Personal Experience With Marijuana

It does not appear that Phillips has publicly discussed any personal experience with marijuana.

Marijuana Under A Phillips Presidency

Phillips is a clear advocate for marijuana legalization and psychedelics reform. And unlike other candidates who might share his views, he has a concrete legislative record to back them up, with multiple votes and cosponsorships to buttress his platform on the issue.

He’s been among lawmakers who were quick to press Biden on cannabis policy, and he’s shown interest in working across the aisle to advance comprehensive reform. All told, it appears Phillips would likely be a strong ally for the marijuana reform movement and industry if elected president.

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