LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate progressive/liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor progressive/liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) as left-center biased based on their advocacy for marijuana legalization and focus on social justice, which aligns with progressive values. However, due to a lack of transparency in finances, their factuality rating is mostly factual instead of High due to lack of transparency in their funding sources.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Established in 1995, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is a D.C.-based 501(c)(4) non-profit that aims to replace marijuana prohibition with sensible regulation and control. They lobby Congress and state legislatures to change cannabis laws, with a focus on state-level reform to build momentum for federal legalization. The MPP also works to prevent discrimination against people because of marijuana laws. The project has three branches:
- MPP (lobbying and ballot initiatives).
- MPP Foundation (educational branch).
- MPP PAC (donates to congressional candidates).
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded By / Ownership
The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is a non-profit organization, meaning it doesn’t have owners in the traditional sense. It operates under the guidance of Executive Director Matthew Schweich and relies primarily on donations for funding. The MPP’s website lists a page for tax documents, but only the 2019 and 2021 Marijuana Policy Project Foundation (MPPF) 990 form tax forms are currently available. Links to 2021 The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) tax documents appear broken, and their most recent financial disclosure is inaccessible.
Analysis / Bias
The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) website offers information on various aspects of cannabis policy, including legalization. For example, their report, “Cannabis Tax Revenue in States that Regulate Cannabis for Adult Use,” focuses on the economic impact of legalization through tax revenue collected in various states.
The report presents data on tax revenue generated from adult-use cannabis sales, citing credible sources such as government websites from multiple states (e.g., Colorado Department of Revenue, Washington State Department of Revenue). It highlights the positive economic impact of legalization for these states. However, it also acknowledges a recent decrease in revenue and analyzes the factors contributing to this decline, including competition from unregulated synthetic cannabinoids and lower prices due to oversupply.
This report provides a focused perspective on the economic benefits of cannabis legalization for states that have implemented it. It acknowledges a recent decrease in revenue and utilizes data from credible sources, such as government websites, to support its claims. While the report is produced by an organization advocating for legalization, it attempts to analyze the decrease in revenue, suggesting an openness to considering other factors.
Another article analyzed was a blog post, “Major Federal Policy Update. Biden Administration Recommends Rescheduling Cannabis.” The article frames the Biden Administration’s recommendation to reschedule cannabis as a positive step, though MPP still supports full descheduling. The article discusses the potential benefits of rescheduling cannabis, such as more accessible research and reduced burdens on patients. It also details the history of cannabis prohibition and medicinal use. The article links to a press release from MPP but lacks citations from independent sources to support the potential impact of rescheduling.
Finally, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) supports politicians who align with its goals, such as Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson in the 2016 election cycle. The Marijuana Policy Project’s (MPP) focus on reducing penalties and racial disparities in marijuana arrests aligns with a perspective that emphasizes social justice and reducing the criminal justice system’s impact on minority communities.
In general, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) leans left on marijuana policy issues. Their advocacy for legalization and focus on social justice align with progressive values. While reasonably factual, a lack of transparency with finances and a lack of citations on some articles impact its factual rating.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the last 5 years.
Overall, we rate the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) as left-center biased based on their advocacy for marijuana legalization and focus on social justice, which aligns with progressive values. However, due to a lack of transparency in finances, their factuality rating is mostly factual instead of High due to lack of transparency in their funding sources. (M. Huitsing 05/01/2024)
Source: https://www.mpp.org/
Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by Media Bias Fact Check
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