Marijuana Reform in a New Light?

Chris Weigant, a political writer and blogger has been a contributor to the The Huffington Post since 2006, posted a blog titled Taking Marijuana Reform Seriously in which he points out how finally the “war on weed” is gaining some ground in political debates and conversation. Public opinion increasingly in favor of ending this war and reforming the policies that make it illegal are pressuring candidates to He brings to light the moderator’s lack of research and need for more direct questions, but gives applause that the issue is being approached with much more interest than ever before.

Weigant convincingly gives examples of dialogue used by politicians to maintain an ambiguous attitude towards federal legislation regarding marijuana reform. He shines light on some steps that could easily be ordered by the president (bypassing Congress) to downgrading marijuana’s federal classification.  He shows the absurdities of the Schedule I and II lists and how a simple downgrade could realign this argument into a productive solution.

What I really liked about the authors commentary was his ability to provide the questions he wishes the moderators would ask, along with follow up questions. I felt as though he was well informed and the validity of his questions would have some concrete response with possible steps forward in the struggle to end this senseless war.

Along with quotes taken from the recent Democratic debate and the president’s apathetic approach to policy change, Weigant contrasts these, with widespread public acceptance and demand for legalization attempting to illuminate the fact the conversation on reform is gaining ground.  I would speculate that his intended audience would be of like minded citizens who also consider the asinine laws and incarceration rates surrounding the “war on weed” as ridiculous and also to encourage those in the position of interviewing public officials to do some research and ask solid questions and demand substantial responses.

Supplementary to Weigant’s blog, I stumbled on this editorial on The New York Times site Congress and Obama Are Too Timid on Marijuana Reform, providing a little more affirmation the conversation is happening.