The cannabis industry reacts to President Biden’s clemency news

Of Andrew Ward

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden announced pardons and commutations for 78 people with criminal records. The bulk of the clemency order has focused on nonviolent drug offenders, most of whom have already been released under the CARES Act during the COVID pandemic.

In a statement, Biden added that many of those selected “would have received a reduced sentence had they been charged with the same offense today, thanks to the bipartisan First Step Act.”

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Hope to see more action soon

Though supported by all sources, Biden’s decision has left some people feeling that only a tiny fraction of the progress has materialized so far. Other proponents disagree, believing more is to come during the Biden administration.

Amy Povah, a former nonviolent drug prisoner turned attorney, is CEO of the CAN-DO Foundation, which works to free nonviolent cannabis offenders. She is excited about the developments and now hopes that the mercy efforts are “in full swing”.

“I know a lot of people who voted for him who have kids who are serving time on marijuana, and they’re feeling let down right now,” said Povah, who attended the clemency effort and spoke at the Judiciary Roundtable met the administration.

Weldon Angelos, a former cannabis convict who was paroled in 2016, now runs The Weldon Project and Mission Green. Like Povah, he has been in the room with Biden officials and the Trump administration on the issue.

RELATED: Biden issues first-time pardons to people with federal cannabis and drug convictions

Angelos noted that some may feel that Biden has fallen short for now. He counters by calling the steps positive steps, adding that the decision ensures that once the CARES Act expires, semi-exempt individuals will not return to prison. He also welcomed the release of several people who are still physically in prison.

Angelos said the pardon was the work of numerous individuals and groups focused on releasing various offenders.

“This was a culmination of a lot of different people doing work and really just trying to make the president go,” he said, adding, “We’re just a little piece of that.”

As the news polarizes opinion, some say they are waiting to see what comes next from the government.

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Justin Strekal, founder of BOWL PAC and formerly NORML, said the president can fulfill his campaign promises with a blanket pardon. While much more is needed to meet his commitments, Strekal commended Biden for advancing cannabis and called for additional action.

“He must continue to do more to address the moment appropriately and bring relief to those who have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of the failed drug war,” he said.

Seeing signs that more is to come

Others tell Benzinga that Biden’s efforts mark positive steps in his evolution on the issue. Michael S. Hiller, founder of the Hiller, PC law firm, highlighted the simultaneously released plans for a $145 million federal program to provide vocational training and re-entry planning for recently released offenders. The double release makes Hiller feel that the pardon was a more symbolic effort in terms of judicial reform.

“While it’s always difficult to gauge political motivation, especially in an election year, I’m optimistic that the President will recognize the harsh, punitive and discriminatory enforcement of our nation’s drug laws, particularly against people of color,” Hiller said.

Elana Frankel, a freelance cannabis consultant and creative, described Biden’s efforts with the classic cannabis use rule: “Start low and go slow.”

Rob Pero, owner of Native American hemp brand Canndigenous, said the decision represents “small steps” toward Biden’s campaign commitment to criminal justice reform in America. Nonetheless, he commends Biden’s moves.

“If you look at his 2020 presidential campaign and promise to reform the criminal justice system, in part through the use of his pardons and clemency powers, I would say he’s at least somewhat true to his word,” Pero said.

In a tweet, Glass House Brands Inc. CEO Kyle Kazan praised the decision, adding that more needs to be done. “I am confident that this was a first step towards a full pardon,” Kazan tweeted.

Others felt that Biden failed to deliver on campaign promises.

Jacob Plowden, New York State Director for Students for Sensible Drug Policy, said the industry expects more.

“Now all we see is a lure and a flurry of promises aimed at federal legalization,” he said.

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Ryan Lepore, a New York-based attorney and executive director of telemed service PrestoDoctor, said “progress is progress,” but thousands remain in state and federal prisons.

“The damage we are focused on repairing is in part the result of his own and many other damaging pre-presidential policies,” Lepore said, citing Biden’s involvement in key legislation, including the 1994 Violent Crimes and Law Enforcement Act.

Jason Ortiz, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, wants to see more, a decision he believes would benefit the public and Biden’s presidency.

“If he would just do more than is necessary now and take the lead on this matter, maybe he could salvage his presidency,” Ortiz said.

Sheril Murray Powell, chair of the Broward County (FL) Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, said that while Biden’s crime history is concerning, she believes in second chances, just like we expect prisoners to.

Powell believes “political candidates can evolve and change their views,” but warned voters “will hold you accountable for your campaign promises.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.