What Does President Biden’s Announcement Mean for Marijuana Legalization in Texas?

Push for change by urging Gov. Greg Abbott to pardon those convicted of minor marijuana possession in Texas. Contact his office online or by calling 512-463-2000.  

President Joe Biden took a major step toward decriminalizing marijuana by pardoning all prior federal offenses of minor marijuana possession, which will clear the records of an estimated 6,500 Americans who have been convicted of these charges at the federal level. Additionally, the Biden administration urged all governors to follow his lead and pardon those convicted of similar offenses in state courts (where minor marijuana convictions are much more common). 

President Biden also announced that his administration will review and reconsider marijuana’s current classification as a Schedule 1 narcotic – the same category as cocaine and heroin – which could have major positive implications for the continued research and testing of marijuana as a legitimate medical treatment.  

Even though this announcement is not the full federal marijuana legalization or marijuana expungement that advocates (including us) hoped for, this is still incredible news. Pardoning these convictions will help remove obstacles for people trying to get a job, find housing, apply to college or qualify for federal benefits. If state governors follow suit, hundreds of thousands of people could see their lives change for the better.  

We believe that no one should be in jail for weed. According to the ACLU, 8.2 million people were arrested on marijuana charges between 2001 and 2010. Of those 8.3 million arrests, nearly 90% of them were for simple possession. Those arrests disproportionally affected people of color, despite the fact marijuana usage rates among people of color and white people have consistently remained about the same.  

So what’s next? Local government leaders need to move toward making marijuana legal in Texas. As you know, Texas currently operates a limited medical marijuana program that more and more Texans benefit from every day. Full legalization (sometimes known as Adult Use or Recreational Use) would give every adult resident access to safe, regulated marijuana products.  

We at goodblend call upon Gov. Greg Abbott to follow Pres. Biden’s lead and pardon residents of Texas who have been convicted of minor marijuana possession. We also urge the governor and state legislature to consider making marijuana legal for adult recreational use in Texas.  

As Texans, you hold the power to influence your local officials. We encourage you to reach out to them and voice your support for marijuana legalization. Contact Senator Ted Cruz and Senator John Cornyn via their websites, or call their congressional offices directly at 202-224-3121.  

It is time that we end the stigma around marijuana use and embrace its benefits. Everyone, no matter what state they live in, deserves access to safe, regulated and legal marijuana products.

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