Obama really could magically make the medical marijuana issue disappear...

...if it became the more politically pragmatic solution to actually do so. And from what we're seeing lately regarding this issue, I believe it actually is becoming the more politically pragmatic solution.

By executive order, the president could reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III or IV, as provided by law in the Controlled Substance Act. Pharmaceutical companies have won the reclassification of controlled substances. It's way past time for The People to also claim victory in the area.

Nothing would be smarter politically if the Democratic party is interested in guaranteeing young voter turnout. Marijuana laws hit young people particularly hard with the threat of incarceration, losing college financial aid, and having to report that you have an arrest record every time you apply for a job, for the rest of your life. There's no underestimating how much young people are aware of the insanity of these laws. And there's no underestimating the solidarity that could be generated by demonstrating good faith on this issue.

Rescheduling would also put an end to the ridiculous state vs federal dispute, allowing patients and dispensaries the freedom to treat pain while engaging in fair trade. It's humane and it's an issue of liberty.

From what I'm observing, people intend to vote Democratic, but they also intend to hold the party's feet to the fire to support us right back with policy decisions that reflect the popular will instead of the monied interest. This goes for many policy disputes beyond marijuana, from women's reproductive freedom to LGBT rights, wage issues and tax fairness.

We've turned a corner. We're seeing past personalities to the issues that impact our lives.

Obama can indeed make things right -- that's why we vote for him. He can make the issue of MMJ/drug war go away. It is within his power and ability. He just needs to do it. It's time.