The Likelihood of the Biden Administration Legalizing Marijuana Nationally

Im 66, and I have been following politics since Gerald Ford. Throughout his political career, Joe Biden has never been steadfast in his ideology or stance. He has consistently proven himself a compliant and malleable figure, easily swayed by the immediate interests of power brokers and large donors. As a long-term Washington insider, Biden has demonstrated a willingness to support any cause that could bring him power or benefit, and he often changes his position to align with these interests. Even moderate liberal Democrats are now beginning to recognize this pattern.

Legalization of Marijuana in the United States

The process of nationwide legalization of marijuana in the United States is fraught with numerous challenges, primarily due to the constitutional and legislative framework. Beyond the personal views and political maneuverings of the Biden administration, significant hurdles exist in the form of federal law and the Constitution.

For marijuana to be legalized on a nationwide basis, Congress would need to pass legislation that contradicts States' rights as outlined in the Constitution. As of now, virtually zero chance exists for such a scenario because states have the right to determine their own laws, and any effort to override this would face substantial obstacles. The situation is further complicated by the need for legislative approval and presidential signature.

Steps Required for Federal Legalization

There are several steps that would need to be taken before marijuana could be federally legalized:

Passing a bill in both the House of Representatives and the Senate The bill being signed into law by the President Or, if the President vetoes the bill, obtaining a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers to override the veto

However, none of these scenarios are realistically probable. The political climate and the makeup of Congress make it highly unlikely that such sweeping legislative changes would be enacted.

The Impact of Federal Legalization

Were federal marijuana prohibition to be repealed, it would have profound effects on businesses and public safety:

Financial services would become available to marijuana businesses, particularly banks and credit unions that currently refuse to provide services due to the risk of federal action. Banks and credit unions would be able to accept payments via credit cards, reducing the need for cash transactions. This would help protect businesses from cash-related crimes, such as robberies. Businesses and individuals could manage their finances more effectively, improving businesses' operations and consumer experiences.

It is important to note that states that choose to keep marijuana illegal will retain that right. This would be similar to the repeal of the alcohol prohibition in the 1930s, where states could decide to legalize alcohol while others chose to keep it illegal. Some states took a significant time to allow alcohol, and to this day, certain localities can still be "dry," where alcohol is banned.

In conclusion, while the Biden administration has expressed support for legalizing marijuana in certain states, the legal and political obstacles to nationwide legalization remain substantial. The process would likely be slow and contentious, with states retaining the right to choose their own laws.