President Joe Biden on Friday announced clemency for nearly 2,500 individuals serving federal prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenses. While the move was celebrated as a significant step in addressing outdated drug policies, questions remain over whether marijuana-related offenders were included in the decision.
The White House released a brief statement highlighting the commutations but stopped short of identifying individuals or clarifying the inclusion of marijuana-related cases. Biden’s statement acknowledged the injustices stemming from “discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine” and other outdated sentencing enhancements.
This clemency action marks a continuation of Biden’s efforts to address inequities in drug sentencing, yet activists argue it still falls short of fully addressing marijuana-related injustices.
Activists Welcome Clemency but Call for Broader Reform
Advocates for drug policy reform and cannabis justice groups expressed mixed reactions to the president’s latest move. While there was broad support for the commutations, many called for additional action specifically targeting nonviolent marijuana offenders.
Sarah Gersten, executive director of the Last Prisoner Project, praised the clemency as a step in the right direction but emphasized the need for further action. “This clemency signifies a recognition that we should not continue to punish individuals for outdated laws we now recognize as unjust,” Gersten stated. She urged Biden to extend this recognition to the thousands of individuals serving lengthy sentences for cannabis-related offenses.
Anthony Alegrete, co-founder and COO of the 40 Tons cannabis lifestyle brand, echoed similar sentiments. “I’m deeply grateful to see President Biden grant 2,500 commutations for nonviolent drug offenders – this is such an important step toward justice and healing for so many families,” Alegrete said. He also highlighted the plight of individuals like Edwin Rubis, Parker Coleman, and Mohamed Taher, who remain incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. “No one should remain behind bars for something that is now legal in so many places,” Alegrete added.
Marijuana Offenders Left Behind?
The lack of clarity surrounding marijuana-related sentences has drawn particular criticism from the cannabis industry and advocacy groups. Marijuana possession and use have been legalized or decriminalized in several states, yet many individuals remain in federal prisons for offenses that would no longer be considered crimes in those jurisdictions.
In prior actions, Biden issued pardons for individuals convicted of federal marijuana possession offenses. Estimates from the U.S. Sentencing Commission suggested that nearly 7,000 individuals with low-level federal marijuana-related convictions were eligible for relief. However, these earlier measures have not addressed those serving lengthy sentences for larger-scale marijuana offenses.
The Cannabis Industry’s Perspective
The cannabis industry has been particularly vocal in urging the Biden administration to address marijuana-related sentences. Industry leaders argue that failing to include these individuals in clemency actions perpetuates injustice and hinders efforts to build trust between the government and cannabis stakeholders.
Biden’s earlier pardon proclamations, while seen as progress, have been criticized for not going far enough. Many industry leaders and advocates argue that comprehensive reform is needed to address the broader implications of the war on drugs, including expunging criminal records and offering economic opportunities to those disproportionately affected by outdated drug laws.
A Long Road Ahead
The broader context of Biden’s commutations highlights the complexities of reforming drug sentencing laws. While the recent clemency action reflects progress, it also underscores the piecemeal approach often taken to address these issues.
For marijuana offenders, the wait continues. Activists remain hopeful that future clemency actions or legislative reforms will prioritize these cases. For now, families and advocates are left with a bittersweet sense of progress—grateful for the steps taken, but acutely aware of the work that remains.