(WASHINGTON, DC) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, today released the following statement in response to President Joseph Biden’s proclamation pardoning individuals who committed or were convicted of the offense of simple possession of marijuana:
“Today, President Biden continues his commitment opposing the legalization of marijuana and proving criminal justice reform is possible without commercializing the drug. The Marijuana industry also continues its track record of disappointments in this administration. We agree that no one should be incarcerated for simple possession, and according to today’s reporting, it should be noted that no one is in prison for the offenses pardoned today.
“It is unfortunate that President Biden’s proclamation does not also include a strong message about how dangerous marijuana is, and that is a missed opportunity. Today’s commercially-produced marijuana and THC drugs are not Woodstock Weed. Big Marijuana, with investments from Big Tobacco and Big Alcohol, has created high-potency commercial THC drugs that are medically and scientifically linked to IQ loss, depression, suicidality, psychosis, and schizophrenia, among other consequences. While the President’s actions are positive in ensuring people’s lives are not ruined for possessing a small amount of marijuana, it misses a critical opportunity to send a science-based message about these dangerous psychoactive drugs.”