Biden Pardons All Convicts of Marijuana Possession at the Federal Level
Washington – The president of United States, Joe Biden, granted a pardon to thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of dopeas his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug.
He is also asking governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases.
Biden, in a statement, said the move reflects his position that “no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.”
According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely for “simple possession” of the drug, but the pardon could help thousands of people overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job.
“There are thousands of people who have prior federal marijuana possession convictions, who may be denied employment, housing or educational opportunities as a result,” he said. “My action will help alleviate the collateral consequences stemming from these convictions.”
First: I’m pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. There are thousands of people who were previously convicted of simple possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My pardon will remove this burden.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 6, 2022
The pardon does not cover convictions for possession of other drugs, or for charges related to the production or possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute it. Biden also does not pardon non-citizens who were in the United States without legal status at the time of their arrest.