President Biden’s Legacy on Cannabis Reform Hangs in the Balance
As President Joe Biden’s presidential bid comes to an end, he has an opportunity to use his clemency powers to make a lasting impact on criminal justice reform, particularly in the area of cannabis reform. Despite his administration’s emphasis on cannabis reform as a racial justice issue, Biden has only granted a small percentage of clemency petitions and has not released a single person from prison for cannabis-related crimes.
Historically, presidents have used their clemency powers to correct overly harsh sentences and restore public faith in the justice system. Biden has the chance to do the same, especially given his promise that “no one should be jailed for using or possessing marijuana.” According to a poll commissioned by the ACLU, 84% of registered voters support the release of people serving time for crimes that are no longer considered illegal under the law.
Biden has already taken steps to pardon cannabis possession, but he has not commuted the sentences of those incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes. With his decision to drop out of the race, he has entered a longer lame-duck period, which is historically when most presidential clemency grants have occurred.
The president has been sent a list of deserving individuals who are currently incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes, many of whom have been sitting in prison cells for decades. These individuals could be released by Biden with a simple stroke of a pen, but he must act soon, as time is running out.
In conclusion, President Biden has the opportunity to secure his legacy on cannabis reform and criminal justice reform by using his clemency powers to release those incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes. With his promise to “no one should be jailed for using or possessing marijuana,” he has a chance to make a lasting impact and sway voters.
