Article in Esquire regarding Obama's plans for pot

[m.justice]

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/obama-marijuana-legalization-122308

I suppose it's good that "decriminalization" is on the table, but as a whole the article isn't at all heartening.   I've long said that America won't legalize weed until there is a real need to generate revenue - there is simply too many institutional "winners" in the continuation of the drug war - but that it would be hard to resist opening up that stream if the need were to strike.  This article makes it clear that Obama has no plans on using political capital on the marijuana issue and that a shift in focus to drugs as a health issue may take place as early as Obama's second term - which I think is a little presumptuous to even talk about at this point.  The discussion regarding drug czar picks is also discouraging. 

[Derek Rosenzweig]

I think he's going to wait until he's proven that he's true to his word as a leader on the issues he's made promises for. He needs for more people to trust him before he can convince people it's the right thing to do, and not get slammed in the media by the Republican and "Conservative" pundits. We will continue to get states to pass medical marijuana and legalized marijuana laws, and once a tipping point's been reached, Congress will have to start seriously considering new laws. That's when Obama will come out either strongly in support, or against. I'm betting he'll come out in support.

[1puffer]

I think he's going to wait until he's proven that he's true to his word as a leader on the issues he's made promises for.  (removed)

I agree, as the USPOS he has a few other responsibilities he needs to act on first. He alone cannot change marijuana laws.

On the other hand, if Mr Frank's bill ever makes it out of committee and to the floor for a votes,  and then to Mr Obama's desk then I'm pretty sure Obama would sign a bill that decriminalizes mj or at least mmj.