As Canadians, we watch our neighbours to the south with great interest — especially when it comes to cannabis policy. The 2020 U.S. Presidential race came down to two candidates: Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Along the way, high-profile names like Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Mike Bloomberg dropped out of the running. Once again, it was a final face-off between one Democrat (Biden) and one Republican (Trump). While we're not here to weigh in on American political views, we feel it's worth reviewing each candidate's final stance on marijuana — particularly as it may influence cannabis policy here in Canada.
First things first, we know politics can often bring up sensitivities on both sides of the border. Please note that we will not try to convince you to support either candidate. Our plan for today is simple: review the final thoughts of Biden and Trump on marijuana. What did they have in store should they be elected? What does the future of marijuana look like with Biden or Trump in the White House?
Federal Legalization In The U.S. In 2020
While Canada proudly led the way with federal cannabis legalisation under the Cannabis Act back in 2018, the same could not be said for the United States heading into 2020. Federal legalisation of marijuana south of the border seemed highly unlikely, as neither Biden nor Trump had it at the top of their to-do list. It was a shame, really, since earlier candidates like Sanders and Warren had both expressed support for broad cannabis reform.
Wavering Stances On Both Sides
Surely, we don't have to tell you that politicians speak out of both sides of their mouths. They bend the truth for the sake of votes, which counts for both Donald Trump and Joe Biden. In the past, when asked about their viewpoints on marijuana, they often flip-flopped their answers. Here's a recent example with Biden.
In a March 2020 interview, the former Vice President mistakenly said that he would "legalise" marijuana, quickly correcting himself to clarify that he would simply decriminalise possession of a certain amount. "There is evidence that we have to do some more study on the impact on mental acuity," he added, "I would decriminalise and I would provide for the ability of the researchers to get in and make sure we got it right this time."
As for Trump, similar mixed messages emerged. Prior to his Presidency, he expressed support for medical marijuana as well as for allowing individual states to decide whether to legalise or not. But then everything changed. As President, Trump perpetuated the War on Drugs, a campaign that has imprisoned countless Americans on drug charges (including marijuana).
What Donald Trump and Joe Biden Agree On…
Once in a blue moon, a Democrat and a Republican agree on something. Both candidates support further research on marijuana but would not further legalise it until supportive studies come through. For example, Trump believes marijuana hurts your IQ. No, really, that's a direct quote. "In Colorado, they have more accidents [because of legal marijuana]," he said. "It does cause an IQ problem."
To the press, Biden expressed his concerns that marijuana could (and likely would) lead to harder, more dangerous drug use. "I still believe it's a gateway drug. I've spent a lot of my life as chairman of the Judiciary Committee dealing with this. I think it would be a mistake to legalise," he told ABC News in 2010. "There's not nearly been enough evidence that has been acquired as to whether or not it is a gateway drug."
If Trump Had Been Re-Elected…
After four years of Trump's presidency, not a lot changed in the marijuana department. As he once said, it was up to individual states and their governors to legalise cannabis if they so desired. Had he been re-elected, few observers expected much progress on legalisation or decriminalisation at the federal level.
What Biden Promised…
In that March 2020 interview mentioned earlier, Biden expressed his plan to decriminalise marijuana. "Any conviction at all for marijuana now or in the future or in the past, your record should be wiped clean. It's not something that is going to send anybody to jail." Progress!!!
COVID-19's Impact On Marijuana
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, both countries undoubtedly had larger fish to fry than the matter of marijuana legalisation. Politics aside, governments on both sides of the border had to think about the economy and how to reopen it. They had to shore up healthcare systems so that everyone could get tested and eventually treated. It was no surprise that Trump and Biden both put marijuana legalisation on the backburner as they grappled with the pandemic.
What Do You Think?
As Canadians who already enjoy federally legal cannabis under the Cannabis Act, it's fascinating — and at times reassuring — to watch U.S. politicians slowly inch toward the kind of progress we've already made here at home. Whether you think Trump or Biden better represents the direction cannabis policy should take south of the border, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Or perhaps you feel that neither candidate truly champions meaningful reform. We're not here to judge or change your mind — just to keep the conversation going.