In a monumental move that highlights the shifting tides in America's war on drugs, President Joe Biden announced the commutation of nearly 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders' sentences on Friday, making it the largest single-day act of clemency in U.S. history. The White House’s announcement marks a historic step toward correcting some of the injustices tied to outdated drug laws. Yet, for the marijuana industry and its advocates, while the move is a long-awaited victory, it’s far from the full measure of justice that’s needed.

Biden’s clemency decision focuses on individuals who received harsh sentences during the height of the crack cocaine epidemic, where penalties were disjointed and racially disproportionate, particularly targeting Black and Brown communities. In a short statement, Biden said the clemency action provides relief to those who received "lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine" and from "outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes."

However, for many in the cannabis industry, the move falls short of what’s needed—particularly for those serving time for nonviolent marijuana offenses, which are now legal in many states across the U.S. These advocates see the commutation as a necessary but incomplete first step. The cannabis space, which has blossomed into a multi-billion dollar industry, has been vocal in calling for greater action to free individuals who remain behind bars for cannabis-related offenses.

A Long-Awaited Victory, but More Work to Be Done

Among the nearly 2,500 individuals granted clemency, several names stand out as particularly significant within the cannabis community. These are individuals whose cases have garnered widespread support from activists, advocacy groups, and the cannabis industry. The following names are among those who have been granted clemency:

  • Melvin Garland
  • Robert James Thomas
  • Jose Sepulveda
  • John Patrick Newton
  • Leonel Villasenor
  • Ernesto Carreón
  • Claudio Martinez
  • Kerry Collier
  • Albert Madrid

These individuals’ releases mark a crucial victory for their families and communities, but they also serve as a reminder of the many others still languishing in prison for similar nonviolent offenses.

Melvin Garland, in particular, is a symbol of the cannabis reform movement. Recently, 40 Tons, a Los Angeles-based social justice-focused cannabis lifestyle brand, was in direct communication with Garland, who has been a vocal advocate for those incarcerated for cannabis offenses. Garland’s inclusion in the clemency list is a win for activists who have long been calling for the release of cannabis prisoners, but many are still waiting for the release of others like Frank Rogers, a friend of Garland’s, who remains incarcerated.

Anthony Alegrete, co-founder of 40 Tons, acknowledged the strides made by the commutation, but emphasized that much work remains. "While I'm deeply grateful to see President Biden grant clemency to 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders, I cannot ignore those still locked up for cannabis offenses," Alegrete told MJBizDaily. "People like Edwin RubisParker Coleman, and Mohamed Taher—all of whom have served long sentences for nonviolent cannabis crimes—should not remain behind bars while others are set free. The time for full justice is now."

The Politics of Clemency: A Work in Progress

This commutation action builds on Biden’s previous efforts, such as his 2022 pardon proclamation for those convicted of federal marijuana possession. That decision allowed thousands of individuals convicted of possessing small amounts of cannabis to seek relief, with some 7,000 individuals eligible for a pardon under the directive.

But as far as activists are concerned, these actions only scratch the surface. The issue isn’t just about who gets out, but also about how they’re reintegrated back into society. The cannabis industry itself, once criminalized and now booming, has a vested interest in ensuring that those incarcerated for its production and distribution aren't left behind as a new legal market expands.

“Cannabis entrepreneurs who’ve been in the game for years are now building legacies,” Alegrete pointed out. “But we can’t forget about those who paved the way under some of the most unjust conditions. It’s not just about selling cannabis legally—it’s about ensuring that those who’ve been incarcerated for it have a seat at the table as the industry grows.”

The Biden administration’s approach to drug law reform has been halting, with many seeing it as insufficiently bold in terms of addressing systemic injustices tied to marijuana convictions. The lack of comprehensive action has led to criticisms from the very industry that now stands to benefit from these changes. Critics argue that the clemency efforts do not go far enough, particularly in light of the billions of dollars the legal cannabis market generates, yet many of those who helped build the foundation of this market continue to serve long sentences.

The Road Ahead: Justice for All

With President Biden set to leave office in just days, cannabis advocates remain hopeful that the final stretch of his presidency will see more impactful moves. The clemency list is a reminder that the road to justice is long—and, for many, still incomplete. Biden’s commutations have given hope to families who never thought they’d see their loved ones again outside the walls of federal prison. But as the 40 Tons brand and other justice reform activists have stressed, the fight isn’t over.

“It’s not just about getting people out of prison. It’s about rebuilding what was lost—families, futures, and faith in a system that’s failed so many,” said Alegrete. “We will keep fighting for those who remain behind bars and working toward a future where no one is incarcerated for something that is now legal in so many places. Justice must be equitable and inclusive for everyone.”

While the clemency decision is a historic step forward, it’s only part of the ongoing battle to rectify decades of harm caused by the War on Drugs. Whether it’s through more commutations, legislative reform, or continued advocacy, one thing is clear: for the cannabis community, this is just the beginning of the fight for full justice.

The pressure now turns to Biden’s successors, to continue the work started and ensure that the injustices of the past remain a distant memory—where marijuana offenses no longer lead to broken lives and families, but are part of the larger story of justice finally being served.

For the most up to date list of names of these commutations, visit the official white house website

For more, visit 40 Tons