President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no one is incarcerated for marijuana possession. Speaking at the 115th NAACP National Convention, the president also highlighted the need to expunge prior cannabis convictions, stressing the importance of these reforms for social justice and equity.
Biden’s Commitment to Marijuana Policy Reform
During his speech, Biden emphasized, “We’re making sure that no one goes to jail for the mere use or possession of marijuana. Their records should be expunged. It holds them back.” This statement underscores his administration’s efforts to address the lingering effects of cannabis criminalization.
Mass Pardons and Administrative Actions
Biden has already issued mass pardons for thousands of individuals with federal cannabis possession offenses. Additionally, he directed an administrative review into marijuana policy, leading the Justice Department to recommend rescheduling the drug. However, these actions alone do not fully prevent the criminalization of marijuana users.
Campaign Pledge and Current Reality
Biden made a campaign pledge in 2020 to decriminalize cannabis, a promise that remains unfulfilled halfway through his term. The DOJ’s proposal to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) does not equate to federal legalization, leaving gaps in comprehensive reform.
Political Context and Campaign Strategy
As Biden faces increasing scrutiny regarding his capability to secure a second term, his mention of marijuana reform at the NAACP event signals a strategic move. The campaign recognizes the potential appeal of cannabis policy reform to voters, particularly those impacted by the war on drugs.
NAACP and Broader Political Support
NAACP President Derrick Johnson, who introduced Biden at the convention, has also engaged in discussions on marijuana reform with other political leaders. Johnson recently spoke with Maryland Governor Wes Moore about his state’s mass marijuana pardon, a move praised by the White House.
Recent Presidential Proclamations
Biden has consistently promoted his administration’s actions to address the “failed approach to marijuana” in various proclamations. These include marking the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and “Second Chance Month,” where he highlighted his cannabis pardons as a step toward racial justice.
Administration’s Stance on Marijuana Offenses
Despite the progress, Biden has clarified that his clemency actions do not extend beyond simple possession. He has explicitly stated that growing or distributing cannabis remains a separate issue, indicating a cautious approach to broader legalization.
Rescheduling and Its Implications
White House drug czar Rahul Gupta has described the potential rescheduling of marijuana as a “historic” reform, suggesting it could pave the way for cannabis-based drug development. However, Gupta’s claims about the impact of rescheduling on racial disparities have been met with skepticism.
Contrast with Previous Administration
The Biden-Harris campaign contrasts their marijuana policy actions with those of the Trump administration, which rescinded federal cannabis enforcement guidance. Biden’s team points to these differences as evidence of their commitment to reform.
Conclusion
President Biden’s recent remarks at the NAACP Convention reaffirm his dedication to ending the incarceration of individuals for marijuana possession. While significant strides have been made, the journey toward comprehensive cannabis reform continues. Biden’s actions and statements reflect an ongoing effort to address the social and racial injustices tied to marijuana criminalization.
