In a surprise move, President Biden announced pardons for those convicted of marijuana possession under federal law and ordered his administration to review the drug’s status as a Schedule I substance similar to heroin and LSD. The move was largely unexpected, in that the President had previously signaled little interest in tackling the marijuana issue before the midterms. Still, the announcement reflects a fundamental shift in America’s response to cannabis, at a time when 19 states have legalized recreational pot and 39 medical marijuana, while it remains illegal under federal statutes. Biden stopped short of decriminalizing marijuana altogether, and the pardon is limited to crimes related to possession, not trafficking or distribution, and will affect around 6,500 people as well as thousands more in Washington, D.C. He also urged governors to do the same for those convicted on state charges of simple possession, who vastly outnumber those charged under federal laws. Advocates for minorities have long urged a pardon for such offenses, as part of criminal justice reforms, because minorities make up a disproportionate number of such convictions. Biden has made the right move, as nobody should be in jail for smoking a joint. But as legalization moves ahead in states, we must also focus on education and prevention programs for vulnerable young people, and instituting strong market rules and regulations to prevent sales to underage consumers and to protect them from highly potent THC products.
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Rosenthal Center for AddictIon Studies