Biden is pardoning thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington

2024-12-24 10:01:29 source: category:Back

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is making thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia eligible for pardons, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system.

The categorical pardon Friday builds on a similar round issued just before the 2022 midterm elections that made thousands convicted of simple possession on federal lands eligible for pardons. Friday’s action adds additional criminal offenses to those eligible for a pardon, making even more people eligible to have their convictions expunged. Biden is also granting clemency to 11 people serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

Biden, in a statement, said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.”

“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden said. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

MORE POLITICS COVERAGE Biden signs an executive order aimed at financial facilitators of the Russian defense industry Punishing their own but passing few laws, a Congress in chaos leaves much to do in 2024 New Mexico prepares for June presidential primary amid challenge to Trump candidacy

No one was freed from prison under last year’s action, but the pardons were meant to help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job. Similarly, no federal prisoners are eligible for release as a result of Friday’s action.

Biden’s order applies only to marijuana, which has been decriminalized or legalized in many states for some or all uses, but remains a controlled substance under federal law. U.S. regulators are studying reclassifying the drug from the category of drugs deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse,” known as “Schedule I,” to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III.”

The pardon also does not apply to those in the U.S. unlawfully at the time of their offense.

Those eligible can submit applications to the Justice Department’s pardon attorney office, which issues certificates of pardon.

Biden on Friday reiterated his call on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions.

“Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either,” Biden said.

More:Back

Recommend

Video shows masked man’s apparent attempt to kidnap child in NYC; suspect arrested

Harrowing footage shows the moment a masked man allegedly attempted to abduct a child on a New York

Boy Meets World's Original Topanga Actress Alleges She Was Fired for Not Being Pretty Enough

Before there was Danielle Fishel, there was Bonnie Morgan.The Rings actress recently opened up for t

Who Olivia Rodrigo Fans Think Her New Song Vampire Is Really About

Olivia Rodrigo's fans have labeled one of her exes a bloodsucker. After the 20-year-old released "Va