As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so too do the experiences of medical and recreational cannabis users. This week presented a lot of exciting news for supporters of cannabis reform, with President Joe Biden extending a pardon for individual imprisoned for petty cannabis offenses and Maryland exceeding expectations with its medical marijuana program.
Biden’s Pardon
President Joe Biden is continuing to take meaningful steps towards cannabis reform, recently granting clemency to 17 individuals previously imprisoned for low-level cannabis offenses. This is the latest in a string of measures taken by the administration to free those caught up in the criminal justice system due to drug-related charges. This, coupled with the reforms made under the Obama-era Fair Sentencing Act, demonstrates the commitment to federal cannabis decriminalization that the Biden administration has taken.
The announcement of these pardons sparked hope amongst advocates for criminal justice reform, with many hoping that Biden will also further address the issue of expunging criminal records of those convicted for low-level cannabis offenses, as many people are still denied employment and housing opportunities due to criminal records.
Maryland Exceeds Expectations
Medical marijuana has been a huge success story for Maryland, with the state’s program exceeding expectations. Since launching in December 2017, the state has seen the number of certified medical marijuana patients soar to 105,000, well beyond the projected figure of 65,000. This has kept the state’s medical marijuana dispensaries, processors and cultivation centers busy, with some even expanding to meet increased demand.
The success of the Maryland medical marijuana program demonstrates the immense potential the cannabis industry holds for states looking to legalize either medical or recreational marijuana. With the federal government now looking to decriminalize cannabis, this could open the door for further cannabis reform in the U.S.
Conclusion
The news this week has been incredibly positive for cannabis reform. The announcement of pardons for individuals imprisoned for petty cannabis offenses and the success of Maryland’s medical marijuana program demonstrate the progress being made in the U.S. towards a more sensible approach to cannabis regulation. Hopefully, this trend will continue as the Biden administration looks to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level.
