We post news and comment on federal criminal justice issues, focused primarily on trial and post-conviction matters, legislative initiatives, and sentencing issues.

CONTINUED CALLS FOR MARIJUANA CLEMENCY

Thirty-six liberal House members urged President Biden to grant clemency to federal inmates for nonviolent marijuana offenses.

“The continued incarceration of these individuals continues the racist legacy of the War on Drugs, contradicts the current societal and legal trends regarding marijuana, and represents an unnecessary burden on our morals and justice system,” they said in a letter to the President. “Until the day Congress sends you a marijuana reform bill to sign, you have a unique ability to lead on criminal justice reform and provide immediate relief to thousands of Americans.”

At a White House roundtable on marijuana last Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris called for rescheduling marijuana, which should be completed by the DEA this year. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, in the same category as heroin. The White House is seeking to change that to Schedule III alongside testosterone and ketamine.

“Marijuana is considered as dangerous as heroin, and more dangerous than fentanyl, which is absurd,” Harris said. “Not to mention patently unfair.”

Politico reported last Friday, “The White House event is the latest sign that the Biden administration plans to tout its efforts to overhaul federal marijuana policies ahead of the presidential election. Biden also cited his moves to pardon federal marijuana offenders and loosen federal weed restrictions during last week’s State of the Union address. A whopping 70 percent of Americans back marijuana legalization, and that position is particularly popular with young voters, a crucial demographic that Biden is struggling to maintain support from.”

Letter to President Biden (March 13, 2024)

Politico, Vice president criticizes federal cannabis restrictions during White House weed event (March 15, 2024)

– Thomas L. Root