Biden Takes Important Step Toward Legalizing Marijuana by Pardoning Simple Possession Convictions

Oct 6, 2022

By Douglas R. Sargent, Partner and Jordan Wilson*

President Joe Biden announced today that he is pardoning all people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. He also urged governors across the nation to take similar actions in their respective states. The president further asked the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to review whether marijuana should remain a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

White House officials suggested that more than 6,500 people were convicted of simple possession between 1992 and 2021 under federal law. While this is not a staggering number of people compared to similar convictions in state courts, today’s events are still incredibly significant. For example, today’s announcements confirm that this administration supports marijuana law reform at an important time when proposed marijuana laws have stagnated in Congress. Perhaps this will give increased attention and a much needed push to those reform efforts. President Biden’s actions should also help de-stigmatize marijuana and strengthen public support for the legalization of marijuana at the state and federal level. Not surprisingly, several industry leaders have already applauded the President’s moves, such as the Minority Cannabis Business Association, the U.S. Cannabis Council, the National Cannabis Roundtable, and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. While there is still substantial work to be done to reform federal marijuana laws, we are excited by what happened today and are optimistic that there will be additional steps in the somewhat-near future.

Greenspoon Marder LLP provides a wide range of legal services to businesses and individuals in legalized cannabis markets. For more information, we encourage you to reach out to the firm at 888.491.1120.

*Ms. Wilson is not an attorney

About Greenspoon Marder

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