Biden announces pardons for thousands convicted of federal marijuana possession
washingtonblade.comPresident Biden traveling in New York state on Thursday announced that he was granting a pardon of all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana.
Taking aim at federal conviction rates for marijuana possession, Biden noted in a statement released by the White House, “while white and Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.” This announcement by the president comes roughly a month before the midterm elections that will decide whether the president’s party can hold on to control of Congress.
Democratic and progressive candidates have pushed the administration for action on this issue which which many Democratic activists have long called for.
The White House estimates will affect more than 6,500 people and in conjunction with his action today Biden is asking that all Governors to do the same with regard to state offenses. Statement from President Biden on Marijuana Reform As I often said during my campaign for President, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.
