The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has officially approved its 2024 Party Platform during tonight’s Convention.
The platform states that no one should be jailed for using or possessing marijuana, pointing out the harmful impact these laws have had, particularly on minorities. It recognizes President Biden’s “historic action” in pardoning those with federal marijuana possession convictions, and it urges state governors to take similar steps. Additionally, the platform supports the administration’s ongoing efforts to reschedule marijuana.
“No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana”, states the party’s platform. “Sending people to prison for possession has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit. Those criminal records impose needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities, disproportionately affecting Black and brown people.”
The platform continues by saying “President Biden took historic action to end this failed approach by pardoning people convicted federally for using or possessing marijuana. He has called on governors to use their pardon power to do the same for state-level offenses. And his Administration is taking a major step to reschedule cannabis so it’s no longer classified as more dangerous than fentanyl or methamphetamine.”
With strong support from 61% of Americans, the platform commits to expunging federal marijuana-related convictions. It also contrasts this progressive stance with the Trump Administration’s threats of federal prosecution in states where marijuana had been legalized.
The full Democratic Party Platform can be viewed by clicking here.
