Pamela, On Tuesday, The New York Times reported that the Biden administration has proposed easing restrictions on cannabis by reclassifying it as a less dangerous drug.
The historic decision would be the biggest change in federal cannabis policy in over 50 years.
You can read the full article here → |
As part of the Controlled Substances Act of 1971, cannabis was classified as a Schedule I drug, in the same category as heroin and methamphetamines, as the result of the misguided and failed "War on Drugs."
In an interview with The Times, Ed Chung, vice president of initiatives at Vera, reflected on the significance of the call to reclassify cannabis:
"It is a strong signal that the war on drugs and the crimes that are associated with the war on drugs should continue to be re-evaluated and should continue to be reformed and changed," said Chung. |
Rescheduling cannabis so that it's treated like a prescription drug rather than an illicit substance would be an important first step. But this is not enough.
"Someone arrested for a cannabis-related offense can still face jail time or loss of federal benefits or their job even though recreational cannabis use is now legal in 24 states," said Marta Nelson, Vera's director of Sentencing Reform.
"Just as cannabis enforcement has always landed more heavily on Black and Hispanic people—who represent over 85 percent of federal cannabis-related charges despite white people using cannabis at a similar rate—that disparity will continue even after this change."
The only real solution is full legalization. We call on the Biden administration to take this final step.
Onward,
Vera Institute of Justice PS: Pamela, in the coming weeks, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will accept public comments on this rule change. Stay informed from Vera to find out when you can make your voice heard to support cannabis decriminalization. |
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