FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2022

CONTACT: media@colorofchange.org 

 

COLOR OF CHANGE: FEDERAL PARDONS ON MARIJUANA REFORM SHOW IMPORTANT STEP, LEGISLATION NECESSARY TO CLOSE EQUITY GAP 

Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s pardon of all prior federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana

“For decades, systemically racist laws have criminalized Black and brown people for marijuana possession, upending lives and devastating families and communities. We thank President Biden for this announcement on marijuana reform as it’s an important step in the right direction for criminal justice reform—now it’s Congress’ turn to act.

“The full and unconditional pardon of prior federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana lifts barriers to housing, employment, education opportunities and more. This is long overdue for Black and brown communities who have been unjustly convicted for possession crimes at higher rates.

“To ensure that Black and brown people no longer face unreasonable sentencing for marijuana-related offenses, we encourage the Biden Administration to take additional action to build on these critical changes by releasing those currently serving marijuana sentences, withdrawing the Reagan-era executive order on drug-testing employees, and halting DEA enforcement of marijuana laws. Ultimately, we urge Congress to advance marijuana reform policies through the passage of legislation like the MORE Act. It’s time to turn a new page on the war on drugs.”