Drug Policy Alliance: Bold Action Needed for Transformative Marijuana Reform

Comprehensive marijuana reform is vital for justice, equity, and economic growth, urging bold federal action to address prohibition’s harms.

As marijuana legalization gains momentum across the United States, the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is calling for bold federal action to address the persistent inequities and barriers stemming from decades of marijuana prohibition.

The DPA has released a draft executive order urging President Joe Biden to enact sweeping marijuana reform before his term concludes, setting the stage for equitable policies that repair the harms of the past while fostering a fair and inclusive future.

The Legacy of Marijuana Prohibition

The roots of marijuana prohibition in the U.S. stretch back to the early 20th century, marked by racially motivated propaganda and restrictive laws.

This culminated in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which categorized marijuana as a Schedule I drug—alongside heroin and LSD—labeling it as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification drove decades of criminalization, disproportionately targeting communities of color and creating lasting social and economic disparities.

The Current Patchwork of Marijuana Laws

Over the last decade, states have progressively loosened restrictions on marijuana. As of late 2024, 23 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational use, while 38 states permit medical marijuana. However, marijuana remains federally illegal, complicating enforcement, research, and the burgeoning cannabis industry. This legal discord creates hurdles for businesses, limits scientific exploration, and perpetuates inequities in the justice system.

Why Marijuana Reform Is Urgent

The DPA’s call for reform underscores several key reasons for action:

Social Justice: Prohibition disproportionately impacts communities of color. Black individuals, for example, are far more likely than white individuals to be arrested for marijuana-related offenses, despite similar usage rates. Reform must prioritize repairing this inequity.

Economic Opportunity: Legalization could stimulate economic growth, creating jobs and generating significant tax revenues. States with established markets have already seen millions directed toward public programs and infrastructure.

Public Health: Federal regulation ensures product safety and quality control, helping consumers avoid harmful substances. Additionally, medical marijuana has shown promise in treating conditions like chronic pain and epilepsy, providing an alternative to opioids.

President Biden’s Record on Marijuana

President Biden took a notable step in October 2022 when he pardoned individuals convicted of simple federal marijuana possession. He also initiated a review of marijuana's Schedule I status, signaling a willingness to reconsider outdated classifications. However, these actions fall short of the comprehensive reform needed to address systemic issues and establish equitable policies.

The Drug Policy Alliance’s Blueprint for Change

The DPA’s proposed executive order outlines transformative measures designed to address past injustices and create a fair future:

• National Advisory Council: The order calls for the creation of a council to guide equitable marijuana policy, ensuring reforms center on communities most affected by prohibition.

  
  

• Equity Action Plans: Federal agencies would be required to develop strategies to reduce the lasting harms of marijuana criminalization.

  
  

• Immediate Harm Reduction: Measures include halting federal prosecutions for marijuana-related offenses and supporting state-level legalization efforts.

  
  

  Legislative and State-Level Momentum

  The DPA’s initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to reform marijuana laws at both state and federal levels:

• State Advancements: Recent legalization in Maryland and Missouri illustrates growing public support for recreational marijuana.

  
  

• Federal Legislation: Bills such as the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act aim to decriminalize marijuana and address social equity but face resistance in Congress.

  
  

Bridging the Equity Gap

Equity remains a cornerstone of marijuana reform. States like Illinois have pioneered social equity programs to support minority-owned businesses and expunge past convictions. Yet systemic barriers—such as lack of funding and unequal access to licenses—persist, requiring federal intervention to ensure marginalized communities benefit from legalization.

Economic and Public Health Impacts

The economic potential of marijuana reform is vast:

• Industry Growth: The legal cannabis industry continues to boom, with projections exceeding $40 billion in annual sales. This growth translates to thousands of new jobs across sectors.

  
  

• Tax Revenues: States with legalized marijuana have generated billions in tax revenue, funding education, healthcare, and public safety programs.

  
  From a public health perspective, federal regulation can expand research opportunities, ensuring evidence-based policies while addressing concerns about misuse and adolescent mental health.

Pioneering a Path Forward

Comprehensive marijuana reform demands coordinated action at the federal level:

• Decriminalization: Remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and expunge past convictions to eliminate barriers to employment, housing, and education for those affected.

  
  

• Equitable Policies: Establish programs that prioritize funding and opportunities for communities most harmed by prohibition.

  
  

• Robust Research: Invest in scientific studies to understand the full medical potential of marijuana and inform policy decisions.

  
  

  A Pivotal Moment for Marijuana Reform

  The DPA’s proposed executive order provides a roadmap for the Biden administration to deliver meaningful reform.

By addressing the historical injustices of prohibition and embracing the economic and public health opportunities of legalization, the U.S. can create a marijuana policy that is both just and forward-thinking.

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