Federal Lawmaker Says Marijuana 'Determines National Elections': 'A Hard Stance Against Cannabis Was Self Defeating'

“When we started this, decriminalization was controversial, and a minority position. Legalization was maybe supported by between a third and 40% of the general population, depending on the survey. As years rolled on, it became clearer to many that the hard stance against cannabis was self-defeating, unnecessary and inhumane,” began Rep. Earl Blumenauer, as he delved into his lengthy journey advocating for cannabis reform.

From the very outset of his career as a young legislator in Oregon, Blumenauer found himself deeply immersed in the world of policy change. During those early days, Oregon was a pioneer, being the first state to decriminalize cannabis. Simultaneously, the state was grappling with archaic practices, like incarcerating late-stage alcoholics.

However, as the winds of change blew, Oregon transitioned, moving to de-institutionalize people with mental illnesses. For Blumenauer, this evolution was more than necessary.

Similarly, the lawmaker believed that decriminalizing cannabis was yet another pivotal step towards adopting a “more sophisticated and humane” approach to societal concerns. “I am still very involved with this issue… Legalization made a lot of sense to me at the time and still does,” he emphasized.

Evolving Views

As most readers know, the public perception of cannabis has undergone a radical transformation over the years. “I've watched this take shape since the ‘70s,” Blumenauer observed, recalling the regrettable times when the notorious “War on Drugs” disproportionately and unjustly zeroed in on communities of color, “especially young Black men.” In stark contrast, their white counterparts encountered less severe repercussions. This glaring racial disparity was no accident. In a revealing exposition, Blumenauer explained how the Nixon administration had strategically exploited the cannabis issue for political mileage.

In his critique, Blumenauer was unreserved: “Richard Nixon's War on Drugs became deeply entrenched within the federal bureaucracy... They negotiated international treaties that criminalized drugs and made it hard to move forward... Well, hard, but not impossible. And we are seeing now other states in the northern hemisphere who’ve moved forward on legalization.”

On the topic of more contemporary political shifts, he also touched upon President Joe Biden’s journey with the issue. “Joe Biden, in his earlier years, was connected to some of the stricter measures like the 1973 crackdown. However, recently, Biden has expressed support for actions like purging federal drug offenders and adjusting drug schedules. I believe he's reevaluating and adjusting his stance,” Blumenauer shared, highlighting the fluidity of political positions over time.

Dwelling on the intricacies of the topic, he referenced the international treaties that compounded the criminalization of drugs. Yet, he optimistically remarked, “It's challenging to navigate, but not impossible,” signaling the shifting global sentiments.

Each year added new layers to the narrative. Public sentiment, which once resisted cannabis, began warming up to its legalization. However, while states made strides, the federal landscape often presented roadblocks. The burgeoning legal cannabis industry, currently pegged at more than $30 billion, continues to grapple with challenges like banking access and comprehensive research. “In fact,” Blumenauer interjected, “my research bill just last year marked a notable amendment to the Controlled Substance Act since the ‘70s.”

He also highlighted the dichotomy between public sentiment and policy while discussing the SAFE Banking Act. Aimed at availing banking services to cannabis businesses, the project (and now its successor, the SAFER Banking Act) has garnered substantial bipartisan support in the House. “With the Senate dynamics evolving, I'm confident we'll secure the 60 votes needed,” he asserted.

Global Shockwaves

In the global arena, Blumenauer lauded countries like Canada and Mexico for their progressive cannabis policies. Drawing parallels, he pointed out that the U.S. has practically ensured a majority have access to medical cannabis. He shared moving accounts of veterans and cancer patients for whom cannabis was more than just a relief: It was a lifeline.

But as the discourse centered around U.S. reforms, it seamlessly branched out to the global implications and the criticisms of such reforms. “Look, America has made significant progress,” Blumenauer asserted, pointing out the extensive access Americans now have to both medical and recreational marijuana. His argument was compelling: “The vast majority of Americans live in areas where they can access medical marijuana, and many can even partake recreationally.”

He sketched a scenario where public sentiment had not just evolved, but where a majority—including Republicans—now endorse legalization. He also reflected on the recent national elections, emphasizing how cannabis had been instrumental. “The Arizona win for Biden? He owes that to cannabis voters,” he candidly remarked.

Mounting Concerns?

But the journey to legalization isn't devoid of critics. Some voice concerns about potential societal challenges post-legalization. Addressing these, Blumenauer was resolute: “That train has left the station.”

Expounding on the debate of criminalization vs. regulation, he asserted, “It's futile to continue this failed War on Drugs. This approach only fosters disdain for the law and encourages evasion.” He also shed light on the stark realities faced by youth, remarking, “In no state is it harder for a youngster to buy a joint than a six pack of beer.”

Blumenauer is convinced that the public sentiment vehemently opposes the criminalization of cannabis, emphasizing the need for regulation, not prohibition: “There is a vast underground network, a gray or black market, resilient to even the most severe measures.”

Drawing parallels between cannabis and alcohol, he once again brought up the ease with which the youth access cannabis compared to alcohol, underscoring the potential benefits of total legalization: “With full regulation and taxation, clamping down on illegal sales becomes feasible.” In fact, the lawmaker envisions a regulated market as the key to curtailing the black market’s sway.

Referencing the cessation of alcohol prohibition, he illustrated how illicit alcohol sales plummeted once legal channels became accessible. His ardor for the cause was evident as he stated, “Comprehensive legalization will ensure that legal penalties overshadow the benefits of illegal operations, echoing the post-prohibition alcohol era.”

A Hands-Off Approach

Throughout this discourse, Blumenauer’s stance was unwavering, shaped by years of advocacy and an intricate understanding of the cannabis landscape. “The federal government has been somewhat hands-off,” he said, accentuating the tangible impacts of de facto legalization, especially for “...cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, battling severe nausea and chronic pain.” However, he also highlighted a poignant truth: “I've been in the thick of this, sensing the momentum. It's frustrating to witness the political system lagging.”

Before concluding, Blumenauer left us with an introspective yet positive note, “I genuinely believe we're pivoting away from stringent law enforcement measures towards more rational criminal penalties.” He looked ahead, buoyant, “As we make consistent strides, we inch closer to a drug control policy that's both compassionate and effective, eclipsing past failures.”

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This article was originally published on Forbes and appears here with permission.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons, edited by Benzinga.