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Recent Developments in Cannabis Policy: Pardons, Rescheduling, and Employment Protections

MRBRecent Developments in Cannabis Policy: Pardons, Rescheduling, and Employment Protections

In October of the previous year, President Joe Biden issued pardons to thousands of individuals with federal convictions related to marijuana possession. Recently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated the distribution of certificates to those who met the criteria for clemency under this mass pardon order. These certificates serve as formal proof of their pardon and aim to alleviate some of the challenges associated with federal convictions, such as difficulties in securing housing or employment. While the DOJ didn’t formally announce the certificate program, some applicants have already received digital copies of their certificates. Approximately 6,500 individuals with federal cannabis convictions are expected to benefit from this initiative. However, it’s important to note that the pardon order doesn’t extend to individuals currently incarcerated for federal cannabis possession and doesn’t have an impact at the state level.

Furthermore, a recent analysis by the federal government suggests that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is likely to reschedule marijuana. The analysis, conducted by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), points out that in 2020, the DEA affirmed its obligation to defer to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding health or science-related matters. This has led many to believe that the DEA is unlikely to obstruct a potential rescheduling of cannabis, which could be a significant step in drug policy reform. The report also highlights that there’s no record of the DEA rejecting an FDA recommendation to reschedule a substance. Consequently, experts in drug policy anticipate that the DEA will probably support HHS’s recommendation to move marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act.

Additionally, a new bill in California is set to prevent employers from inquiring about applicants’ prior marijuana use. This legislation, now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval, aims to enhance job protections for individuals in California. It builds upon previous safeguards enacted in the previous session that prevent most employers from penalizing employees for using cannabis outside of work hours in compliance with state law. Exceptions to this policy include workers in the construction and building industry and those requiring federal background checks. Assemblymember Ash Klara, a Democrat, argues that employers asking about applicants’ past cannabis use not only discourage potential candidates from applying for jobs but also lead to situations where individuals provide dishonest responses to secure employment.

By FCCT Editorial Team freeslots dinogame telegram营销

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are independent views solely of the author(s) expressed in their private capacity.

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