As Americans head to the polls more divided than ever on social and economic issues, there’s one thing they’re actually coming together on: cannabis.
Much has been made of whether a victory for Democratic nominee Joe Biden, or a potential liberal sweep in the Senate, could bolster marijuana companies. But initiatives on the ballot in a handful of conservative states show Republicans are increasingly on board with legalization as well — perhaps paving the way for an end to federal prohibition, no matter who controls Washington.
"The prevailing wisdom has been that a conservative administration would be less receptive, but I think legalization is now inevitable on its own kinetic energy,” said Sturges Karban, chief executive officer of cannabis logistics company ManifestSeven. While federal legalization was a political "third rail” as recently as 2016, he said, it now looks as though 2021 will be a turning point for the industry.