Order reclassifies marijuana but leaves federal convictions

The Trump administration’s historic move to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug was cheered by some advocates but for others, it fell far short for the thousands incarcerated for federal cannabis-related convictions.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the executive order.

It does not address current penalties for possessing and selling marijuana or those jailed with yearslong sentences.

Proponents of legalizing marijuana as well as overhauling prison sentencing say this order benefits only cannabis researchers, growers and others in Big Weed.

Advocates are calling on Congress and state lawmakers to take concrete steps to ensure those who have been criminalized receive fair treatment or be forgiven altogether.