Democrats send letter to Biden, urging him to legalize weed

The letter asks the Biden Administration to use its authority for two purposes: to deschedule cannabis and to clear the names of all individuals convicted of non-violent cannabis offenses.

As marijuana faces federal legalization, Democrats are asking President Biden to step up and deschedule the drug.

The Hill reports that a group of senators sent the Biden Administration a letter this past Wednesday. It was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, and more.

The letter asks the Biden Administration to use its authority for two purposes: to deschedule cannabis and to clear the names of all individuals convicted of non-violent cannabis offenses. The letter highlights the medical benefits of the drug and features a recommendation by the World Health Organization to reclassify the drug and remove it from the more “restrictive classification under international drug treaties.” It also puts an emphasis on the effect that cannabis criminalization has had on communities of color.

“We ask that the Biden Administration act quickly to rectify this decade long injustice harming individuals, especially Black and Brown communities,” the letter reads.

The letter is a follow-up to the previous correspondence that occurred between Democratic senators and the Biden Administration, an exchange that was called “extraordinarily disappointing” and that was only “half a page.” Apparently, the administration is concerned over cannabis’ safety and the fact that it hasn’t been studies that deem it a safe and effective treatment for any condition.

“The Administration’s failure to coordinate a timely review of its cannabis policy is harming thousands of Americans, slowing research, and depriving Americans of their ability to use marijuana for medical or other purposes,” reads the letter.

While marijuana is becoming legalized in more and more states, it still faces an uphill battle when it comes to federal laws. While a large percentage of Democrats want to legalize it, many Republicans are against the idea, making it unlikely for both parties to reach an agreement and for the laws to change any time soon.