Joe Biden turns populist as election approaches

With the US election just six months away, Joe Biden is pushing through numerous agenda items aimed at winning over ambivalent voters. From federal loan forgiveness to isolationist economic measures to a loosening of regulations on cigarettes and marijuana, the President is seeking to shore up support on both sides of the political aisle.

News broke this week that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is reclassifying marijuana as less dangerous, and will now be considered alongside drugs such as ketamine rather than heroin. This is a sign that the administration is falling in line with popular opinion — the vast majority of Americans support legalising marijuana. The move is the latest in a string of recent policy changes that could help the President improve his wavering lead with traditionally Democratic voters.