JOhn, we got some really encouraging news last week:

The Biden administration officially recommended reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule III substance. This would substantially loosen federal restrictions on marijuana, and represent one of the biggest changes to national drug policy in decades.

I want to be clear: I believe that marijuana should be fully legalized. Criminalizing it perpetuates racial inequities in our justice system (Black Americans are nearly four times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession), and it takes up valuable time and resources that should be used for tackling the violent crimes that actually pose a threat to our communities.

I was proud when Virginia legalized marijuana two years ago, and I will continue to fight for legislation to do the same on the national level. The government’s latest action (coming less than a year after President Biden announced pardons for federal marijuana possession convictions) shows that our cause continues to gain momentum.

But JOhn, I’ve faced my share of opponents who see things differently. Last year, the Republican nominee in VA-10 took a clear stand in favor of the unequal and unsustainable status quo – while refusing to do anything about gun violence.

I’ll bet you something: whoever the Republican nominee is in 2024 they will continue to parrot the failed GOP policies on criminal justice.

Northern Virginians deserve a representative who's serious about making our criminal justice system more efficient. They and you, JOhn, deserve a leader who's willing to take on the gun lobby to address violent crime.

Will you pitch in to help me keep fighting for the policies that will make our country stronger? Our mid-month deadline is coming up this week, and every grassroots contribution makes a difference.

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Thank you,

Jennifer