Biden Pardons Thousands Convicted Of Marijuana Charges On Federal Lands And In Washington

WASHINGTON  — The U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people convicted of marijuana use and simple possession on federal lands and in the District of Columbia in his latest round of executive clemencies aimed at addressing racial inequities in the judicial system.

The unconditional pardon follows a previous one issued soon before the 2022 midterm elections, which eligible thousands of people convicted of simple possession on federal lands. The action on Friday broadens the criminal charges covered by the pardon. Biden is also giving clemency to 11 people who are serving “disproportionately long” terms for nonviolent drug offenses, according to the White House.

In a statement, Biden stated that his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.”

Biden Pardons Thousands Convicted Of Marijuana Charges On Federal Lands And In Washington

“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden said in a statement. “Our failed approach to marijuana has upended far too many lives.” It’s past time to correct these wrongs.”

No one was released from prison due to last year’s action, but the pardons were intended to help hundreds overcome barriers to renting a home or obtaining work. Similarly, due to Friday’s pardon, no federal convicts are eligible for release.

However, the order broadens the grounds for issuing pardons. People were pardoned for simple possession under only one criminal legislation in the previous round. The pardons granted on Friday also apply to several other criminal acts, including attempted simple possession.

Biden’s order solely pertains to marijuana, which has been decriminalized or legalized in several states for some or all uses but is still classified as a controlled narcotic under federal law. U.S. regulators are considering reclassifying the substance from the category of medications with “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse,” known as “Schedule I,” to the less strictly restricted “Schedule III.”

Biden Pardons Thousands Convicted Of Marijuana Charges On Federal Lands And In Washington

The pardon also does not extend to anyone in the United States illegally at the time of their conviction.

Biden’s proclamation effectively pardons the affected people, but they must apply to the Justice Department’s pardon attorney office to get certificates of pardon that can be used for housing and employment.

Biden renewed his plea on Friday for governors and local officials to take similar actions to clear marijuana convictions.

“Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either,” Vice President Joe Biden stated.

source – (AP)