In Historic Move, Biden Announces He Will Pardon Thousands of Federal Cannabis Offenses

In Historic Move, Biden Announces He Will Pardon Thousands of Federal Cannabis Offenses

Today, President Joe Biden announced that he will pardon those federally convicted of simple possession of cannabis. Additionally, he announced that he would direct U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra to begin the process of reviewing the classification of cannabis at the federal level.

of White House official statement was issued on October 6, and under current federal law, cannabis is classified as Schedule I alongside deadly drugs like fentanyl. will be considered.

new york times report The move marks more than 6,500 people convicted of federal crimes for simple possession of cannabis between 1992 and 2021, and thousands more convicted based in the District of Columbia. influence the judgment.

Biden: “As I’ve said before, you shouldn’t go to jail just for using or possessing marijuana.” murmured“Today I am taking steps to end my failed approaches.

Biden then offered three key points. Excuses all previous federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. Requires the governor to pardon simple state marijuana possession offenses. And finally, I asked Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to begin a process to consider how cannabis should be scheduled under federal law.

NORML leaders were cautiously optimistic, noting decades of efforts to get the White House’s attention for genuine cannabis reform at the federal level.

“Many of the efforts the President has taken and proposed today are long overdue,” said Eric Altieri, Executive Director of NORML. high times“For almost two years NORML has calling The administration will deliver on the president’s campaign promise to provide relief to those stigmatized for low levels of cannabis convictions. Today, President Biden will implement this pledge so that the tens of millions of Americans with state-level convictions for past marijuana crimes can finally move on with their lives. We are pleased to encourage governors to take similar steps.Since 1965, About 29 million Americans were arrested About Marijuana-Related Violations—About Their Activities Majority of voters believe it should no longer be a crime

“Going forward, the government must work with congressional leaders to repeal America’s failed Marijuana Criminalization Act. Nearly half of voters now agree to legalize marijuana. Should be a Congressional Priorityand such actions can only be performed by cannabis schedule adjustment Retired from the U.S. Controlled Substances Act and regulated in the same manner as alcohol. Congress, inspired by today’s administration’s actions, must act quickly and send legislation to the President’s desk that will help end this dark chapter in our history. ”

Congressional leaders, particularly members of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, applauded the move. The office of Rep. Earl Blumenauer, founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, also high times His official statement on this matter.

“Today, President Biden took an important step in the fight to end the federal government’s failed and discriminatory cannabis ban,” said Blumenauer. “No president has ever pardoned marijuana offenders on such a large scale. It is inconceivable that an American, an Indigenous American, would be imprisoned for simple, non-violent cannabis possession.”

“This is an important and important step forward for racial justice in a failed drug war that has often targeted people of color, especially black and Latinx men. , has been long overdue, but this is just the first of many steps this administration should take,” Blumenauer continued. “There are pending laws dealing with medical marijuana research and the ability of cannabis companies to access banking services, both of which have support in the House and Senate. It is important that governments use their full strengths to support them.

“There was a time when this was controversial,” MP Blumenauer added. “But for years, the federal government has been left behind by people and states who didn’t wait. We are ready to end this chapter of the failed war on drugs, and we welcome the action and stand behind some indisputable steps to promote justice, fairness and rational policies. We hope that it will be the first of an important step for

Khadijah Tribble, CEO of the United States Cannabis Council (USCC), also said Biden’s statement aligns with many of the council’s goals.

“President Biden is right: no one should go to jail for using or possessing marijuana. This is a particularly cathartic moment for black and brown communities disproportionately affected by the criminalization of cannabis.

“I commend the president for delivering on his campaign promise to grant amnesty to nonviolent cannabis criminals. The announcement marks the Biden administration’s appointment of the first advisers on cannabis research and regulation at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It takes place shortly after and further reinforces the fact that the question is not whether cannabis will be fully decriminalized, but when.

“It is time for the nation to reflect on its past mistakes, but at the same time it is time to look to the future. You must be able to participate profitably.

The Department of Justice will begin the process of offering pardon certificates to eligible people. United States of America today report.

Steve
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With two decades of dedicated experience, Nuggs is a seasoned cannabis writer and grower. His journey has been a harmonious blend of nurturing cannabis from seed to harvest and crafting insightful content. A true expert, they've honed strain-specific knowledge, cultivation techniques, and industry insights. His passion shines through enlightening articles and thriving gardens, making them a respected figure in both the growing and writing facets of the cannabis world.

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