Democrats Push Biden for Marijuana Policy Reforms Before Trump Presidency

Progressive lawmakers urge Biden to reschedule marijuana and expand clemency efforts as uncertainty looms over Trump administration's stance.

A coalition of Democratic lawmakers has urged President Biden to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance before his term ends.
The lawmakers emphasized that rescheduling alone will not fully address federal criminalization or the disparity between federal and state cannabis policies.
The letter calls for broader clemency measures, including additional pardons and commutations for individuals with cannabis-related convictions.
Biden's previous pardons in 2022 and 2023 had limited impact on reducing incarceration, with over 3,000 individuals still imprisoned for marijuana-related offenses.
Trump's mixed signals on cannabis reform, including pro-reform statements alongside anti-cannabis Cabinet appointments, add urgency to the Democrats' request.