In a grand display of tardiness, the Biden administration unfurled a proclamation last week, akin to the thunderous boom of divine judgment, “granting a full, unconditional, and categorical pardon” for additional federal and D.C. marijuana-related offenses. An awe-inspiring act, one might say, if one were inclined towards naivety. But hold your applause, my dearest readers, this gesture, in its mediocrity, falls really short of any redemption.
Ah, but let’s not overlook the “additional” flourish to this pardon. Behold! They’ve sprinkled in attempted possession and use categories this time. Oh, what a marvelous leap forward! As if there existed a finite universe of cannabis arrests for unimportant amounts that were exclusively federal or nestled within the confines of the District of Columbia. Bravo! A groundbreaking move from the very individuals who first tangled countless Americans in a legal web for the mere act of boning down.
Yet, let’s grant them a small quantity of acknowledgment — in a manner tinged with skepticism. This grand gesture, lo and behold, stinks to high heaven of an election-year ploy by President Joe Biden in an attempt to reel in a few extra votes.
Let’s dissect Biden’s historical stance, shall we? For a purportedly liberal Democrat, he’s clung rather conservatively to his anti-decriminalization stance throughout his extensive political career. Flashback to December 2010 when then-Vice President Biden graced us with his wisdom, propounding that cannabis is a “gateway drug.” A monumental revelation, indeed! Solid evidence to substantiate such claims, right? Wrong.
Oh, let’s not overlook his star-studded performances in the ’80s and ’90s as Senator Joe Biden, where he played a pivotal role in crafting and ushering in the “tough-on-crime” legislation. That little gem included the 1988 Anti-Drug Abuse Act and the 1994 crime bill – legislative marvels that further entangled marijuana with weightier substances and meted out harsher penalties, even for minor possession. Applause, Joe! You helped round up hundreds of thousands, especially those on the fringes, gifting them lengthy prison sentences like unwanted presents.
But wait, the man is finally catching the scent of changing winds in the American opinion on marijuana prohibition. Over 60% of Americans clamor for marijuana legalization, with even 45% of Republicans hopping on that bandwagon by 2018. So, our dear Biden has decided to play catch-up. How quaint!
Recently, he played the card of mercy, commuting the sentences of a meager 11 souls enduring hard times for non-violent drug offenses. Oh, and let’s not forget the pardons for thousands merely guilty of using or possessing cannabis. Heartwarming, isn’t it? It’s almost as if the man had an epiphany: “Oops, I contributed to ruining lives. Here, have a bone.”
In a statement, Biden solemnly declared, “Criminal records for marijuana use have ruined too many lives.” Ah, the wisdom of the ages, Joe. Who would’ve thought?
But hey, Mr. Biden, let’s not halt the parade. Your administration’s got ample work to do internally. How about finally embracing the movement within your own circus to deschedule marijuana? It still remains a Schedule 1 drug, alongside more severe and potentially hazardous substances. Maybe they’ll make it a 3 and set up that perfect storm.
Yet, hold your breath; the recommendation remains cautious.
All in all, whether it’s an election stunt or a moment of belated awakening, this recent endeavor towards decriminalization stands as a flickering light in the dark tunnel of regressive marijuana laws. Bravo, Biden! Bravo! Your sincerity is truly a sight to behold.
From Gateway Theories to Pardons: Biden’s Marijuana Odyssey
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