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The Cannabis Conspiracy: A Pardon for Hunter Biden, but Not for the People?

Updated: Dec 17, 2024

The U.S. government’s recent maneuvers around cannabis reveal a maddening inconsistency that reeks of hypocrisy. Just yesterday, discussions on rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III were presented as a step forward—but this change is a bandage on a broken system. While President Biden’s administration claims progress, real reform eludes those who need it most.

Take the pardon of Hunter Biden as a glaring example of privilege in action. While Biden’s son walks free from charges that could ruin the lives of millions in less fortunate circumstances, countless Americans remain shackled by past cannabis-related convictions. The administration touts its 2022 pardons of federal simple possession cases, yet these impact a fraction of those incarcerated or struggling with the weight of their records—most of whom are targeted disproportionately because of race and socio-economic status.




Yesterday's meeting on rescheduling cannabis brought these inconsistencies into sharper focus. Moving cannabis to Schedule III may offer tax relief for businesses by removing IRS Section 280E penalties, but it keeps cannabis classified as a controlled substance alongside ketamine. This classification still criminalizes possession at the federal level, perpetuates stigmas, and stifles research. Why stop short of descheduling entirely when cannabis has demonstrated the potential to alleviate conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD more effectively—and often more affordably—than traditional pharmaceuticals?


Consider the staggering societal cost of prohibition. Each year, billions are funneled into arresting, prosecuting, and imprisoning people for cannabis-related offenses, while countless lives are derailed. Simultaneously, the healthcare system bleeds patients and taxpayers dry with expensive treatments that cannabis could replace or complement. How can the government justify policies that suppress a plant capable of reducing opioid dependencies and revolutionizing wellness?

This half-step reeks of political strategy rather than genuine reform. By keeping cannabis in a controlled category, the government maintains the status quo for pharmaceutical giants and law enforcement agencies profiting off the current system. It's a ply to appear progressive while protecting corporate interests.

The logic for full legalization is unassailable. Cannabis is safer than alcohol and tobacco, both legal substances. Studies consistently show cannabis’s medical benefits outweigh its risks, yet patients, entrepreneurs, and consumers face unnecessary barriers to access. The government’s failure to act decisively is a betrayal of public trust and an injustice to the countless lives still impacted by prohibition.

For too long, cannabis enthusiasts have been vilified and marginalized. Now is the time for solidarity and action. Visit azstoner.com to support independent voices and a grassroots movement pushing for true legalization, equity, and healing. Join us in fighting for a future where cannabis is no longer a crime but a cure.

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