Biden Under Pressure: Grant Clemency To Federal Cannabis Prisoners, Get Answers On Barriers To Marijuana Research
Thirty-six Congress members are urging President Biden to grant clemency to people serving time in federal prisons for nonviolent marijuana offenses. Led by Congressional Cannabis Caucus co-chairs Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), they sent a letter to the President on Wednesday.
“The continued incarceration of these individuals continues the racist legacy of the War on Drugs, contradicts the current societal and legal trends regarding marijuana, and represents an unnecessary burden on our morals and justice system,” the letter says.
The lawmakers stressed that with 38 states having legalized medical use, and 24 states having legal recreational cannabis, the stigma on the plant is fading.
The letter pointed out that the House passed the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act twice. MORE seeks to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, which would allow states to legalize cannabis, its production and sale free from federal interference.
“Until the day 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 stipulates.
By the way, cannabis policy reform will surely be among the hottest topics at Benzinga’s cannabis event next month. The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Florida at a new venue on April 16 …