While the removal of the Cole Memo did not lead to an immediate increase in prosecutions of state-legal marijuana operations, federal law enforcement actions, such as seizures and raids, have continued to hurt businesses. The lawmakers are calling for new guidance that not only deprioritizes marijuana prosecutions but also explicitly targets the prevention of racial disparities in enforcement.
A Critical Moment for Reform
With the clock ticking on Biden’s presidency, Democratic lawmakers are seizing the moment to demand action. Their letter makes it clear: while progress has been made, there is still much to be done. In the final weeks of his term, President Biden has an opportunity to solidify his legacy as a champion of cannabis reform by issuing broad pardons, reinstating key policies like the Cole Memo, and continuing efforts to dismantle the harms of the War on Drugs.
The call to action has sparked intense discussion, but with the complexities of cannabis reform in mind, the coming weeks could see pivotal shifts in the national conversation surrounding marijuana policy.
