Has Marijuana Become A Political Football

With almost 90% of the country believing it should be legal in some form, especially among younger voters – who is going to be the party make the goal?

The presidential race is heating up and both parties are grappling with changing demographics and a tight race.  Also, there will be 41 million new Gen Z voters who will be able to participate in the election, and they see things different from boomers.  One big issues is causing heartburn on at least one side….has marijuana become a political football?

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Data shows between 85-89% of the country believe cannabis should be legal in some form.  Florida went against their governor to force recreational marijuana to be on the ballot, and have raised $60 million to the Governor’s team which has raised less than $100,000.  But the biggest issues is Gen Z, the generation who is drifting away from alcohol and toward weed.  To them, it is like buying alcohol and they don’t understand why old politicians are so resistant to what has been proven to a medical aide.  While it is behind voter concerns of the economy, public safety and democracy, it is still will play a role in influencing millions of votes. And the party who gets it across the goal line will be a hero.

The current administration has been slow to make a movement and only in the election year has significant progress been made. Following the recommendations of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Physicians (ACP) have used science to encourage the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to follow the process and reschedule cannabis to a Schedule III showing it has medical benefits and is classified like Ibuprofen.  But the late start is hurting as the GOP is throwing up roadblocks as the public (by 90%) and the medical community has taken very public stances.  The Biden administration may have waited too long to secure it before ballots drop.  Vice President Harris, who was a vocal, strong adversary of legalization has revered course and embraced the rescheduling mantle and the potential benefits for patients, veterans and voters.

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The Republicans are pulling out all stops to keep it from passing at all. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-KY), long a critic, has allowed votes to stop the process and allowed members to demand the DEA stop, slow, or delay the process. In a letter sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra GOP members of the House expressed something fishy is going on for the process to move at the usual pace. Part of the change in policy the overwhelming support of the the major medical associations. The Republicans are pushing a policy which is clearly against the public desire, which is somewhat confusing if you want to win.

In addition, Florida Governor DeSantis, despite received donations from some in the industry, has taken a full frontal attack.  Despite dropping out of the race, DeSantis still likes the spotlight. At a Florida Sheriff’s convention, he spoke on the subject of legal weed and was a bit loose on the facts, especially when it comes to the success is in Colorado.  DeSantis has called voters confused and patiently explained his nanny state philosophy is best and has state the will of the voters should be set aside for his personal beliefs.

The voting public has been showing its will with their purchase power. Already Illionis, a key state, has sold over $1 billion in weed this year. The next 100 days will be critical for the  cannabis industry and for rights of voters.