With more groups working to change the legality of cannabis, even those in Congress are working to make these changes. In fact, on Nov. 10, a group of Senators sought to push President Biden to bring about mass marijuana pardons. Specifically, they are looking to bring about these pardons to those convicted with non-violent marijuana.

Details

Senator Elizabeth Warren, who led the letter, was spearheading the push to try and convince President Joe Biden. Specifically, they wanted to convince him to bring about these pardons. Specifically, it pushes the president to “pardon all individuals convicted of non-violent cannabis offenses, whether formerly or currently incarcerated,” in the letter. The letter goes on to point out social inequity resulting from the War on Drugs. They point out that criminalization is “increasingly out of step with the views of the American public,” showing how a majority support legalization.

Possibilities

On Oct. 28, the Congressional Research Service released a published report. In this report, the service affirmed that the president has it in his power to grant mass pardons for cannabis offenses. Additionally, the report stated that the president could legalize cannabis without waiting for the lawmakers to act.

Past attempts

As already mentioned, this wasn’t the first time that groups, even one made up of Congress members, have attempted to make these changes. Early in his administration, the president received a letter from 37 members of Congress to call him into action. Specifically, they wanted him to use executive authority to deliver these mass marijuana pardons. Celebrities also attempted to try and accomplish these same pardons. Additionally, the United States Conference of Mayors attempted to end the decriminalization of cannabis, specifically focusing on social equity.

Hope

It is the hope of the activists that all of these groups pushing for these changes will convince the president to go along with them. The details for each group’s plan may differ, but the overall idea, specifically complete legalization of cannabis, is present in all of them.

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