In a significant move towards rectifying racial disparities within the justice system, President Joe Biden has announced a groundbreaking decision to pardon thousands of individuals convicted of marijuana use and simple possession on federal lands and in the District of Columbia. This action, declared by the White House on Friday, marks a continuation of Biden’s efforts to address the longstanding issues related to drug policies and their impact on society.
This categorical pardon is an expansion of an initiative launched before the 2022 midterm elections, which already made many individuals convicted on federal lands eligible for pardons. The recent announcement further broadens the scope, including additional criminal offences, thereby increasing the number of people who can have their convictions expunged. Alongside this, Biden has granted clemency to 11 individuals serving disproportionally lengthy sentences for nonviolent drug crimes.
In a poignant statement, President Biden emphasized the importance of this action in ensuring equal justice: “Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
While the pardons from last year did not lead to immediate prison releases, they aimed to aid thousands in overcoming challenges such as securing employment or housing. Similarly, the latest round of pardons will not result in federal prisoners being released but will provide significant relief from the long-term consequences of these convictions.
The focus of Biden’s order is solely on marijuana-related offences, reflecting the changing legal landscape where many states have decriminalized or legalized marijuana for various uses. However, it remains a controlled substance under federal law. There’s an ongoing debate and study regarding reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I drug, considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, to the less restrictive Schedule III category.
Significantly, the pardon does not extend to individuals unlawfully in the U.S. during their offence. Those eligible for the pardon can apply through the Justice Department’s pardon attorney office to receive certificates of pardon.
Reiterating his commitment to this cause, President Biden urged governors and local leaders to implement similar measures for erasing marijuana convictions at the state and local levels, stating, “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.”
President Biden’s decision to pardon thousands of individuals for marijuana-related offences on federal lands and in the District of Columbia is a significant stride towards reforming the justice system and addressing the long-standing racial disparities it has perpetuated. This move not only underscores the changing perspective on marijuana in the legal framework but also highlights the administration’s dedication to correcting past injustices and paving the way for a more equitable future.
