Rep. Omar Statement on President Biden's Action on Marijuana Offenses

Press Release

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement today after President Biden announced a pardon of federal marijuana possession offenses, called on governors to do the same, and initiated the process of reviewing how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.

"This is a monumental decision, a sea change in a decades-long failed war on drugs that has disproportionately impacted communities of color. A pardon of thousands of people across this country who were charged with simple marijuana possession will repair families, bring communities back together and help countless people reenter the workforce. It is exactly the type of bold, courageous leadership we need in the presidency and President Biden deserves enormous credit for listening to the voices of advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals and communities whose lives have been upended by the failed war on drugs. 

"I was proud to vote for and help pass a bill to fully decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, and will continue to push for humane drug policies that treat substance misuse as a public health issue. 

"The only way to repair the harm caused in communities across the country is to end the War on Drugs, and invest intentionally in education, housing, healthcare, and employment. This is a massive step in the right direction."

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