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Biden Administration Highlights ‘Groundbreaking’ Marijuana Pardons During Term, Says “More to Come”

Last Friday, during a press conference with the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, she talked about the Biden administration and its “groundbreaking” marijuana pardons and hinted at more clemency actions before the president leaves office. However, despite these promises, some skepticism remains among advocates and the public alike. Is President Biden living up to his campaign promises, or are these actions merely symbolic?

Biden’s Marijuana Pardons – A Recap

President Biden made headlines in October 2022 with his announcement pardoning thousands of individuals convicted of federal marijuana possession. At the time, the administration framed it as the first step toward addressing long-standing inequities in the criminal justice system. This marked a significant milestone; no president had taken such broad action to address marijuana-related convictions before.

However, the pardons primarily applied to non-incarcerated individuals—those who had been convicted of simple possession but were no longer serving active prison sentences. While these categorical pardons certainly benefited many, critics argued they fell short of addressing the deeper issues tied to cannabis criminalization, like freeing those still incarcerated for marijuana offenses or expunging related records.

Now, as the president’s term inches closer to an end, the administration assures the public that “more is to come.” But the ambiguity surrounding these promises invites skepticism.

Public Reaction – Does Biden Feel the Pressure?

During the press briefing, many of the questions directed at Jean-Pierre veered away from the marijuana pardons and focused instead on Biden’s recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, which he promised not to do. The latter had pleaded guilty to tax charges and faced firearm charges.

The contrast between Hunter Biden’s privileged position and the millions of individuals impacted by the war on drugs has not gone unnoticed. Marijuana advocacy groups and critics alike are urging the president to demonstrate real accountability by extending meaningful clemency actions to those still suffering from drug-related convictions.

When asked if Biden felt increased pressure to act, Jean-Pierre stated, “There’s a process the president will go through,” while highlighting the administration’s past actions on criminal justice reform. But for many, the question remains whether Biden’s gestures reflect genuine systemic change or mere political maneuvering.

Cannabis Clemency – Promises vs. Action

President Biden’s promises to address marijuana criminalization were a part of his 2020 campaign. He pledged to decriminalize cannabis, expunge prior convictions, and ensure equitable justice for communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition. Nearly four years later, those reforms are still far from reality.

While the 2022 marijuana pardons were a step in the right direction, they do not expunge records, nor do they benefit many incarcerated individuals still serving time for marijuana offenses. This falls short of the change voters were promised during Biden’s campaign.

Additionally, cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law—the same category as heroin. However, the Biden administration has initiated the process of reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This shift is expected to continue under the Trump administration, as he has expressed support for the move.

Are the Recent Promises of Marijuana Pardons Credible?

Jean-Pierre emphasized that clemency actions typically happen during a president’s final term, often around the holidays. While this timeline offers hope for additional pardons, the lack of specificity raises questions about the administration’s commitment to comprehensive cannabis reform.

For many advocates, transparency is as crucial as action. The administration has yet to release clear data on how many individuals have truly benefited from the 2022 pardons or offer specifics on who might qualify for upcoming clemency actions. Without such clarity, promises of “more to come” feel vague at best.

The Challenges of Broader Action

Implementing substantive cannabis reforms is no small feat. The U.S. government must navigate a complex legislative landscape, balancing federal laws with state-level cannabis legalization efforts.

Despite challenges, advocates argue that Biden still holds significant unilateral power before his term ends to enact real change through executive action. For instance, he could:

  • Expand Pardons: Extend clemency to individuals still serving time for nonviolent marijuana charges.
  • Advocate for legislation such as the SAFE Banking Act or MORE Act: These initiatives aim to improve access to banking services for the cannabis industry and address broader criminal justice reforms.
  • Champion Decriminalization: While rescheduling is a small step forward, the main focus should be on removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) altogether.

With a growing number of Americans (68%, according to Pew Research) supporting marijuana legalization, the time for half-measures has passed.

The Need for Bold Leadership

President Biden’s legacy on cannabis reform hinges on his ability to deliver substantial change before leaving office. Symbolic gestures do not go far enough to address the immense harm caused by decades of cannabis prohibition and the people affected by them.

President Biden’s marijuana pardons, touted as ‘groundbreaking,’ face criticism due to unmet promises and growing scrutiny. Actions matter more than words, and the president’s legacy will depend on the steps he takes in the near future.

If Biden truly believes in addressing the inequities of the criminal justice system and advocating for cannabis reform, he has the opportunity—and responsibility—to show bold leadership. Whether he seizes this pivotal moment in the remaining time he has remains to be seen.

For advocates, one thing is clear: they won’t stop pushing until justice is served for all.

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