US President Joe Biden has taken a big decision regarding cannabis. Biden announced in a video message to the nation on Thursday that all people held in federal prisons across the country on charges of consuming and possessing marijuana would be released. He had given this promise during the presidential election campaign.
It is not right to put someone in jail just for smoking or possessing marijuana, he said. Many lives have been ruined by putting people in jail for possession of marijuana. Criminal charges for possession of marijuana deprive people of opportunities for employment, housing and education. And where whites and blacks use marijuana equally, blacks are caught and punished more often than whites.
President Biden has announced three steps to end the practice :
- Biden said, First of all, I am pardoning all those accused of possession of marijuana. In this regard, the Attorney General has been instructed to issue cancellation certificates to those who are eligible. My actions will help thousands of people who are facing the consequences of being charged with possession of marijuana.
- I will advise the governors of all states to do the same. Just as one should not be in federal prison for possession of marijuana, neither should one be in local or state prison.
- I will ask the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to review how marijuana is treated under federal law. Hemp is placed under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act of federal law. This classification is for the most dangerous substances, including heroin and LSD. Drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine are also classified under this category.
Ban on illegal sale and purchase of marijuana (ganja) will remain
Biden also said that even as federal and state laws regarding the use and possession of marijuana change, necessary restrictions on the illegal purchase, sale, marketing and sale to minors should remain in place.