Federal Pot Pardons are coming?

President Joe Biden has been asked to pardon anyone who has ever been convicted of federal pot crimes, and Congress members are encouraging him to do so.

37 lawmakers led by Congressional Cannabis Caucus co-chairs Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) penned a letter to Biden asking him to pardon every single person who has been convicted for nonviolent federal weed offenses. The letter explains that even though lawmakers are already working to draft a comprehensive cannabis reform bill, the president could take immediate action on this issue.

“Until the day that Congress sends you a marijuana reform bill to sign, you have a unique ability to lead on criminal justice reform and provide immediate relief to thousands of Americans,” the letter reads, according to Marijuana Moment. “Your Administration has the power to expand on this legacy and issue a general pardon to all former federal, non-violent cannabis offenders in the US and trigger resentencing for all those who remain federally incarcerated on non-violent, cannabis-only offenses for activity now legal under state laws.” the letter mentions.

“President Biden’s leadership on issuing pardons to nonviolent federal marijuana offenders would demonstrate a down payment on his campaign promise to prioritize criminal justice reform and inspire similar justice-oriented actions in a non-partisan fashion around the country,” said NORML Political Director Justin Strekal in a statement. “Shortly after President Biden’s election, the House of Representatives voted to end the federal prohibition of marijuana. Now in a new legislative session, President Biden should follow their lead and move to immediately provide relief to those who continue to suffer from a criminal record for a nonviolent federal marijuana offense.”

Biden received a similar letter from cannabis advocacy and industry groups asking him “to clearly demonstrate your commitment to criminal justice reform by immediately issuing a general pardon to all former federal, non-violent cannabis offenders,”. We hope Biden is true to his word.

George M
3/8/2021