As President Joe Biden entered the White House, he promised to make progressive changes in cannabis policy. This is a promise that millions of Americans are eager for him to keep. After decades of criminalization and stigma surrounding cannabis use and possession, reform is long overdue.
There has been an increasing shift across the nation towards more progressive policies on marijuana since states began legalizing medical or recreational marijuana over two decades ago. 21 states have fully legalized it and 18 have medical usage legalized. Marijuana is illegal in the remaining 12 states. With such popular support for legalization at both state and federal levels, it’s time for President Biden to take action on his promises to create meaningful change in our country's outdated drug laws by rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) so that scientists can study its effects on human health without interference from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
In addition to reclassifying cannabis as a less dangerous substance than heroin or LSD, President Biden should also recognize that there have been drastic racial disparities in enforcement when it comes to policing individuals who possess small amounts of weed — even though white people tend to consume similar rates of marijuana compared with other races. The president must address this systemic racism within our justice system by decriminalizing minor offenses related to personal-use amounts of weed and expunging prior convictions — ensuring those involved don't suffer any further consequences due their record being cleared while they seek employment opportunities free from discrimination due solely based on their past charges related with possessing small amounts of pot.
Moreover, Congress needs pass comprehensive legislation protecting legal businesses operating in states where adult-use sales are allowed—ensuring these companies are able establish banking relationships without fear of federal retribution; expand research into medicinal benefits associated with cannabinoids; modify tax code provisions which limit businesses deductions because they operate within an industry deemed federally illegal; provide funds for communities most impacted by years worth of failed war on drugs policies; adjust immigration laws regarding how someone's background relating marijuana affects their ability enter US legally; protect against federal intervention into state markets now operating legally throughout America; among many other necessary modifications providing additional oversight where needed while still offering protections otherwise not available until these reforms become law.
President Biden has made some bold commitments about reforming our nation’s attitude toward cannabis use but will only be successful if he follows through with his promises. It’s up to him now. not just talk about changing current national policies. but actually taking tangible steps towards making sure we move away from treating this plant like something akin deadly narcotics and instead recognize its potential as medicine, economic growth, job creation, reducing crime & creating safer neighborhoods. By doing so, he could potentially help usher United States finally reap the full benefits of the modern day Cannabis Revolution sweeping world wide!
