Associated Press
President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color.
He is also calling on 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.”
“There are thousands of people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result,” he said. “My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions.”
Biden is also directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Attorney General to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.
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Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
6 comments
PeterH
October 6, 2022 at 3:29 pm
I jog sidewalks adjacent to beaches in South Florida. On any given late afternoon or evening the smell of marijuana smoke permeates the air. The stand-by police do nothing……they are looking for more dangerous activity. This drug should be legalized already……but if prior prosecutions are preventing people from seeking employment….. I would agree with Biden that this is a reasonable expectation for pardon.
Ron DeSantis SUCKS
October 6, 2022 at 3:50 pm
Promises made — promises kept. Dark Brandon at it again. Read it and weep Trumpers and DeSantis-lovers! Biden is the real deal! No more malarky! 8)
Elliott Offen
October 6, 2022 at 4:10 pm
Go Dark Brandon!!!!
Paul Passarelli
October 6, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Even a painted clock is correct twice a day.
🍕 Paul Pizza 🍕
October 6, 2022 at 4:48 pm
Trump was a broken clock…yet you people always thought it was noon.
It's Complicated
October 13, 2022 at 11:43 am
Just a matter of time before one of those pardoned commits a heinous murder, then that act will (justifiably) be in the headlines thru the 2024 Elections. Suppose it won’t matter much when the Democrats kick Biden to the curb before the next election.
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