News of US President Joe Biden’s marijuana reforms spread quickly and it appears were well received by the majority of Americans.
Last Thursday, President Biden announced the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General were being tasked with commencing an administrative process to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. Also announced was a pardon of all prior Federal offenses in relation to simple possession of marijuana – and the President encouraged state Governors to do the same.
According to a USA Today/Ipsos poll conducted October 7-9, 2022, around 72% of Americans have at least heard about the announcement. That’s quite incredible given how little time had passed between the announcement and the polling.
The poll also revealed two-thirds of American adults support pardoning all prior federal convictions for marijuana possession, and governors doing the same at the state level. Furthermore, 72% supported changing how federal law classifies marijuana so it is no longer classified as a Schedule I drug; the classification reserved for the most dangerous substances.
Further details from the poll can be found here.
Commenting on the situation, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said:
“With the midterm elections fast approaching, federal lawmakers — and Democratic leadership in particular — would be wise to heed voters’ calls and to fast-track legislative efforts to amend America’s failed and unpopular marijuana prohibition laws.”
NORML notes separate polling data provided last week found 44 percent of voters say it should be either a “top priority” or an “important priority” for Congress to “pass a bill to legalize marijuana.”
Closer to home, the Biden announcement has created buzz in Australia, with a number of cannabis supporters stating Australia should follow Biden’s lead.
“Biden’s move is a wake-up call to Australian state and territory governments – except for the ACT which has already decriminalised possession of cannabis – to end the pain and discrimination that goes with treating drug use as a matter for the criminal justice system,” said barrister Greg Barns SC.
19 US states have already legalised cannabis for recreational and medical use, while medical cannabis only is legal in 37 states.
