President Joe Biden has taken another step towards criminal justice reform by issuing a proclamation to pardon certain marijuana offenses.
This move builds upon his previous actions to pardon thousands of individuals convicted of possession under federal law. The new pardons specifically target additional offenses of simple possession and use of marijuana under federal and D.C. law, including provisions related to use and possession on certain Federal lands.
President Biden has also called on governors to follow suit and pardon state marijuana-related offenses, emphasizing that no one should be incarcerated solely due to the use or possession of marijuana. While the exact number of people affected by these new pardons remains unclear, this development represents a significant stride towards a more equitable and compassionate approach to drug policy.
“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.”
In addition to this, Biden is also granting clemency to 11 people serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.
“America was founded on the principle of equal justice under law,” Biden said in a statement. “Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect this core value that makes our communities safer and stronger. That is why today I am announcing additional steps I am taking to make the promise of equal justice a reality.”
Of those 11 people who will have their sentences commuted, some were convicted to decades or even life in prison for crack cocaine-related offenses.
“All of them would have been eligible to receive significantly lower sentences if they were charged with the same offense today,” Biden said in a statement.
One notable aspect of President Biden’s proclamation is its inclusion of offenses related to the use and possession of marijuana on certain Federal lands. This provision addresses an area that was not covered by the previous proclamation in 2022. By extending pardons to individuals who committed these offenses, the President recognizes the need for consistency and fairness in applying drug laws across different jurisdictions. This move also highlights the administration’s commitment to ensuring that individuals are not unduly penalized for engaging in activities that are legal in some states but illegal on Federal lands.
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