THE CANNABIS NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
www.softsecrets.com | Issue 6 - 2022 18+ For adults only. Soft Secrets is published six times a year by Discover Publisher BV Netherlands
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How to Hit the VITAL “Shift” and see an immediate spike in potency, yields and reputation.
BIDEN PARDONS CANNABIS CONVICTIONS. IS THIS THE FIRST STEP TO FEDERAL REFORM? US cannabis policy has been propelled to the forefront following President Joe Biden's blanket pardon for all American citizens federally convicted of personal possession of small amounts of the substance. Mr Biden also nudged governors to follow suit on state offences. He has also instructed his attorney general and health secretary to review whether they should reschedule cannabis. Federal law currently classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance. This categorises it as having "no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse".
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To many, this classification seems unjustified as it sees cannabis as grouped in with heroin and LSD and in a higher risk category than the drugs driving America's overdose epidemic, namely fentanyl and methamphetamine. "It makes no sense, too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It's time that we right these wrongs." -President Biden. Supporters say the shifting is the first step to bringing a $33bn (£30bn) industry into the mainstream and delivering relief to
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those impacted by a "war on drugs" that began in the 1970s. Too many advocates, the news is a welcome opportunity to open up a broader conversation about cannabis reform. However, it was still a shock to many and has understandingly sent cannabis stocks rocketing. It must be noted that the President's pardons are still relatively limited and cover "simple possession" only. It is estimated that the number of citizens eligible for the relief is low at around 6,500 people. Nearly 29 million Americans have been apprehended for cannabis-related offences since 1965. Most convictions for possession are recorded only at a state and local level, and the presidential pardons only concern federal charges. As it stands, nobody is currently in federal
prison exclusively based on possession alone. Suppose the Biden-initiated review ultimately calls for re-classifying cannabis. In that case, the federal government will catch up to reforms already underway in several US states. Reform organisations call on the President to de-schedule the drug and regulate it like alcohol or tobacco. So far, 19 states have approved the drug for recreational use, and 37 states and DC have legalised medical cannabis. This represents more than 40% of the US population. Five more states- Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota are poised to cast ballots next month on recreational cannabis use. At least four more ballot referendums are expected in 2023 and 2024. A Gallup poll last year showed that 68% of Americans now favour legalising cannabis. Those on the left, such as Independent candidates and Democrats, are far more likely to support loosening restrictions on cannabis use. However, the poll shows that roughly half of Republicans are also on board. This alone reflects how much the politics of cannabis reform have changed in a short period. Mr Biden's efforts represent a U-turn on his previous political and personal track record. Biden claims to have never touched cannabis and, over his 35-year assignment in the US Senate, he has written and voted in favour of many tough-on-drug laws. (RH)