New York City Mayor Eric Adams applauded an announcement made on Thursday, Oct. 6, from U.S. President Joe Biden regarding new measures taken in relation to the so-called “War on Drugs” and specifically in relation to the incarceration of individuals for cannabis-related offenses.

 

The president provided a recap of his announcement later on Thursday on social media, saying, “As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. Today, I’m taking steps to end our failed approach. Allow me to lay them out.”

 

He continued, “First, I’m pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. There are thousands of people who were previously convicted of simple possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My pardon will remove this burden.”

 

Biden added, “Second, I’m calling on governors to pardon simple state marijuana possession offenses. Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely for possessing marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.

 

The president continued, saying, “Third, we classify marijuana at the same level as heroin – and more serious than fentanyl. It makes no sense. I’m asking @SecBecerra and the Attorney General to initiate the process of reviewing how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.”

 

He added, “I’d also like to note that as federal and state regulations change, we still need important limitations on trafficking, marketing, and underage sales of marijuana.”

Did you hear? New Yorkers can now apply for the state's first cannabis retail dispensary licenses!

These licenses will be prioritized for New Yorkers most harmed by cannabis prohibition.@NYC_SBS has all the resources to help you apply: https://t.co/ubLRl18jBy pic.twitter.com/L711yCjToa

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) August 28, 2022

 

The president concluded, writing, “Sending people to jail for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives – for conduct that is legal in many states. That’s before you address the clear racial disparities around prosecution and conviction. Today, we begin to right these wrongs.”

 

Adams responded to the tweet and the announcement, writing, “For too long, underserved communities — particularly communities of color — have faced disproportionate rates of drug-related incarceration. I applaud @POTUS for taking these tremendous strides toward delivering equity to those disproportionately harmed by the ‘War on Drugs.’”

 

For his part, Rep. Jamaal Bowman Ed.D (NY-16) said the federal system was finally recognizing the harm marijuana convictions have had on people and communities for generations, and was attempting to rectify that harm. “President Biden’s decision to pardon all federal offenses of simple marijuana possession brings us that much closer to restoring justice in our communities that have been targeted for decades,” he said in a statement.

 

Bowman added, “This comes after I wrote a letter to President Biden last year, alongside our Congressional Cannabis Caucus co-chairs, Rep. Earl Blumenauer and Rep. Barbara Lee, calling for the federal pardon of all non-violent cannabis convictions.”

 

The congressman said in communities of color and underserved communities, having a conviction for marijuana possession changed the trajectory of a person’s life, and had a lasting impact for those attempting to find work, housing or even getting an education. “That is unacceptable,” he said. Norwood News previously reported on an event hosted by Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark which aimed to address such difficulties for the formerly incarcerated.

 

“Many states, including New York, have legalized marijuana for recreational use and studies show a significant majority of Americans support legalization for medical and recreational use in every state,” he added. “I hope that more states follow President Biden’s lead today and that of states where marijuana is now legalized.”

 

Bowman said in such states, he also urged lawmakers and business leaders to make the marijuana industry more accessible – especially for those who have been historically harmed by predatory marijuana laws and restrictions. “Today’s announcement will reunite thousands of families and communities,” he said. “We need to deschedule marijuana, legalize it in every state, and pardon all who have been convicted of marijuana possession – now!”

 

Norwood News previously reported on a number of Bronx-specific, cannabis-related stories in recent months, including the latest developments on the targeted regulation of the sale of cannabis in New York State, the launch of The Bronx Cannabis Hub, and a harm reduction forum held at Monroe College, which addressed drug use in Poe Park.

 

On Aug. 28, the Mayor’s office announced that New Yorkers can now apply for the State’s first cannabis retail dispensary licenses, adding that licenses for those most harmed by cannabis prohibition would be prioritized. More details can be found at nyc.gov/cannabis.

 

The president’s announcement on the new pardons comes approximately one month before the mid-term elections in early November.