A deeper look into the status of cannabis justice policy throughout the nation reveals that cannabis justice is rapidly progressing and has situated itself at the center of policy priorities. 

As of 2023, 23 states have enacted adult-use cannabis legalization, 24 have enacted cannabis-specific record clearance laws, and 10 have enacted cannabis-specific resentencing laws. Importantly, these criminal justice policies have become commonplace in recent legislation.

Unfortunately, the report also shows that, despite the country’s progress in the breadth and depth of cannabis justice policy, we are still far behind. While more and more states are working to include retroactive relief for cannabis-related offenses, the policy lags behind in every single state. 

“I am urging all Governors to do the same with regard to state offenses. Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either."

— President Joseph Biden, Statement on Marijuana Reform