Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A coalition of law enforcement leaders has sent a letter to President Biden urging the reclassification of marijuana to a lesser status under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The group, known as Law Enforcement Leaders To Reduce Crime & Incarceration, consists of current and former police chiefs, sheriffs, federal and state prosecutors, and correctional officials from various parts of the United States.
In the letter, the group emphasized the need to protect public safety and reduce unnecessary arrests, prosecutions, and incarceration related to cannabis. They noted that public opinion on marijuana has shifted away from punitive approaches, with 38 states having established some form of legalized framework for its use.
The coalition also highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement due to the existing conflict between state and federal laws regarding marijuana. This conflict, they argued, hinders their ability to effectively respond to pressing public safety challenges.
This call for reclassification is not new, as last year, the Department of Health and Human Services sent recommendations to the DEA to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. Additionally, some Democratic Senators have urged the Biden administration to completely deschedule marijuana, citing its devastating impact on communities and its misalignment with state laws and public opinion.
The push for reclassification and descheduling comes at a time when many states have moved to legalize cannabis either for medical use, adult use, or both, with strong voter and legislative support. The growing momentum for change in marijuana policy at the federal level reflects a broader shift in attitudes towards cannabis use and its regulation.
The letter from the law enforcement leaders underscores the evolving landscape of marijuana regulation and the need for alignment between state and federal laws. It remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to these calls for reclassification and descheduling, and the potential impact on law enforcement and public safety.