Biden’s Marijuana Pardon ‘Long Overdue,’ Says Rep. Watson Coleman

PRINCETON, NJ — President Joe Biden took a major step in decriminalizing cannabis on Thursday when he pardoned all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ 12) welcomed the news saying it was “long overdue. “President Biden is making a strong statement on the need to address long-term impacts of the war on drugs, and for that, we applaud him,” Watson Coleman said in a joint statement released with Rep. Cori Bush.

“We also know that the vast majority of simple marijuana possession convictions happen at the state level, therefore, we echo the President’s call for Governors to follow suit.”

Watson Coleman and Bush introduced the Drug Policy Reform Act of 2021 in August 2021.

This legislation looks to end criminal penalties for drug possession at the federal level and shift regulatory authority from the Justice Department to the Department of Health and Human Services.

This bill would also expunge existing records and provide for resentencing, reinvest in alternative health-centered approaches. It would also eliminate many of the life-long consequences of drug arrests and convictions like the denial of employment, public benefits, immigration status, driver’s licenses and voting rights.

Calling substance abuse a public health issue, Watson Coleman said it has a devastating impact on Black and brown communities. The Congresswoman called on legislators to swiftly pass the Drug Policy Reform Act 2021.

“Without proper redress and structural solutions rooted in equity and public health, lives will continue to be at risk and our nation’s families and communities will continue to be destabilized,” the Congresswomen said.

“We have an opportunity to fully transform federal drug policy in our country— and we cannot let it pass us by. We must save lives, protect Black and brown communities, and eliminate injustice everywhere it exists in our society. We urge Congress to swiftly advance our lifesaving bill. ”

President Biden's pardons could help more than 6,500 people with employment, housing and other opportunities. He directed Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Attorney General Merrick Garland to review the substance's scheduling under federal law.

Biden however believes limitations on trafficking, marketing and underage sales should remain in place.

New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana for ages 21 and older last year — months after a state referendum passed with 67 percent approval in the 2020 election.

But social-justice advocates have called on Gov. Phil Murphy to grant clemency to everyone in state prisons for cannabis-related offenses. Read More: Biden Looks To Weed Decriminalization: What It Means For NJ

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