President Issues Marijuana Pardon
October 12, 2022
Ezra DeVore
President Joe Biden has issued a pardon for all Americans convicted of the “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law. This is effectively a proclamation granting a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have committed, or been convicted of, the offense of simple possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, as currently codified at 21 U.S.C. 844. According to statements by the President, this decision was partially sparked by a desire to address the charging and sentencing practices that disproportionately impact people of color. The President states that although white, black, and brown Americans use marijuana at similar rates, black and brown Americans are more likely to be convicted and receive harsher sentences than many white counterparts.
Biden states: “No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. […] Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.” Biden is presently calling for state governors to issue similar pardons for Americans convicted with marijuana charges on their state level. Outside of strict statehood borders, his pardon will also address thousands who’ve been incarcerated of marijuana possession in the District of Columbia (D.C.).
Biden states that the individuals having prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession “may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result,” and his actions will “help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions.”
Additionally, alongside the previous pardon, Justice Department officials will soon undertake a scientific review with Department of Health and Human Services colleagues of how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.
At present, marijuana is a Schedule I drug, meaning more serious than fentanyl or cocaine, and on the same criminality longitude as heroin and LSD.
President Joe Biden has issued a pardon for all Americans convicted of the “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law. This is effectively a proclamation granting a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have committed, or been convicted of, the offense of simple possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, as currently codified at 21 U.S.C. 844. According to statements by the President, this decision was partially sparked by a desire to address the charging and sentencing practices that disproportionately impact people of color. The President states that although white, black, and brown Americans use marijuana at similar rates, black and brown Americans are more likely to be convicted and receive harsher sentences than many white counterparts.
Biden states: “No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. […] Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.” Biden is presently calling for state governors to issue similar pardons for Americans convicted with marijuana charges on their state level. Outside of strict statehood borders, his pardon will also address thousands who’ve been incarcerated of marijuana possession in the District of Columbia (D.C.).
Biden states that the individuals having prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession “may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result,” and his actions will “help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions.”
Additionally, alongside the previous pardon, Justice Department officials will soon undertake a scientific review with Department of Health and Human Services colleagues of how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.
At present, marijuana is a Schedule I drug, meaning more serious than fentanyl or cocaine, and on the same criminality longitude as heroin and LSD.
