Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is under pressure to embrace nationwide marijuana legalization as a policy objective, but he has so far refused out of concern for public health and the lack of scientific evidence about pot’s safety. Pundits believe Biden could pick up the youth and progressive vote by going all in on legalization, as the movement for cannabis reform accelerates amid calls for changes to the criminal justice system. Yet Biden is holding out, saying he wants to be assured that legalizing won’t lead to serious mental or physical problems, in teens or adults, and he has asked for the latest science to guide his policymaking.
At the moment, his marijuana plan calls for decriminalization, expunging criminal records, and moving de-listing pot as a Schedule 1 narcotic, while allowing states that are legal to stay that way. What Biden is proposing sounds like a sensible plan, but in a tight electoral year he might eventually bow to pressure to adopt a more liberal stance on marijuana.
Meanwhile, drug treatment facilities are adopting hospital-level safety protocols to protect patients and staff from COVID-19. In many rehab centers, they are testing incoming patients for corona virus and maintaining social distancing. In part, the new measures are necessary because many people suffering from substance abuse suffer from a number of underlying conditions that might increase their susceptibility to COVID-19.
And finally, Colorado has filed a lawsuit against e-cigarette maker Juul, accusing the company of marketing its products to young people and downplaying the health risks of vaping. The legal action comes after a study showed that in 2018 Colorado had the nation’s highest youth vaping rate.