Is the President Discovering the Political Benefits of Cannabis?
Late in his term (and on the eve of a visit to Jamaica), the former Choom Ganger finally seems to be softening toward his old friend.
A woman rolls a marijuana cigarette as photographed on August 30, 2014 in Bethpage, New York.
Photographer: Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
President Barack Obama is heading to Jamaica this week. No, there’s no "Choom Gang" reunion in the works, mon. He’s visiting a conference of Caribbean nations on the way to a summit in Panama.
You could hardly be blamed for entertaining a "second term, baby!" fantasy about the president's island itinerary, though, considering some of his recent words and moves about pot—and marijuana’s evolution in American politics. Much like gay marriage, it's become a kind of wedge issue, one which may play an important role in the next cycle. And recently, the president may have signaled his intent to make use of it.