Criminal Defense Lawyers Call on Biden: Free Cannabis Prisoners

In a significant move aimed at reforming federal cannabis policies, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is urging the Biden administration to decriminalize marijuana and commute the sentences of individuals incarcerated for federal cannabis offenses.

Advocating for Clemency

The NACDL recently sent a letter to White House officials, advocating for the immediate commutation of sentences, compassionate release, and second chances for individuals convicted of non-violent marijuana offenses. The association emphasizes the harm caused by the continued prosecution of marijuana crimes, especially considering the changing landscape of marijuana legalization across many states.

Case Summaries Highlight Need for Action

In the letter, the NACDL highlights the cases of several individuals serving lengthy sentences for non-violent cannabis convictions. These individuals represent just a fraction of the many cases deserving of presidential clemency, according to the association.

Call for Presidential Action

NACDL President Michael Heiskell emphasizes the importance of the Biden administration’s recent move to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). While acknowledging this as a positive step, Heiskell urges further action from Congress to legalize cannabis, enact regulations, and provide retroactive sentencing relief for incarcerated individuals.

Biden Administration’s Response

President Joe Biden has previously granted pardons for federal marijuana possession offenses but has drawn a distinction with cases involving cultivation and distribution. Although the administration has granted clemency to individuals with non-violent federal drug convictions, none of these cases have involved marijuana offenses.

Continued Advocacy

Advocates continue to press the administration for broader clemency actions, particularly for individuals incarcerated over non-violent cannabis convictions. While the administration has made strides in promoting clemency for drug-related offenses, there remains a significant population affected by federal marijuana policies.

Looking Ahead

As the election approaches, the Biden administration appears increasingly cognizant of the public’s support for cannabis policy reform. Both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have highlighted their reform efforts, signaling a potential shift in federal marijuana policies.

The issue of cannabis reform remains a prominent topic, with advocates and lawmakers urging comprehensive action to address the lingering impacts of federal marijuana prohibition.

As the NACDL and other advocacy groups continue to push for marijuana decriminalization and clemency, the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to enact meaningful reforms that address the injustices of past cannabis convictions and pave the way for a more equitable future.