Biden's Bold Move: Pardons Thousands Convicted of Marijuana Use and Possession
President Biden issues pardon for thousands convicted of marijuana offenses on federal lands and in D.C. in ongoing effort to address racial disparities and rectify failed policies.
President Joe Biden took a historic step on Friday, issuing a categorical pardon for thousands of individuals who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia. This comes as part of Biden's ongoing efforts to address racial disparities in the justice system and rectify the impact of failed marijuana policies. This latest round of executive clemencies builds on a similar round issued in 2022 and expands the criminal offenses covered by the pardon.
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Today President Joe Biden issued a pardon for anyone convicted of simple possession and use of marijuana under federal law.
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In addition to pardoning thousands convicted of simple possession on federal lands, Biden is also granting clemency to 11 people serving disproportionately long sentences for nonviolent drug offenses. In a statement, President Biden emphasized that the criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities, and have upended too many lives. He stated that it's time to right these wrongs and make the promise of equal justice a reality.
While no one was freed from prison as a result of last year's action, the pardons were meant to help individuals overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job. Additionally, the order expands the grounds on which pardons are issued, applying to several other criminal statutes, including attempted simple possession. It's important to note that Biden's pardon only applies to marijuana, which has been decriminalized or legalized in many states but remains a controlled substance under federal law. The pardon also does not apply to those in the U.S. unlawfully at the time of their offense.
The proclamation effectively pardons the covered individuals, but they will need to submit applications to the Justice Department's pardon attorney office to receive certificates of pardon that can be used for housing and employment purposes. President Biden also used this opportunity to call on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions, highlighting that no one should be in a federal or state prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana.