By The country overwhelmingly supports President Biden’s historic move on US marijuana policy. According to a study released on Tuesday.
A new poll by Politico and Morning Consult found that 40% of Americans “strongly support” the president’s actions and 25% “somewhat support”.
Mr. Biden announced last week that he would grant a pardon to all individuals convicted of marijuana-related crimes under federal law. This is a move that will affect thousands of Americans. We have asked the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to begin the administrative process.” It’s about to end
That’s welcome news for the majority of the country, according to a new poll.
Reported by Politico Nearly “two-thirds of voters said they supported granting amnesty to those convicted of non-violent federal marijuana,” compared with “less than one in four respondents.” [who] Opposed to amnesty for marijuana offenders. “
Polls also suggest that last week’s Biden announcement broke a super-saturated news cycle. As reported by Politico ‗More than two-thirds of respondents said they had often or somewhat heard about administrative sanctions, while only 32 said they had not heard much or never. % was.”
Biden’s pardon applies only to individuals convicted of violating federal law, but the president urged “all state governors to do the same for state crimes.”
In an announcement last week, Mr. Biden said, “As I often said during my presidential campaign, no one should be put in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.” We have claimed too many lives and imprisoned people for conduct the state no longer prohibits, and our criminal record for marijuana possession also imposes unnecessary barriers to employment, housing and educational opportunities. While whites, blacks, and browns use marijuana at similar rates, blacks and browns are disproportionately arrested, prosecuted, and convicted.”
He also framed the announcement as an important first step towards decriminalization.
“Federal law currently classifies marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, a classification that signifies the most dangerous substance. Even higher – drugs causing an overdose epidemic.
“Too many lives have been lost because of failed approaches to marijuana,” the president continued. “It’s time to right these wrongs.”
With the midterm elections less than a month away, Democrats hope Biden’s actions will empower them.
On Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris touted Biden’s move as a difference between the two parties and called on congressional and state elected officials to follow the administration’s lead.
“Let me just say this first. I strongly believe, and the majority of Americans agree, that no one should go to jail for smoking marijuana, right?” Harris said during the appearance. Late night with Seth Meyers“We are urging our governors and states to take our lead and pardon those who have become criminals for marijuana possession. Similarly, if Congress acts, there will be a unified approach to this and many other issues, but Congress needs to act.”
“There are 29 days left until the midterm elections,” the vice president added. “Ask who you’re voting for and what they think about this. I encourage you to vote accordingly.”
