WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 19: U.S. President Joe Biden arrives at the White House December 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. President Biden spent the weekend in Wilmington, Delaware. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
President Biden is making moves to impact people convicted of cannabis charges. However, his pardons will be limited to those convicted in Washington, D.C., and on federal lands.
Additionally, the pardons only cover convictions for use and simple possession — not distribution. The White House made the announcement on Friday (Dec. 22), per the Associated Press. The outlet reports that this is the president’s
latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system.
President Biden reportedly said this categorical pardon 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.”
“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.”
Eleven people will also be receiving clemency for “disproportionately long” sentences for “nonviolent drug offenses.”
