A Case for the Single-Issue Voter: Cannabis Legalization

What started as a lighthearted quip on High Spirits: The Cannabis Business Podcast , about my unwavering support for cannabis legalization—perhaps as much a tactic to sidestep divisive political conversation as anything else—got me thinking more seriously about the issue. Could it actually be defensible to cast your vote based solely on cannabis policy? As I pondered this, I began to realize the depth and breadth of impact that cannabis legalization holds across public health, economic development, environmental benefits, and social equity. Here's why cannabis could—and perhaps should—be the single issue that guides voters to the polls.

Public Health and Harm Reduction

Cannabis has been used medicinally for centuries, with ancient societies relying on its therapeutic benefits for everything from pain relief to stress reduction. Today, a growing body of research and anecdotal evidence underscores cannabis's medicinal potential. Consider its role in treating conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and anxiety, conditions that conventional pharmaceuticals can often treat but sometimes with serious side effects. CBD, for instance, has shown efficacy in reducing seizures in epilepsy patients, even when other treatments have fallen short. Similarly, THC has been widely used to manage chronic pain, offering a less addictive alternative to opioids.

The statistics on opioid overdoses are sobering: in 2022 alone, the CDC reported more than 100,000 opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. Comparatively, cannabis-related deaths remain incredibly rare, and studies have shown it can help those with opioid use disorder taper off more dangerous substances. In addition, cannabis offers a viable alternative to alcohol, a substance with an estimated 95,000 annual deaths in the U.S. alone. This is why harm reduction advocates often argue that providing a legal, regulated, and safer alternative could save lives.

Economic Benefit and Jobs

The cannabis industry’s economic potential, particularly with the recent rise of THC-infused beverages, is monumental. Industry experts forecast that THC beverages could eventually capture 10-20% of alcohol’s market share—a share of what is currently a $1.6 trillion global industry. Imagine the job creation potential this holds across cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail beyond beverage. These jobs wouldn't just exist in urban centers; they would touch every sector, including rural communities where farming is critical to local economies.

Additionally, as cannabis grows into an agricultural staple, it could provide a much-needed diversification for the U.S. agricultural sector. Currently, corn is the most heavily subsidized crop in the United States, costing taxpayers billions annually. Shifting demand toward hemp and cannabis could mitigate this reliance on corn and provide sustainable alternatives, impacting everything from government spending to soil health. Legalization would bring massive tax revenues, estimated to reach billions annually, that could go towards education, infrastructure, and other pressing needs.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Beyond its health and economic benefits, cannabis—and particularly the hemp variety—offers substantial environmental advantages, making it an invaluable tool for sustainable development. Cannabis sequesters CO2 effectively, capturing up to 1.63 tons of CO2 per ton harvested, which is more efficient than many tree species. This carbon-harvesting ability not only offsets emissions but also contributes to restoring soil health. Through phytoremediation, hemp absorbs pollutants like heavy metals from contaminated soils, allowing for eco-friendly land restoration. As a fast-growing, low-maintenance crop, it requires less water and fewer pesticides than traditional crops, reducing strain on water resources and minimizing chemical runoff.

Cannabis also provides renewable, sustainable alternatives to resource-intensive materials. Its fibers can be processed into biodegradable plastics, textiles, paper, and even “hempcrete,” a more insulating and eco-friendly building material. Hemp seeds are nutrient-dense, offering complete proteins and essential fatty acids, making them a sustainable food source. By integrating cannabis into our agricultural practices, we can reduce dependency on crops like cotton and corn, alleviate environmental pressures, and promote a greener, more sustainable future.

Social Justice and Equity

The War on Drugs has left deep, painful scars on marginalized communities, disproportionately affecting people of color. It’s true this narrative has become familiar, but acknowledging it doesn’t make it any less pressing. Legalizing cannabis and decriminalizing possession and use could significantly reduce arrest rates in these communities, where individuals have been penalized for decades over nonviolent cannabis offenses.

Legalization also presents an opportunity to rectify these injustices through social equity programs that support minority-owned businesses and reinvest in affected communities. While some states have pioneered social equity initiatives, the country as a whole has a long way to go. Reversing the damage inflicted by cannabis criminalization is not just about pardons or policy shifts; it’s about rebuilding the social fabric of a nation that has unfairly targeted entire demographics over a plant.

Unchanging "Critical" Issues: Why Cannabis Might Be the Worthiest Cause

It’s tempting to argue that every election cycle brings forth a new set of "critical" issues, from national debt to immigration. Yet, if we look closely at these issues over the last few administrations, it becomes clear that true change is rarely achieved, regardless of which party is in office.

Consider the national debt, which now exceeds $33 trillion. Both Democrats and Republicans have overseen staggering increases in debt over the years, despite campaign promises to curb spending. Economic responsibility has become less of a partisan issue and more of a national problem, one neither party has effectively addressed.

In foreign affairs, both parties have a mixed track record, with prolonged conflicts and international tensions that transcend partisan lines. The Afghanistan conflict, which spanned four administrations, illustrates how war policy can continue in spite of leadership changes.

Border control, too, is a topic that stirs intense debate, yet substantial policy shifts remain elusive. Despite years of back-and-forth, immigration policy often seems caught in a loop, with no significant or permanent changes to be seen.

Cannabis: A Step Forward with Ripple Effects

While the challenges of national debt, foreign policy, and immigration are complex and nuanced, cannabis legalization stands out as an issue with clear, positive implications. Legalizing cannabis is a tangible step that would promote public health, drive economic growth, and address long-standing social injustices.

As society pushes forward, we may find that the impact of cannabis legalization goes beyond the industry itself. It could influence other societal areas, from criminal justice reform to mental health treatment. Legalization is not just about a right to use or consume; it’s about creating a healthier, more equitable, and economically vibrant society.

Get Out and Vote!

This election season, let us focus not on whether I'm really serious about being a single-issue voter or not, but on what we can achieve together, regardless of political affiliation. At Vertosa , we've committed to this vision by making Tuesday a company holiday, empowering our entire team to exercise their civic duty. Whether you’re a single-issue voter or are deeply considering every topic, let your voice be heard. We are at a pivotal moment in history where one issue—cannabis legalization—can catalyze change that resonates through many others.

??? Vote cannabis! -B.