The 1936 cult classic, Reefer Madness, depicted marijuana as something that would lead you to both lose your morals and your life. The over-the-top mania in the film rightfully earned mocking (and its eternal place at midnight movie showings), but the message has somehow held on for decades. Exhibit A: pot is currently classified under federal law on a higher schedule than (wait for it)- fentanyl.
As cannabis and medical marijuana become more accepted (and a thriving business in some areas), the push to legalize – or at least, decriminalize -- pot has been growing. A Gallup poll from last year shows that 68% of Americans are in favor of legalizing marijuana. Candidate Joe Biden included a promise to move in that direction, and he’s made good by issuing pardons to thousands of folks with federal convictions on their record for simple possession.
Between 2001 and 2010, the ACLU notes that there were 8.2 million arrests for marijuana, 88% for possession alone. Black Americans are four times more likely to be arrested for pot possession than whites.
While none of the approximately 6,500 affected by this round of pardons are in jail, having that felony on their record can be a boat anchor when trying to rent an apartment, apply for a job, or go for more education. This removes that barrier to entry.
Pot is currently legal in 19 states, and those states have also taken steps to clear the records of those convicted of simple possession. Since the state level is where most prosecutions happen, Biden is pushing governors for similar pardons.
For years, the message has been that marijuana is a dangerous “gateway drug.” However, research shows that not to be the case. More than half of Americans have tried it, with about 17 million currently smoking on a monthly basis. Medically, it’s been shown helpful for treating everything from migraines to controlling cancer pain.
Studies show that health risks for those who use alcohol are eight times greater than those who smoke pot, and alcohol is more addictive. As more facts come out about marijuana, the push to decriminalize it (and likely tax it, just like booze) grows louder. Biden’s pardon push is one step closer to federal action on this point.
While speaking about his executive action, President Biden also said he’s urging a review of how pot is currently treated at the federal level. The fact that it’s considered more dangerous than fentanyl is simply ridiculous. It’s been prohibited since the passage of the Marijuana Stamp Act of 1937 (right around the time of the aforementioned Reefer Madness); eighty-five years is time enough to prove that pot isn’t the demon weed that it’s been portrayed as, and that those who smoke it shouldn’t be treated like criminals.
So, what’s the feeling in your community about pot? Should it be legalized? How do you feel about these pardons? Sound off in the Community Soapbox!
Cindy Grogan is a writer, lover of history and "Star Trek" (TOS), and hardcore politics junkie. There was that one time she campaigned for Gerald Ford (yikes), but ever since, she's been devoted to Democratic and progressive policies.
Original source can be found here.
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