U.S. senators urge White House to deschedule cannabis

Several U.S. senators are urging the White House to use its authority to deschedule cannabis, removing its classification as a Schedule I drug. They’re also asking for the White House to pardon non-violent offenders.

Led by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, lawmakers are commending the recent pardons of nine nonviolent offenders, but say much more needs to be done.

Marijuana is legal in New York state for adults 21 and older.

In November 2021, Massachusetts Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren wrote another letter to the White House calling for action.

Right now, it is estimated that more than 40,000 people are incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses.