John,

Last Friday was the one-year mark since President Biden's partial pardons for certain marijuana offenses. While this was a step forward, many individuals are still shackled by outdated marijuana laws, despite 21 states and the District of Columbia legalizing marijuana for adult use.

In 2019, the same year President Biden voiced support for decriminalizing marijuana and expunging records, our justice system showcased a grave imbalance as cannabis-related arrests outnumbered those for violent crimes.

The racial undertones of these arrests are hard to ignore, with Blacks almost four times more likely to face arrest for marijuana than whites.

Now, the path forward is clear: We must rally for a broad pardon, align federal and state laws, and fight for racial justice. Tell President Biden to finish the job! Pardon ALL marijuana offenders.

There’s no doubt that the War on Drugs, initiated in the 1980s, has had a devastating impact on communities of color. Black and Latino communities have been disproportionately targeted and incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses, including marijuana possession.

This systemic injustice has created a cycle of poverty, broken families, and limited opportunities for countless individuals, with far-reaching consequences for our nation as a whole.

The ripple effects of marijuana-related charges are far-reaching, leading to employment loss, housing denial, voting rights forfeiture, and barriers to education. These repercussions for marijuana-related offenses shouldn’t exist, let alone last a lifetime.

Help dismantle the systemic injustices perpetuated by the War on Drugs, promote equity, and provide a second chance for those who have been unfairly penalized for Marijuana offenses. Tell President Biden to finish the job! Pardon ALL marijuana offenders.

Let's keep working together to reform our justice system and heal the wounds of the past.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund