It's already legal in many states, and criminal records for marijuana possession have led to needless barriers to employment, to housing and educational opportunities.
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On Thursday, President Joe Biden announcing several changes to the way cannabis is dealt with in the U.S.
RELATED: Biden pardons thousands convicted for 'simple possession' of marijuana
First, he called for a review of how marijuana is classified under federal law.
Currently, it's grouped in with drugs like LSD and heroin and can carry a heavy penalty.
Additionally, the president says he would pardon people with prior federal convictions of simple marijuana possession.
"The truth is everywhere it's going to affect a small number of people because there's not many people who are convicted of possession under federal law," said Tamar Todd, of the UC Berkeley School of Law.
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RELATED: California employers will soon be banned for screening workers for marijuana
Senior administration officials say the pardons will affect about 6,500 Americans - because most people are convicted under state laws.
A move that's long overdue, says many Bay Area cannabis advocates.
"I'm trying to have a better attitude about it, but I just want it to be real. You hear a lot of talk. You hear a lot of politicians say things, they get in office and then they don't do things. I really just want to make sure it's real," said Tucky Blunt.
Tucky Blunt is a marijuana dispensary owner in Oakland, who was once arrested for selling weed years ago.
RELATED: Calif. marijuana brand donating $8.46 per sale to criminal justice reform efforts
He says the current federal laws have had a disproportionate impact on Black and brown communities for decades.
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"People are now getting out of jail with these records for simple crimes but they're felons now and can't get jobs," Blunt said.
And while he believes we still have a long way to go, Blunt says he hopes Thursday's decisions is a step in the right direction.
"It's definitely a start and I believe it's headed there by the conversations we've been having, but it has to be done right with keeping us in mind," Blunt said.