Advancing Justice and Equity: Vice President's Commitment to Reforming Criminal Justice and Marijuana Policies

In an impactful session moderated by Fat Joe and joined by Governor Beshear of Kentucky, Vice President of the United States underscored the administration’s commitment to tackling longstanding inequities within the American criminal justice system, notably through transformative policies aimed at reimposing fairness and equal justice under law.

Addressing the gathering at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, on a Wednesday afternoon, the Vice President praised Governor Beshear for his proactive stance in Kentucky, lauding his efforts to re-evaluate traditional systems critically. “Governor Beshear has been an extraordinary leader… his courage to challenge certain traditions is inspirational,” the Vice President remarked.

At the heart of the discussion was the administration’s dedication to rebalancing the scales of justice, particularly around the contentious issues of drug policy and the treatment of previously incarcerated individuals. The Vice President highlighted several key federal initiatives:

• The banning of chokeholds and restrictions on no-knock warrants.
• The creation of the first-ever database tracking law enforcement misconduct to ensure accountability across jurisdictions.
• Making Small Business Administration loans available to previously incarcerated individuals, enabling them to reintegrate and contribute to their communities meaningfully.
• Expansion of Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals, supporting their educational aspirations.
• Ensuring soon-to-be-released individuals are informed about their eligibility for benefits through Medicaid, facilitating smoother reentry into society.

Notably, the administration has been proactive in addressing disparities in drug policy, evidenced by a concentrated effort to rectify the historical inequities related to the sentencing for crack versus powder cocaine. “Joe Biden has been very clear about his intention to correct these disparities,” the Vice President stated, referencing the ongoing efforts to amend excessive crack cocaine sentences.

However, the spotlight of the session shone brightly on federal marijuana policy. “I have said many times: nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed,” the Vice President declared, drawing attention to the disproportionate impact of marijuana possession charges on Black Americans and Latinos. In a significant move, the administration has pardoned tens of thousands of individuals with federal convictions for simple marijuana possession and is urging states to follow suit.

The Vice President also announced a reassessment of how marijuana is classified under federal drug schedules, criticizing the current classification of marijuana as on par with substances like heroin and more dangerous than fentanyl as “absurd” and “unfair.”

Concluding the event, the Vice President thanked the participants for their contributions to a meaningful dialogue aimed at reforming the criminal justice system and pledged continued effort and leadership in the fight for justice and equity.

The administration’s broader commitment to “build back better” and the encouragement for public involvement signal an inclusive approach to policymaking and reform, setting a hopeful tone for future initiatives aimed at ensuring equal justice for all Americans.