President Biden has now hit one year in office; however, his campaign promises on cannabis policies remain unfulfilled. Although particular federal agencies have made positive reform steps, the administration stirred controversy over some outwardly hostile actions regarding cannabis policy.

Even though Biden made numerous pledges during his campaign trail, several vital factors remain unfilled. People are still in prison over non-violent cannabis offenses, and marijuana has not been decriminalized on a federal level. Nevertheless, one of Biden’s pledges while campaigning seems to progress, albeit lacking proper clarity. The government has allowed states to continue with reforms without federal intervention. 

On a slightly positive note, Biden signed the infrastructure bill, seeking to promote marijuana research. The University Of Denver is currently developing cannabis certificate programs that would provide vital industry insight to people interested in learning about the marijuana sector. The certificate program will cover Cannabis Law and Policy, the Business of Cannabis, and Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture. The incorporation of the cannabis industry in learning institutions is a huge step. It shows how research in the sector is likely to grow in the coming years.

Even though Biden’s first year in office brought some progress to the marijuana industry, some actions didn’t sit well with the cannabis community. For instance, he proposed that Washington, D.C, remain barred from legalizing the sale of marijuana. In addition, Biden himself hasn’t made any significant public remarks about marijuana policy since he entered the Oval Office. Last year, Vice President Kamala Harris said that the Biden administration isn’t focused on cannabis reform pledges since it has been overwhelmed by the COVID 19 pandemic.

Early 2021, the Biden administration came under fire following reports that claimed it had punished dozens of staffers who admitted to prior use of cannabis. Efforts by Jen Psaki, who tried to minimize the fallout, didn’t bear much fruit. Her office insisted that no one was fired. Nevertheless, she continued to dodge the topic declining to speak about the situation surrounding the suspension of the staffers.

Despite the rocky start of the new administration on fulfilling its pledges, many remain hopeful that a seismic shift in the cannabis sector is bound to happen sooner or later. As the new year begins, advocates plan to pressure the Biden administration to push for incremental reforms.

Changes in cannabis laws last year boosted the economy of numerous states. Companies operating in the respective states were permitted to sell various cannabis products and smoking accessories. As things progress, the cannabis community can expect to see policy changes that pertain to less punitive measures. Considering that different reform groups are at the forefront of pushing for changes in the industry, there is a likelihood that a lot could be achieved before the year comes to a close.