Staff Reports
The latest stunt in the ever-evolving political circus involves a marijuana legalization political action committee that’s on a quest to cozy up to President Trump. Dubbed the American Rights and Reform PAC, this group, which has a history under the name Legalize America, Inc., is setting aside a hefty seven-figure budget to roll out ads critiquing none other than former President Biden and, for some reason, our friendly neighbor to the north, Canada.
In the first of their two 30-second commercials, whimsically titled “Biden’s War,” the PAC takes a swipe at Biden’s administration for keeping cannabis classified as a Schedule I drug. This ad brings to light the medical benefits of marijuana, harking back to the “Make America Healthy Again” mantra propagated during the Trump presidency. The clever move here seems to aim at appealing to conservatives who argued and fought for the “right to try” law signed by Trump in 2018, which emphasized the importance of access to experimental medical treatments. The irony of Biden’s stance on cannabis certainly provides enough fodder for a solid campaign.
Marijuana legalization PAC aims to sway Trump with ads targeting Biden, Canadahttps://t.co/4DBuUaGE28
— The Dank Informer (@TheDankInformer) April 1, 2025
The second ad, amusingly named “Your Fight,” shifts gears to address Canada’s so-called offensive against American cannabis companies. Since cannabis is legal in the Great White North, their companies can engage in research and enjoy advantages such as being listed on stock exchanges. Meanwhile, American firms are left scrambling in the regulatory dark. This not-so-subtle jab at the Canadian market opens the door for the PAC to shout about an “America First” agenda, proposing that one solution is to simply reschedule cannabis. It seems like a brilliant combination of pushing the green agenda while defending American business interests, all while giving Biden a solid kick in the shins.
To make sure Trump gets the full dose of their creativity, the American Rights and Reform PAC is doubling down on advertising, targeting cable and streaming platforms in especially strategic locations like Washington, D.C., and West Palm Beach, Florida. The committee plans to shove more than $1 million into these ads over the span of a month. Apparently, the PAC seems to think that a few flashy commercials can sway Trump, a man who is known for his… unique approach to policymaking.
Interestingly enough, the man behind the curtain at the PAC, Matt Harrell, isn’t just your average Joe. He also serves as the vice president of government affairs for Curaleaf, a New York-based cannabis company. This connection suggests a delightful web of political and financial alliances that would make any conspiracy theorist’s head spin. Apparently, Harrell has been kicking some serious cash Trump’s way in the past—his company previously donated $250,000 to Trump’s inaugural committee. It’s a small world in the cannabis industry, isn’t it?
While the world watches this bizarre dance unfold, it’s clear that the stakes are high. This maneuvering not only seeks to reclaim ground on cannabis legalization but also takes a swing at the longstanding trade tensions with Canada. It turns out, not all battles for big policies are fought in the legislative halls—sometimes, they’re played out in a well-timed commercial break.
