President Biden is making moves to impact people convicted of cannabis charges. However, his pardons will be limited to those convicted in Washington, D.C., and on federal lands.
Additionally, the pardons only cover convictions for use and simple possession — not distribution. The White House made the announcement on Friday (Dec. 22), per the Associated Press. The outlet reports that this is the president’slatest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system.
What The President Biden Said
President Biden reportedly said this categorical pardon would help make “the promise of equal justice a reality.”
“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden said. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
Amid the announcement, President Biden also urged governors and local legislators to follow his leadership.
“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,” Biden said.”
Eleven people will also be receiving clemency for “disproportionately long” sentences for “nonviolent drug offenses.”
President Biden Previously Issued Pardons Related To Marijuana Charges
According to the AP, Biden issued a similar round of pardons before the 2022 midterm elections. Thousands of convictions of simple possession on federal lands were tossed. Friday marks an expansion of that round, adding convictions based on use to the eligibility requirements.
Though no one was released from prison under 2022’s pardons, the move was meant to address housing and employment challenges convicts often face.
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