John,
In 2022, President Biden took action to advocate for and push key marijuana reforms such as issuing pardons for those who were charged with marijuana possession under federal law.
But the Department of Justice took five months to create an application which would require each qualifying individual to fill out a two and a half hour application including research, phone calls, and a conversation with necessary personnel to attain the appropriate documentation. This is an unnecessary and unfair bureaucratic barrier, John.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has the tools to instead automate this system and remove this barrier once and for all. That's why we're banding together to urge AG Garland to automate this system and ensure people receive the access and relief they need. Add your name to our petition to help us build momentum and urge AG Garland to take the necessary action to automate pardons for cannabis possession. We'll be delivering the petitions to the DOJ on April 20.
As President Biden said, "Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It's time that we right these wrongs."
States and local governments who have legalized marijuana across the country have already begun the process of automatically expunging records. Those who have been harmed by prohibition should not be required to face a high burden of applications in order to receive the pardons promised by President Biden.
Thank you for taking action, John.
In solidarity,
Team Bowman
