The criminalization of cannabis—a legacy of the War on Drugs—was a policy decision rooted in racism. In the decades since, its enforcement has been disproportionately targeted at Black people and other people of color.
It’s time to decriminalize cannabis, and right now, your voice can make a difference.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is considering a rule change that would lower the classification of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. A step in the right direction, this move does not go far enough.
The DEA needs to ensure that possession is no longer a crime under federal law. Thirty-one U.S. states have fully or partially decriminalized certain cannabis offenses. It’s time for federal drug policy to catch up!
The DEA’s rule change is open for public comment, but only for a limited period of time.
We have a real opportunity right now to urge the DEA to address 50 years of harm.
Thank you!
— Vera Institute of Justice
