Joe Biden has taken a principled, and thoughtful stand on marijuana legalization—one based on available science and meant to safeguard public health. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee favors decriminalization and expunging criminal records, but a go-slow approach on nationwide legalization until researchers determine the impact of long-term use.
The Rosenthal Center supports Biden’s uncompromising stance even as he comes under growing pressure to embrace legalization to win votes from young people and progressives. More politicians should be made aware of Americans’ changing perceptions about pot: our 2020 Cannabis Study found growing support for pausing legalization and curbing commercialization—and policymakers must keep this in mind as they formulate election platforms.
Meanwhile, Mexican drug cartels are profiting from the COVID-19 pandemic, ramping up illicit trade in heroin, fentanyl and meth. The surge in illegal drug activity comes amid a spike in overdoses in the U.S., exacerbated by the corona virus lockdown.
And finally, investors in cannabis companies are taking executives to task for not coming through on promises of boundless growth. Shareholder litigation accuses leaders of making false claims about potential profit and defrauding investors, as interest in the pot market sours.