President Joe Biden recently reiterated his administration's commitment to marijuana reform, touting the pardons issued for marijuana-related offenses and the ongoing efforts to federally reschedule the plant. However, he also acknowledged that the rescheduling process is far from complete.
During a speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Phoenix Awards Dinner, Biden highlighted the administration's efforts to address the disproportionate impact of cannabis-related criminalization on Black Americans, acknowledging that further work remains to be done.
Rescheduling Marijuana: Not a Done Deal
In his speech, Biden took credit for initiating the process to reclassify marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. The Department of Health and Human Services recommended moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, a significant step that would reduce the federal penalties associated with cannabis.
The Justice Department has since advanced this proposal, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will hold a hearing in December to collect further input. However, Biden clarified that this process is still ongoing and might not be completed during his current term in office.
The prospect of rescheduling cannabis has long been anticipated, especially among those advocating for marijuana reform. Yet, the president’s admission that the rule change is still uncertain underscores the complexity of federal cannabis policy.
This acknowledgment came as Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic nominee, has remained largely silent on the issue during her campaign.
Pardons for Marijuana Offenses: A Step Forward but Not Enough
In addition to discussing the rescheduling process, Biden highlighted the mass pardons issued for individuals convicted of federal marijuana possession offenses.
These pardons, which he referred to as a critical step toward rectifying the criminal justice system, were part of an effort to remove barriers to jobs, housing, and loans that often result from these convictions.However, Biden admitted that these pardons did not expunge records, which means those impacted may still face collateral consequences.
- Pardons issued for federal marijuana possession offenses
- Rescheduling effort initiated but not yet finalized
- Public hearing on marijuana reclassification scheduled for December
- Impact on Black Americans emphasized during speech
Rescheduling Timeline Remains Unclear
While the rescheduling process is in motion, Biden’s comments indicate that cannabis will remain classified as a Schedule I substance for the foreseeable future. With the DEA hearing on the proposed reclassification set to take place in December, the outcome of this process will likely extend beyond the current election cycle.
The president’s remarks appear to be a reminder that federal cannabis reform is progressing slowly, despite public demand for change.
Interestingly, this development comes as former President Donald Trump has emerged as a surprising supporter of cannabis reform. Trump recently expressed support for rescheduling and for a Florida marijuana legalization initiative on the state’s November ballot.
While Trump’s support for cannabis reform is met with skepticism, it adds a unique dynamic to the 2024 presidential campaign, with both major party nominees endorsing some level of reform.
Personal Perspective
From my perspective, Biden's acknowledgment that the marijuana rescheduling process is still in its early stages is a sobering reminder of how slow federal cannabis reform can be. Despite the administration's efforts, it's clear that real change will take time, and the final decision may not happen until well after the current administration leaves office.
While it's encouraging to see some movement on cannabis policy, it’s also frustrating that the progress has been limited. I believe the federal government must act swiftly to address the long-standing consequences of marijuana prohibition, especially for communities disproportionately affected by its enforcement.
