President Joe Biden has issued a pardon for marijuana-related crimes, but there is a catch. The pardon only applies to federal convictions, which means the majority of state convictions remain unchanged. This has created a confusing patchwork of laws across the nation.
Biden’s pardon expands on an earlier proclamation made in October 2022, which pardoned people convicted of simple possession under federal law. However, it does not extend to state-level marijuana convictions, leaving many people wondering where they stand legally.
In light of this, Biden has called on governors to issue pardons for people convicted of similar state court offenses. He recognizes the inconsistency in marijuana laws and is working towards stopping federal consequences for possession.
Currently, marijuana is illegal at the federal level everywhere. The Drug Enforcement Administration categorizes it as a Schedule I drug, meaning it is highly prone to abuse. However, state laws differ in their approach to marijuana. Some states completely prohibit it, while others have legalized it for medical or recreational use.
Decriminalization of marijuana is another approach that some states have taken. This involves removing criminal sanctions but still classifying it as illegal. This leads to reduced punishments such as civil fines or treatment.
Despite the decline in marijuana arrests, drug arrests still disproportionately affect people of color. This highlights the ongoing issue of racial inequality within the criminal justice system.
The variation in marijuana laws among states has also led to confusion and legal battles over the legality of certain products. Some states have legalized medical marijuana but still penalize recreational use.
However, there are states that have more permissive marijuana laws. California, Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, and Nevada are among those states. They have legalized both medical and recreational use of marijuana.
It’s clear that the issue of marijuana legalization is still a topic of debate and contention. Approximately half of US states and Washington, D.C., have legalized small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, and polls indicate that around 70% of Americans support legalization.
President Biden’s pardon for federal marijuana-related convictions is a step in the right direction, but the lack of pardons for state convictions leaves many people facing uncertain futures. As the push for marijuana reform continues, it is evident that there is still much work to be done to create consistent and fair laws nationwide.
