Biden Will Begin To Forgive Federal Prisoners For Small Cannabis Possession
The fight for better cannabis legislation and federal reform has been a constant battle. Especially from President Biden who made campaign promises before being elected to do just that. However, Joe Biden in a recent interview spoke on the matter delivering some major news. On Thursday President Biden will begin the process of pardoning people with prior federal offenses for simple cannabis crimes. This is the action that has been said will affect thousands of Americans.
Words From President Joe Biden
“Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit,” Biden said in a statement. “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.”
Biden Wants Others To Follow His Steps On Forgiving Small Cannabis Offenders
Biden has also said he is urging other governors to take similar measures to pardon state simple marijuana possession charges. In addition to having the Department of Health and Human Services and Attorney General Merrick Garland to “expeditiously” review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.
The moves stop short of full decriminalization, which has enjoyed growing support among both political parties. But they are the first significant steps taken by a US president toward removing criminal penalties for possessing marijuana.
