Don’t be Desperate for Cannabis Legalization
As someone who has been advocating for cannabis legalization for over two decades, I've witnessed the ebb and flow of the movement. I've seen promising moments and crushing setbacks, and I've watched as public opinion has slowly but surely shifted in our favor. Now, we stand closer than ever to achieving what many of us have long fought for – the legalization of cannabis at the federal level.
But as we approach this long-awaited goal, I'm reminded of the old adage: be careful what you wish for. The government, in its role as a reluctant genie, has a knack for granting our wishes in ways we might not expect – or want. It's like wishing for the ability to fly, only to be transformed into a pigeon. Sure, you can fly now, but at what cost?
For years, the government has stonewalled all requests for cannabis reform. Now that the will of the people is undeniable, they're finally beginning to bend. But make no mistake – they're not doing this out of the goodness of their hearts. They're looking for ways to implement legalization that serve their interests, not necessarily ours.
This is why we, as a community, can't afford to be desperate for any form of legalization that comes our way. We must remember the core reasons behind our fight: freedom, autonomy, security, and access. If we're not careful, we could end up with a version of legalization that satisfies none of these desires.
In this article, I aim to cut through the political hot air surrounding cannabis reform. We'll dissect the promises made by presidential candidates and examine the government's actions (or lack thereof) to date. By providing context and critical analysis, I hope to show why we need to be more discerning about the things politicians say they will do.
Remember, legalization is not the end goal – it's a means to an end. Let's make sure we don't lose sight of what we're really fighting for in our eagerness to cross the finish line.
A Political Promise is an Elegant Lie
In a recent interview on the "All the Smoke" podcast, Vice President Kamala Harris made waves by reaffirming her support for marijuana legalization, claiming she'll "go further than Biden" on the issue. Harris, attempting to position herself as a longtime cannabis advocate, stated, "I have felt for a long time we need to legalize it." This sudden embrace of cannabis reform is a stark contrast to her previous record and raises questions about the sincerity of political promises.
Let's not forget that Harris, as California's Attorney General, oversaw the prosecution of thousands of marijuana cases. She even laughed about her own cannabis use when asked if she supported legalization during her 2020 presidential campaign. This convenient evolution of her stance reeks of political opportunism rather than genuine conviction.
The Biden administration has touted its marijuana pardons as a significant step forward, but let's call it what it is – a smokescreen. These pardons, while symbolically important, didn't free a single person from jail. They were carefully crafted to appear progressive while maintaining the status quo. It's a classic example of political theater designed to appease without enacting meaningful change.
As we approach another election season, we're witnessing a familiar dance. Suddenly, cannabis legalization is back on the agenda, with politicians on both sides of the aisle drumming up support. Even former President Trump, who did little to advance legalization during his term, is now positioning himself as "pro-weed" to some degree. This isn't coincidence; it's calculated political maneuvering.
These politicians need votes, and they know that a vast majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, support some form of cannabis reform. So they promise the moon and stars, but will they deliver? History suggests we should be skeptical.
Even Tim Walz, Harris's VP nominee, hedges his bets. He suggests that "if Democrats control both houses and Congress, those matters might be easier to address." Note the careful language – "might be easier." It's not a commitment, it's not a promise, it's political speak designed to sound supportive while committing to nothing.
This is the essence of a political promise – an elegant lie. It's crafted to appeal to your emotions, to give you hope, to make you feel heard. But in reality, it's empty words. They say just enough to sound like they're addressing the issue while actually saying nothing at all.
This is why being desperate for legalization is dangerous. When we're desperate, we're willing to accept any crumb thrown our way. We become easy to placate with hollow gestures and empty promises. We lose sight of what true legalization should look like – a system that prioritizes freedom, autonomy, and justice, not corporate interests or political gain.
Remember, these politicians are not our saviors. They're not fighting for legalization out of the goodness of their hearts. They're doing it because they see which way the wind is blowing, and they want to stay in power. Our job, as advocates and voters, is to hold them accountable. We need to demand more than promises – we need action, and we need it now.
Don't let desperation cloud your judgment. True legalization is worth fighting for, and it's worth waiting for. Don't settle for less just because a politician makes a pretty promise. After all, a promise is just words until it's backed by action.
Remember what you're fighting for...
In the midst of political promises and watered-down proposals, it's crucial to remember why we started this fight in the first place. Don't let the sewage spilling from politicians' mouths distract you from the core issues at stake. Let's revisit the fundamental reasons behind our push for cannabis legalization and drug policy reform.
First and foremost, this is about full bodily autonomy. Prohibition of any substance is a direct assault on your right to make decisions about your own body and mind. As an adult, you should have the freedom to choose what you consume, whether for medicinal or recreational purposes. This is what true freedom means. Anything less implies that you don't fully own your body – that you're property of the state, and your rights are merely privileges granted at the government's discretion. Legalization is about reclaiming your ability to make informed choices about your health and consciousness without fear of persecution.
Secondly, we must acknowledge the colossal failure of the War on Drugs. This misguided policy has led to an explosion in drug trafficking, violent cartels, and government overreach. Banks have been caught red-handed laundering money for criminal organizations, while millions of non-violent individuals have been arrested and incarcerated for simply possessing or using substances not sanctioned by the "slave owners" in power. The War on Drugs has created far more problems than it has solved, and it's time to put an end to this destructive chapter in our history.
Medical freedom is another crucial aspect of our fight. For over five decades, the government has willfully suppressed research into psychedelics, cannabis, and other potentially beneficial substances. We're now discovering that many of these compounds perform better than pharmaceuticals in treating various conditions. It's no coincidence that Big Pharma loses approximately $10 billion in every state that legalizes medical or recreational cannabis. People should have the right to grow their own medicine at home and not be forced to rely on corrupt mega-corporations for their health needs.
Safety is a major concern that legalization addresses. Under prohibition, criminal cartels have grown incredibly wealthy, and children have become easier targets as street dealers don't check IDs. Moreover, all the potential tax revenue from cannabis sales has been funneled into illegal operations rather than benefiting communities and states. People want to be able to purchase their cannabis legally, knowing it comes from an ethical source, and not contribute to the violent cartels that often control illegal operations.
These are the real issues we're fighting for – not token gestures like diversity ownership programs or settling for half-measures like rescheduling to Schedule III. We want to end the madness that began in 1971 with the Controlled Substances Act and renegotiate our freedom to decide what we can and cannot put into our own bodies.
Don't let politicians distract you with empty promises and incremental changes. Remember that we're fighting for fundamental human rights – the right to bodily autonomy, medical freedom, and safety. We're fighting to end a failed and destructive war that has ruined countless lives. We're fighting for a future where individuals have the power to make their own choices about their health and consciousness.
As we navigate the complex landscape of cannabis reform, keep these core principles in mind. Don't settle for less than what we truly deserve – full legalization and an end to the oppressive policies that have caused so much harm. Stay focused, stay determined, and don't let desperation lead you to accept anything less than true freedom and justice.
THE PROS AND CONS OF CANNABIS LEGALIZATION, READ ON...
