To galvanize voters, the Biden Administration must reject half-step on marijuana reform
7 months ago

To galvanize voters, the Biden Administration must reject half-step on marijuana reform

Salon  

During the 2020 presidential campaign, then-candidate Joe Biden repeatedly pledged to decriminalize marijuana and automatically expunge marijuana records – identifying these issues as barriers to racial equity. But here’s the truth: rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III, as Biden’s DEA is proposing, would maintain federal criminalization. The CAOA would not only federally decriminalize marijuana and automatically expunge federal marijuana records but would create a regulatory framework rooted in social equity that prioritizes public health, upholds states' rights, protects workplace safety, creates economic opportunities for small businesses and addresses the harms of the failed war on drugs. Biden can also take executive action in support of expanded pardons and commutations, protection of state marijuana programs, and directing federal agencies to stop punishing people for marijuana use. Biden has the power to urge his Administration and Congress to federally decriminalize marijuana, end punishments associated with marijuana criminalization, and begin the process of creating a federal regulatory framework that prioritizes public health and reinvests in people.

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History of this topic

Trump plans to revoke many Biden policies. Where does that leave marijuana?
1 month, 1 week ago

Trump plans to revoke many Biden policies. Where does that leave marijuana?

NPR  

Trump plans to revoke many Biden policies. "We didn't see a lot of activity from President Trump, if any at all, on cannabis reform" in his first term, Culver says. "When Trump was president first time around, we had an attorney general that was absolutely -- I would consider him a prohibitionist," Culver says, referring to former Attorney General Jeff …

Trump signals support for reclassifying pot as a less dangerous drug, in line with Harris’ position
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Trump signals support for reclassifying pot as a less dangerous drug, in line with Harris’ position

Associated Press  

▶ Follow the AP’s live coverage and analysis as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris meet for their first debate. WASHINGTON — Donald Trump has signaled support for a potentially historic federal policy shift to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, putting his position in line with that of his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris. The commonality reflects a major shift …

A decision on a major policy shift on marijuana won’t come until after the presidential election
3 months, 3 weeks ago

A decision on a major policy shift on marijuana won’t come until after the presidential election

Associated Press  

Follow live: Updates from AP’s coverage of the presidential election. While it’s possible it could precede the end of President Joe Biden’s term, issuing it before Inauguration Day “would be pretty expedited,” said cannabis lawyer Brian Vicente. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, signaled support for a Florida legalization measure on Saturday, following earlier comments that he increasingly agrees …

Biden administration proposes to reclassify marijuana as low risk drug
7 months, 1 week ago

Biden administration proposes to reclassify marijuana as low risk drug

Firstpost  

Marijuana has been classified since 1970 as a so-called Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act – the same level as heroin, ecstasy and LSD. That classification means it is deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse US President Joe Biden’s administration formally proposed on Thursday reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, …

Joe Biden says ‘No one should be in jail merely for using marijuana’ as US proposes reclassifying the drug as low-risk
7 months, 1 week ago

Joe Biden says ‘No one should be in jail merely for using marijuana’ as US proposes reclassifying the drug as low-risk

Hindustan Times  

US President Joe Biden's administration formally proposed on Thursday reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift that would bring federal policy more in line with public opinion. Biden administration moves to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug The proposal to reclassify cannabis was unveiled by the Biden administration at the end of April and the Justice Department …

Biden announces cannabis rescheduling proposal, downgrading criminal penalties for marijuana
7 months, 1 week ago

Biden announces cannabis rescheduling proposal, downgrading criminal penalties for marijuana

Salon  

In a historic announcement Thursday, President Joe Biden said that his administration would move to formally reschedule cannabis under federal law. The White House's move comes less than three weeks after the Justice Department confirmed that the Drug Enforcement Agency would also reclassify cannabis. In a briefing following Biden's announcement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the reclassification a …

Editorial: Biden’s plan to reschedule marijuana may finally end ‘Reefer Madness’
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Editorial: Biden’s plan to reschedule marijuana may finally end ‘Reefer Madness’

LA Times  

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency plans to reclassify marijuana from the most restrictive category — Schedule I, up there with heroin — down to Schedule III, in the company of testosterone and Tylenol with codeine. It’s ridiculous that we lack the answers, especially considering that 24 states plus the District of Columbia have made marijuana legal for adult recreational use …

Marijuana backers eye proposed federal regulatory change as an aid to legalizing pot in more states
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Marijuana backers eye proposed federal regulatory change as an aid to legalizing pot in more states

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Following two previous failed attempts, …

Editorial: Reclassifying marijuana is not decriminalization, but is a welcome step in that direction
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Editorial: Reclassifying marijuana is not decriminalization, but is a welcome step in that direction

LA Times  

The news Tuesday that the Justice Department plans to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug is most welcome. Moving the substance from Schedule I, for the most dangerous and abused drugs, to Schedule III as the DOJ proposes, wouldn’t go that far, but it would be a meaningful step in the right direction. Americans have scoffed at marijuana prohibitions …

US to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug in historic shift
7 months, 3 weeks ago

US to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug in historic shift

Al Jazeera  

Shares of cannabis companies surge as much as 80 percent after move to classify drug as schedule three substance. The United States has moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in a historic shift that sent shares in cannabis firms soaring. The US Justice Department’s recommendation on Tuesday that cannabis be classified as a schedule three drug – …

Biden’s historic marijuana shift is his latest election year move for young voters
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Biden’s historic marijuana shift is his latest election year move for young voters

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — President Joe Biden may eventually ban TikTok, but he’s moving to give something back to the young people who dominate the popular social media app — a looser federal grip on marijuana. Facing softening support from a left-leaning voting group that will be crucial to his reelection hopes in November, Biden has made a number of election year …

What marijuana reclassification means for the U.S.
7 months, 3 weeks ago

What marijuana reclassification means for the U.S.

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is moving toward reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. No changes are expected to the medical marijuana programs now licensed in 38 states or the legal recreational cannabis markets in 23 states, but it’s unlikely they would meet the federal production, record-keeping, prescribing and other requirements for Schedule III drugs. “Put simple, …

Biden, at risk with young voters, is racing to shift marijuana policy
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Biden, at risk with young voters, is racing to shift marijuana policy

LA Times  

A Biden campaign aide said marijuana policy is one of a number of issues the campaign believes will motivate young people. Vice President Kamala Harris looked up from prepared remarks in the White House’s ornate Roosevelt Room this month to make sure the reporters there could hear her clearly: “Nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed.” Harris’ …

Vice president criticizes federal cannabis restrictions during White House weed event
9 months, 1 week ago

Vice president criticizes federal cannabis restrictions during White House weed event

Politico  

Vice President Kamala Harris called the current classification of marijuana under federal law “absurd” during a White House event on Friday, and said she is looking forward to seeing what the Drug Enforcement Administration decides about moving it to a different category. “I’m sure DEA is working as quickly as possible and will continue to do so, and we look …

Granderson: Marijuana isn't fueling cartels. U.S. laws drive the violence
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Granderson: Marijuana isn't fueling cartels. U.S. laws drive the violence

LA Times  

Police found six people shot to death last week near U.S. Highway 395 — roughly 50 miles outside of Los Angeles. The 1969 stoner film “Easy Rider” may have been characterized as “counterculture,” given only 12% of Americans thought pot should be legal at the time, but in hindsight that picture of recreational drug use in America wasn’t “counter” as …

Senate Democrats Urge Biden To Deschedule Marijuana Entirely
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Senate Democrats Urge Biden To Deschedule Marijuana Entirely

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING A group of 12 Senate Democrats on Monday urged the Biden administration to remove marijuana from the list of harmful drugs outlawed by the federal government, arguing that simply reclassifying it as less dangerous would be insufficient. In the letter, addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Drug Enforcement Agency Administrator Anne Milgram, the senators said a …

Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges and cuts non-violent drug sentences
1 year ago

Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges and cuts non-violent drug sentences

ABC  

US President Joe Biden has reduced the prison terms of 11 people serving decades-long sentences for non-violent drug charges and pardoned potentially thousands of others with federal or Washington, DC marijuana possession offences. Key points: Thousands of people convicted of simple possession of cannabis have been pardoned in the US Joe Biden's latest round of clemencies are targeting racial disparities …

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington
1 year ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system. The categorical pardon builds on a similar round issued just before …

Biden pardons thousands of marijuana offenders, gives clemency to 11 people
1 year ago

Biden pardons thousands of marijuana offenders, gives clemency to 11 people

Al Jazeera  

The US president says the actions are meant to address disparities in sentencing that have long taken a toll on the Black community. US President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of people convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, says the White House. Biden has also granted clemency to 11 …

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington
1 year ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington

LA Times  

A demonstrator waves a flag with marijuana leaves depicted on it during a protest calling for the legalization of marijuana outside of the White House. President Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of …

US regulators might change how they classify marijuana. Here’s what that would mean
1 year, 3 months ago

US regulators might change how they classify marijuana. Here’s what that would mean

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The news lit up the world of weed: U.S. health regulators are suggesting that the federal government loosen restrictions on marijuana. Specifically, the federal Health and Human Services Department has recommended taking marijuana out of a category of drugs deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” The agency advised moving …

US regulators might change how they classify marijuana. Here's what that would mean
1 year, 3 months ago

US regulators might change how they classify marijuana. Here's what that would mean

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Specifically, the federal Health and Human Services Department has …

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri
2 years, 1 month ago

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri

Associated Press  

— Voters approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in three other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalization even in conservative parts of the country. “State-level legalization victories are what’s necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level.” The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. “Now they know that …

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri
2 years, 1 month ago

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri

Associated Press  

— Voters approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in two other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalization even in conservative parts of the country. “State-level legalization victories are what’s necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level.” The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. “It’s pretty clear North …

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana
2 years, 1 month ago

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana

Firstpost  

The proposals are on the ballot in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota and follow moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana Arkansas: Voters in five states are deciding on Election Day whether to approve recreational marijuana, a move that could signal a major shift toward legalization in even the most conservative parts of the country. The …

EXPLAINED: Which US States Put Marijuana On The Ballot in 2022?
2 years, 1 month ago

EXPLAINED: Which US States Put Marijuana On The Ballot in 2022?

News 18  

Recreational marijuana could be legal in half the country if the handful of states with cannabis measures on ballots this November pass them. Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota have measures on their ballots this fall for voters to consider legalizing recreational marijuana. The Arkansas Supreme Court cleared the way in September for voters to consider whether people …

EXPLAINER: Which states put marijuana on the ballot in 2022?
2 years, 1 month ago

EXPLAINER: Which states put marijuana on the ballot in 2022?

Associated Press  

Recreational marijuana could be legal in half the country if the handful of states with cannabis measures on ballots this November pass them. Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota have measures on their ballots this fall for voters to consider legalizing recreational marijuana. — The Arkansas Supreme Court cleared the way in September for voters to consider whether …

Biden’s Focus on Marijuana Is Part of the Problem
54 years, 11 months ago

Biden’s Focus on Marijuana Is Part of the Problem

Slate  

This story was produced in partnership with the Garrison Project, an independent, nonpartisan organization addressing the crisis of mass incarceration and policing. He pledged to pardon everyone convicted in federal or Washington, DC courts of simple marijuana possession; encouraged governors to do the same for those convicted in state courts; and he promised he would ask his Secretary of Health …

Biden’s pot pardons could boost states’ legalization drives
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden’s pot pardons could boost states’ legalization drives

Associated Press  

— There are few surprises expected on Election Day in solidly Republican Arkansas, where Donald Trump’s former press secretary is heavily favored in the race for governor and other GOP candidates are considered locks. President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he will pardon thousands of people for simple marijuana possession has shined a new spotlight on the legalization efforts in …

Most People With Weed Convictions Don’t Qualify For Biden’s Pardons
2 years, 2 months ago

Most People With Weed Convictions Don’t Qualify For Biden’s Pardons

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING President Joe Biden pardoned every person convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law last week as policymakers belatedly recognize that people should not have their lives ruined over a drug that is now legal for recreational use in 19 states. No one is currently incarcerated in federal prison solely on simple possession charges, but the pardons …

Biden wants to review marijuana’s schedule 1 status. That could help researchers.
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden wants to review marijuana’s schedule 1 status. That could help researchers.

Slate  

On Thursday, President Joe Biden made three pretty surprising statements regarding marijuana reform. “We then have to show the DEA that we’re going to store this incredibly dangerous product in a very safe way,” says Margaret Haney, the director of Columbia University’s Cannabis Research Laboratory. “This leaves us with a society in which we’re not getting the key answer to …

Why Biden’s Marijuana Pardons Are Not Enough
2 years, 2 months ago

Why Biden’s Marijuana Pardons Are Not Enough

Slate  

No prisoners will walk free following President Joe Biden’s pardon, last week, of low-level marijuana offenders. Several months after the state legalized medical marijuana, Mississippi’s Supreme Court upheld a life sentence for Allen Russell, who’d been convicted of possessing about an ounce. One reason illegal operators do so well is they don’t tax upward of 35 percent, which state consumers …

Joe Biden's cannabis pardons matter — but the war on drugs' racist legacy lingers
2 years, 2 months ago

Joe Biden's cannabis pardons matter — but the war on drugs' racist legacy lingers

Raw Story  

Last week President Biden announced he would pardon people convicted of simple marijuana possession. This mass pardon could help over 6,000 people but it’s still a drop in the bucket in our fight to end the criminalization of marijuana use and the outsized harm to Black and brown communities from that criminalization. The executive order was clear that it didn’t …

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action
2 years, 2 months ago

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action

Associated Press  

By pardoning Americans with federal convictions for marijuana possession, President Joe Biden said he aimed to partially redress decades of anti-drug laws that disproportionately harmed Black and Latino communities. “We know that this is really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to people who are suffering the effects of marijuana prohibition,” said Maritza Perez, director of federal affairs …

President Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of 'simple possession' of marijuana
2 years, 2 months ago

President Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of 'simple possession' of marijuana

Firstpost  

According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely for ‘simple possession’ of the drug, but the pardon could help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job Washington: President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step …

Biden pardons thousands for ‘simple possession’ of marijuana
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden pardons thousands for ‘simple possession’ of marijuana

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color. “It’s time that we right these wrongs.” According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely …

Biden pardons thousands for 'simple possession' of marijuana
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden pardons thousands for 'simple possession' of marijuana

India Today  

US President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color. “There are thousands of people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational …

Biden pardons thousands convicted on federal marijuana possession charges
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted on federal marijuana possession charges

LA Times  

Along with Thursday’s pardons, President Biden is calling for a review of cannabis’ classification as a Schedule I drug. President Biden on Thursday pardoned all individuals convicted on federal charges of simple marijuana possession, a move that the White House estimated would affect more than 6,500 people nationwide. — President Biden October 6, 2022 “It’s legal in many states, and …

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession

Al Jazeera  

US president’s move comes amid efforts to legalise marijuana federally after recent success of state-level campaigns. US President Joe Biden has announced a sweeping pardon for thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession under federal laws, penalties that have disproportionately affected Black and other people of colour across the United States. “There are thousands of people who have prior federal …

Marijuana bills stall in Virginia’s GOP-controlled House
2 years, 10 months ago

Marijuana bills stall in Virginia’s GOP-controlled House

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — As the Virginia General Assembly reaches the halfway point of this year’s session, one of the year’s most complicated issues — possible changes to the state’s new law legalizing recreational marijuana — has stalled in the GOP-controlled House. Another bill The legislation, which appeared to be the main marijuana bill offered by House Republicans, also called for …

Virginia Republicans push for changes in marijuana law
2 years, 10 months ago

Virginia Republicans push for changes in marijuana law

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Newly empowered Republican lawmakers in Virginia who opposed legalizing simple possession of marijuana say they don’t want to scrap the law, but they do want to make significant changes. Democrats who supported legalization and advocates for people convicted of marijuana crimes are concerned the changes proposed by Republicans will strip the law of “social equity” provisions designed …

Pot legalization advocates launch ballot initiative campaign
3 years, 2 months ago

Pot legalization advocates launch ballot initiative campaign

Associated Press  

— Advocates for legalizing recreational marijuana in South Dakota announced Tuesday they are trying for a second time to legalize cannabis possession and cultivation for adults through a ballot initiative. South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws said it would launch a signature-gathering campaign in the coming days after the Secretary of State approved a ballot initiative proposal for circulation Tuesday. …

Surgeon General: There's No Value In Locking Up People For Marijuana Use
3 years, 5 months ago

Surgeon General: There's No Value In Locking Up People For Marijuana Use

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Surgeon General Vivek Murthy on Sunday said he doesn’t believe there is “value” in people being incarcerated for marijuana use, with his opinion coming as Democrat lawmakers propose decriminalizing it at the federal level. “I don’t think there is value for individuals or to society to lock people up for marijuana use. When it comes to policymaking, …

Senate leader lends clout to marijuana legalization push
3 years, 5 months ago

Senate leader lends clout to marijuana legalization push

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Senate’s top Democrat is backing a bill that would strike down a longstanding federal prohibition on marijuana, embracing a proposal that has slim chance of becoming law yet demonstrates growing public support for decriminalizing the drug. “I will use my clout as majority leader to make this a priority in the Senate,” said Schumer, of New York, …

Biden On Sha'Carri Richardson's Suspension Over Cannabis Use: 'Rules Are Rules'
3 years, 5 months ago

Biden On Sha'Carri Richardson's Suspension Over Cannabis Use: 'Rules Are Rules'

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING President Joe Biden on Saturday condoned the suspension of track star Sha’carri Richardson, but said he was “really proud of the way” she responded to the announcement. Richardson has been in the national spotlight since her victories at the Olympic trials in June, but on Friday, she received a 30-day suspension for cannabis consumption which will bar …

Chuck Schumer says Senate will vote to legalize pot
3 years, 8 months ago

Chuck Schumer says Senate will vote to legalize pot

Daily Mail  

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Senate Democrats will 'soon' pursue legalizing marijuana even if President Joe Biden remains against the move. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said last month that Biden's views on marijuana remain where they were during the 2020 campaign - he's for decriminalizing the drug, but not for federal recreational legalization. Senate Majority Leader Chuck …

New Mexico seeks pot legalization amid discord on oversight
3 years, 9 months ago

New Mexico seeks pot legalization amid discord on oversight

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — Several proposals to legalize marijuana are competing for support in the New Mexico state Senate with three weeks left to send a bill to the governor, amid widespread support among lawmakers for creating a taxed and regulated market for recreational sales. The state House approved a bill Friday from Democratic Rep. Javier Martínez of Albuquerque that …

Cuomo again pushes for legal recreational marijuana in NY
3 years, 11 months ago

Cuomo again pushes for legal recreational marijuana in NY

Associated Press  

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Cuomo’s latest legalization proposal follows two unsuccessful attempts in 2019 and 2020 to fully legalize marijuana, which both fell short despite Democrats’ 2018 win of both chambers of the Legislature. “It is time for lawmakers in Albany to step up, stop the harm and start repairing the damage to Black and Brown New Yorkers …

US House votes to decriminalise cannabis at federal level, but Senate unlikely to pass Bill
4 years ago

US House votes to decriminalise cannabis at federal level, but Senate unlikely to pass Bill

Firstpost  

Opponents, mostly Republicans, called the Bill a ‘hollow’ political gesture and mocked Democrats for bringing it up when thousands of Americans are dying due to the coronavirus Washington: US House legislators voted for the first time Friday to decriminalise cannabis, a key step towards bringing federal laws in line with states and other countries that have freed up use of …

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