October 6, 2022

CPEAR Welcomes President Biden’s Announcement on Cannabis Reform

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) applauded President Biden for his action to pardon all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana and urge the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice to review rescheduling cannabis.

Andrew Freedman, CPEAR’s executive director, released the following statement in response to the announcement:

“President Biden took an encouraging step today to recognize that federal prohibition of cannabis has failed and has caused real damage to those with cannabis convictions. It is time to right these wrongs and clear the way for these Americans to gain access to better opportunities for housing, employment, education, and other resources.

“We shouldn’t stop here. While President Biden has initiated a review of how cannabis should be scheduled, his arguments speak to the need to acknowledge that most states have already legalized cannabis for medicinal or adult use purposes. He is correct in pointing out that it no longer makes sense for the federal government to pretend that these markets don’t exist.

“Tackling the issues this administration and many others have raised will take more than mere rescheduling.

“States should be able to determine whether they want to participate in a legal market, with the federal government creating common-sense guardrails to ensure the protection of our children, our roads, our veterans, medical patients, and cannabis consumers. Our nation’s law enforcement officials should be empowered to utilize their resources to prevent illicit grows, driving under the influence of drugs, and other serious and violent crimes.

“We look forward to working with policymakers from both parties to get federal reform right.”

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About the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation 

A 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) works to advance comprehensive policy solutions for cannabis legalization and regulation. The Coalition strives to be a trusted, science-driven resource for lawmakers and the larger stakeholder community, developing responsible policies that provide access to cannabis while protecting consumers and patients, barring underage use, upholding public health and safety, and promoting social equity. Comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, the Coalition brings unique perspectives to the table to thoughtfully address what a national, legal cannabis industry should look like. To learn more, visit www.CPEAR.org and follow us on Twitter.