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President Biden announces he intends to pardon all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession.
— The Recount (@therecount) October 6, 2022
The White House also noted the administration plans to review marijuana's classification as a Schedule 1 drug. pic.twitter.com/9cIvp6jN3F
Biden argued that incarcerating people for violating “marijuana laws” has “upended too many lives” and that it is wrong to inprison people “for conduct that many states no longer prohibit.”
Sending people to jail for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives – for conduct that is legal in many states. That’s before you address the clear racial disparities around prosecution and conviction. Today, we begin to right these wrongs.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 6, 2022
Claiming that drug laws have a racial component, Biden said:
“Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. And 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.”
The president continued: “I am announcing a pardon of all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. I have directed the Attorney General to develop an administrative process for the issuance of certificates of pardon to eligible individuals.”
Biden also noted 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.”
Segueing to speak directly to state leaders, Biden urged governors to follow his example, saying “people should not be in a local jail or state prison” for violating marijuana drug laws — particularly if those laws have since been repealed.
As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 6, 2022
Today, I’m taking steps to end our failed approach. Allow me to lay them out.
Biden also noted he was directing Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Attorney General Merrick Garland to move to decriminalize the use and sale of marijuana by reviewing how cannabis is “scheduled” under federal law.
As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 6, 2022
Today, I’m taking steps to end our failed approach. Allow me to lay them out.
