President Biden’s historic announcement that he will be pardoning all people convicted of marijuana possession under federal law from 1992 to 2021, has provoked an outpouring of support and positive reaction from top cannabis professionals and advocates. Yet some note there’s more to be done.
President Biden’s historic announcement that he will be pardoning all people convicted of marijuana possession under federal law from 1992 to 2021 and that his administration will review whether marijuana should still be classified as a “Schedule 1 drug,” meaning it has no medical use and high potential for abuse, like heroin or LSD, has provoked a widespread outpouring of support from top cannabis professionals and advocates. Although some did question the timing of this milestone move, being that it’s only a month before the all-too critical November midterms, which could result in Democrats either losing or retaining Congress, most were overjoyed, feeling this could pave the way for the ultimate brass ring—federal legalization of cannabis.
Said Troy Datcher, CEO of San Jose, California-based omnichannel cannabis platform The Parent Company: “This is a critical first step towards addressing the wrong of “The War on Drugs,” which over decades resulted in the disproportionate incarceration of communities of color in America. We encourage Governors across the country to follow President Biden’s lead and pardon those convicted of cannabis possession at the state level, which comprise the vast majority of those convicted of cannabis crimes.
