The number of federal cannabis prisoners has decreased by a staggering 61% over the past five years, according to a report released by the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC). This is a major milestone in the fight for cannabis reform, and it is a testament to the progress that has been made in recent years.
The USSC report indicates that there were 1,654 federal cannabis prisoners in fiscal year 2015, compared to 639 in fiscal year 2020. This is a remarkable decrease of 61%, and it is a clear sign that the federal government is taking cannabis reform seriously.
The decrease in federal cannabis prisoners is due to several factors. First, there has been an increase in states legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational use. This has led to a decrease in federal enforcement of cannabis laws, as the federal government has been reluctant to interfere with state laws.
Second, there has been an increase in public support for cannabis reform. This has led to more lenient sentencing guidelines for cannabis-related offenses, as well as an increase in clemency and pardons for cannabis prisoners.
Finally, there has been an increase in the use of technology to identify and track cannabis offenders. For example, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has developed a Cannabis Trafficking Database, which is used to identify and track cannabis offenders. This technology has allowed the DEA to more effectively target and prosecute cannabis offenders, which has contributed to the decrease in federal cannabis prisoners.
In conclusion, the decrease in federal cannabis prisoners is a major milestone in the fight for cannabis reform. This decrease is due to an increase in states legalizing cannabis, an increase in public support for cannabis reform, and the use of technology to identify and track cannabis offenders. This is a clear sign that the federal government is taking cannabis reform seriously, and it is a testament to the progress that has been made in recent years.