Will Laws and Policies Change to Become More Drug-Friendly?

 Posted on May 30,2024 in Drug Charges

After decades of the “war on drugs,” there have been few benefits of hard-line drug policies. Laws that take harsh stances against drug possession have resulted in mass incarceration, which has disproportionately affected minorities. As more and more people are jailed for low-level offenses such as possession of marijuana, communities have been devastated, and people’s lives have been destroyed. Fortunately, these harsh laws and policies may be changing soon.

The Biden Administration is currently considering reclassifying marijuana, which would be in line with how it is treated in many states. Other new policies are also being considered that would treat low-level drug offenses less harshly. While this may have a positive effect on many communities, criminal justice advocates are looking to make sure that relief will be available for people who have already been convicted and sentenced. People charged with drug crimes will need to work with an attorney to determine how they can avoid convictions or minimize the ways they will be affected.

Potential Relaxation of Laws Regarding Marijuana and Other Drugs

Recently, the administration of President Joe Biden called for the reclassification of Marijuana under federal law. Currently, marijuana is a Schedule I drug, and it is treated the same as “hard drugs” such as heroin. Schedule I drugs are considered to have no accepted medical uses while being highly addictive and dangerous. However, many studies have shown that marijuana has a variety of benefits and may be used for medical purposes. Based on shifting opinions about the drug, the Drug Enforcement Administration is planning to reclassify it as a Schedule III controlled substance.

This change would be in line with the updates that have been made to drug laws in many states. Currently, 24 states have made marijuana legal to possess and use by adults, and 38 states allow marijuana to be prescribed for medical use. With the majority of people in the United States living in areas where marijuana is legal at the state level, and polls showing that 70 percent of adults are in favor of marijuana legalization, it is clear that the federal government should stop treating this drug as if it is one of the most dangerous substances.

Other reforms are also being considered that would help alleviate the impact the war on drugs has had on people and communities. Studies looking at whether substances such as MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy or molly) or psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms) may have medical benefits could lead to the reclassification of these drugs as well. State and federal officials are also considering shifting to “harm reduction” policies that focus on helping people receive treatment for addiction while providing them with options that will help avoid or treat overdoses. This may help reduce the number of drug-related deaths while also avoiding the harsh penalties for drug possession that may affect low-level users and addicts.

However, criminal justice advocates are also calling for reforms that would benefit people who have been unjustly affected by the war on drugs. While President Biden has issued some pardons for low-level, nonviolent marijuana offenders, only a few thousand people have been affected. As drug laws change, relief should be made available for people who have been convicted and sentenced to prison for offenses related to marijuana. This can help rebuild communities that have been devastated by arrests, convictions, and harsh sentences.

Contact Our Connecticut Drug Crimes Lawyer

While lawmakers and others are advocating for drug policies that do not destroy the lives of those who use substances such as marijuana that are now considered to be generally safe, many people continue to be affected by the harsh tactics used by law enforcement when performing arrests and prosecuting people for drug possession. Those who are charged with drug crimes will need to understand their options for defense, and it is crucial to work with an attorney who can help protect their rights. At Woolf Law Firm, LLC, our Hartford drug crime defense attorney can provide effective legal representation in these cases, working to resolve cases successfully. To learn more about how we can assist with these cases, contact us at 860-290-8690 and set up a free consultation.