Biden's Marijuana Move: A Strategic Bid for Young Voters in 2024

In a groundbreaking move, President Joe Biden, in his recent State of the Union Address, shifted the spotlight to marijuana reform, signaling a strategic maneuver to capture the support of a significant voter segment, particularly the youth. The unexpected mention of marijuana in such a pivotal speech underscores Biden's intent to address pressing issues and align himself with the sentiments of a diverse electorate.

It was a first by any American president. US President Joe Biden spoke about marijuana in his last State of the Union Address before the 2024 polls, and outlined the need to end imprisonment for mere possession of marijuana.

"The 81-year-old American President took to X too, to emphasize his stance, saying, 'No one should be jailed for using or possessing marijuana,'" reported India Today News Desk.

Biden's use of pot in the most-watched speech by US presidents was aimed at younger voters in a poll year.

President Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of the use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, in December 2023.

"Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities," Biden said in his 2023 statement. "Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs."

Biden's move is not merely a shift in drug policy but a calculated political strategy. With the upcoming 2024 presidential election where Biden is likely to face off against former President Donald Trump, polls indicate a challenging landscape for the current president.

A recent New York Times/Siena College poll suggested that if the polling happened in the first week of March, 48% would vote for Donald Trump, while 43% would go with Biden. The remaining 10% did not know their choices or refused to comment.

In an attempt to counter this trend, Biden strategically embraced marijuana reform, a move that resonates strongly with the younger demographic. A nationwide Politico survey showcased substantial support from the 18-to-25-year-old age group for Biden's proposal to reclassify marijuana to a less restrictive category under federal law. Approximately 58% of likely voters in this age range endorsed the administration's stance on relaxing federal regulations on marijuana.

Moreover, the same survey revealed that 65% of voters in the 18-to-25-year bracket supported the Biden administration's plans to relax the criminalizing of marijuana possession. This highlights the significance of Biden's marijuana move in securing the backing of the youth, a demographic crucial in shaping electoral outcomes.

To further gauge the political landscape, another poll conducted by Lake Research Partners, funded by the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform (CCSR), indicated a positive shift in sentiments towards President Biden if he follows through on his promise to reschedule cannabis. This sentiment, particularly strong among the youth, emphasizes the impact of Biden's strategic outreach.

The move to decriminalize marijuana aligns with broader perspectives on cannabis legality in the United States. The Lake Research poll found that 70% of Americans believe weed should be legal, with around 80% of Democrats expressing support for cannabis legalization.

President Biden's calculated mention of marijuana in his State of the Union Address goes beyond drug policy—it's a calculated political maneuver aimed at securing the allegiance of young voters. This strategic move, coupled with other initiatives like student loan forgiveness, showcases Biden's efforts to resonate with the concerns and preferences of the youth as he heads towards a closely contested rematch with his Republican counterpart.

In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, Biden's marijuana move serves as a testament to the adaptability and strategic acumen required to navigate the diverse interests of the electorate, especially in a pivotal election year.