US Cannabis Council Statement on President Biden’s Plan to Pardon All Federal Offenses of Simple Cannabis Possession
October 6, 2022
Contact: Sarah Davey Wolman, 202-834-3725, press@uscannabiscouncil.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In what will be the most extensive action by the White House to date in U.S. drug policy, President Joe Biden is planning to issue an executive order pardoning all people convicted of simple cannabis possession under federal law.
US Cannabis Council (USCC) CEO, Khadijah Tribble, released the following statement:
“President Biden is right: No one should be in jail just for using or possessing cannabis. This executive action will positively impact countless Americans who have been saddled with criminal histories and the unjust suffering and consequences of cannabis prohibition. This is a particularly cathartic moment for Black and brown communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the criminalization of cannabis.
“We commend the President for making good on his campaign promise to grant pardons to non-violent cannabis offenders. This announcement comes on the heels of the Biden administration appointing the first advisor on cannabis research and regulation at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and further reinforces the fact that it’s just a question of when — not if — cannabis is decriminalized altogether.
“As the nation reckons with the wrongs of the past, it’s also time to look to the future. The Senate should pass the SAFE Banking Act, to help ensure that the communities most impacted by cannabis prohibition can safely and gainfully participate in the burgeoning cannabis industry.”
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The US Cannabis Council (USCC) is the voice of America's regulated cannabis industry. Our business members include many of the largest cannabis companies in the nation, and our nonprofit members are leaders in cannabis policy, criminal justice reform, and more. By harnessing the collective power and reach of our 60+ member companies and nonprofits, we have become a leading force for ending federal prohibition and creating an equitable and values-driven cannabis industry. For more information visit https://www.uscc.org/