President Joe Biden is again promoting the mass marijuana pardons he’s issued and the administration’s move to federally reschedule cannabis, which the White House is describing as examples of achievements that deliver for Black Americans. Notably, the president explicitly recognized that the rescheduling process he initiated is not a done deal just yet.
As Vice President Kamala Harris faces scrutiny over her silence on marijuana reform since becoming the party’s 2024 nominee, Biden on Saturday reprised a familiar talking point about his administration’s cannabis actions and belief that criminalization over minor marijuana offenses is an outdated policy.
During a speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 2024 Phoenix Awards Dinner, the president touted a series of accomplishments that he framed as uniquely relevant to Black Americans who have been disproportionately impacted under prohibition.
“We started the process of reclassifying marijuana and pardoned thousands of convictions from mere possession,” Biden said, “because no one should be jailed for simply using marijuana or have a barrier to jobs, housing, loans or other opportunities because of that.”
Read the full article at Marijuana Moment.
