Decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana would be a crucial step on the path toward restorative justice.
John,
On this 4/20, our movement is calling on Congress to finally act to end the failed "war on drugs," which for over 50 years has disproportionately targeted Black and brown communities across the country.
Last year, President Biden announced that he would pardon the nearly 6,500 people who were federally charged with simple marijuana possession. While this was welcome and long overdue, this is just the first step on the path toward restorative justice.
Now we must work to completely deschedule marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, provide expungement and resentencing for past marijuana convictions beyond simple possession and address the substance abuse crisis with the urgency it demands.
Growing up, Cori saw Black people arrested for marijuana possession at three times the rate of white people even though usage rates were the same. Now, Cori is fighting to end this vicious cycle of pain and punishment.
If you're with us, will you chip in anything you can today to power Cori's work in Congress to end the failed 'war on drugs'?
Donate $5
In Congress, Cori and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman introduced the Drug Policy Reform Act in 2021 — the most comprehensive decriminalization bill introduced in Congress, which among other things would:
- Declare an end to the "war on drugs"
- Prohibits the denial of employment or termination based upon a criminal history for drug possession
- Decriminalize drug possession
- Ensures individuals with drug convictions can gain access to drivers’ licenses
- Promotes evidence-based drug education
- Re-invest in health-centered approaches to effectively address substance abuse
- Incentivize state and local governments to adopt decriminalization policies as well
For more than 50 years, the "war on drugs" has upended and destroyed the lives of too many communities and families, despite the fact that drug criminalization does nothing to help communities. We're long overdue for comprehensive reform.
As a nurse, Cori knows now is the time to adopt wellness and compassion over trauma and punishment.
The fight for comprehensive reform will continue. Will you stand with us today by pitching in $5 or anything you can to keep Cori in Congress organizing and legislating for the change we need?
Donate $5
In solidarity,
CoriBush.org
