• State Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried publicly criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis for his cancelation of the state Clemency Board meeting that was set to take place this month 
• Fried, a medical marijuana advocate and former lobbyist who campaigned on legalizing the recreational use of the drug, sought to utilize the meeting as a way of introducing pardons for those convicted of simple marijuana possession to the Board’s agenda
• The Commissioner cited a University of North Florida public research poll that found that 75 percent of Floridians support the legalization of marijuana at the state level

Outgoing state Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried wrote a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis in disapproval of his cancelation of the state Clemency Board meeting that was set to take place this month.

Fried, a medical marijuana advocate and former lobbyist who campaigned on legalizing the recreational use of the drug, sought to utilize the meeting as a way of introducing pardons for those convicted of simple marijuana possession to the Board’s agenda.

Fried’s call to action follows the announcement made by President Joe Biden that his administration is taking action by pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana at the federal level.

Following Biden’s announcement, he urged governors to take similar action at the state level.

The Clemency Board is comprised of the Florida Cabinet — Fried, DeSantis, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and Attorney General Ashley Moody — and is responsible for deliberating requests for pardons from prisoners.

“You have once again chosen to cancel our Clemency Board meeting, as well as another cabinet meeting. Given that we have only had one meeting of the Clemency Board this year, it is a dereliction of duty,” said Fried. “We might have taken the first critical step towards rectifying past wrongs and moving state policy in line with the prevailing thought of most Floridians, and most Americans. Instead, you chose to delay justice to tens of thousands of your fellow Floridians.”

The Commissioner cited a University of North Florida public research poll that found that 75 percent of Floridians support the legalization of marijuana at the state level.

Further, 71 percent of Floridians voted in 2016 to create a medical marijuana program.

“The criminalization of simple marijuana possession has led to unnecessary, long-lasting consequences for too many Floridians, limiting their access to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” wrote Fried in her letter. “By placing this issue on the December 14 agenda of the State Board of Executive Clemency, and pardoning simple marijuana possession offenses, you can take a critical step towards rectifying past wrongs and moving state policy in line with the prevailing thoughts of most Floridians.”

State leaders, however, have traditionally taken an opposing stance. DeSantis earlier this year said that he would be in favor of decriminalizing cannabis, but is hesitant to fully legalize its use.

While Biden is pardoning those with convictions at the federal level, the action covers fewer than 7,000 individuals nationwide. With the vast majority of convictions taking place at the state level, Biden’s action affects few Floridians.

The Capitolist attempted to reach the Office of the Governor for comment on the Clemency Board meeting’s cancelation but did not receive an immediate response. Should we receive one, the article will be updated accordingly.