Biden Pardons Low-Level Marijuana Convictions
'No One Should Be in Jail Just for Using or Possessing Marijuana'
‘As I said when I ran for president, no one should be in jail for using or possessing marijuana.’
A statement that probably sealed many pro-cannabis individuals’ votes.
‘It’s already legal in many states and criminal records for marijuana possession have led to needless barriers to employment, to housing, and educational opportunities.’
It’s no surprise one’s criminal record affects their prospects, and if it is ‘already legal in many states,’ isn’t this pardon long overdue?
'And That's Before You Address the Racial Disparities…'
‘While white and Black and Brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and Brown people are arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionately higher rates.’
So, if marijuana and its users aren’t problematic, it seems like the president is indirectly saying it’s the racist people enforcing cannabis laws that are the problem (but we’re no political experts).
The War on Drugs Used a 'Failed Approach'
Joe Biden states the War on Drugs utilized a ‘failed approach’ and announced a mass pardon for folks with federal marijuana charges over “simple possession.’ The news is a significant step toward national cannabis decriminalization and a huge win for criminal justice advocates.
Likewise, Biden is ‘calling on all governors to do the same for state marijuana possession offenses.’ State pardons will free up prisons and allow functioning weed-smoking members of society to find employment, housing, and pursue higher education.
Reschedule Marijuana but Maintain 'Trafficking, Marketing, and Underage Sales' Limitations
Biden is asking ‘the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to initiate a process to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.’ Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance, equal to heroin and LSD, and ‘more serious than fentanyl.’
‘Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.’
Watch: Biden Explains Why He is Pardoning Low-Level Marijuana Convictions
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