Biden made the major announcement on Thursday, October 6, 2022. This marks the first major step toward the overall decriminalization of marijuana. It's also a major issue that Biden campaigned on.
Advocates for the decriminalization of the drug see it as a hopeful sign that loosening its federal classification is not far behind. As it stands, marijuana is in the same category as harder drugs like heroin and LSD.
"No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana," Biden said in a video posted to social media. "It’s legal in many states, and criminal records for marijuana possession have led to needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. And that’s before you address the racial disparities around who suffers the consequences."
The statement continued, "While white and Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people are arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.”
The president added, “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs."
While the action doesn't fully decriminalize marijuana, it's still incredibly significant. It's worth noting that the move comes about a month before the November elections that will determine control of Congress.
Biden has encouraged governors to take similar actions.
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