This Friday, President Joe Biden announced the granting of federal pardons for all Americans who have been convicted of simple marijuana use and possession, which will free thousands of people in the country.
According to the statement published by the White House, the pardon is not only extended to US citizens but also to legal permanent residents who have been convicted "of the offense of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana, regardless of whether they have been charged with or prosecuted for these offenses on or before the date of this proclamation."
First, I’m commuting the sentences of 11 people who are serving disproportionately long sentences for non-violent drug offenses.
All of them would have been eligible to receive significantly lower sentences if they were charged with the same offense today.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 22, 2023
According to Biden, "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. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach. It's time we right these wrongs," the president added, urging governors to forgive similar state offenses.
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.
I continue to urge Governors to do the same with state offenses and applaud those who have since taken action.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 22, 2023
It is important to note that the pardon does not apply to people imprisoned for the sale of marijuana or crimes committed under the influence of illegal substances. Likewise, the statement highlights that the pardon will not apply to people who were not legally in the country at the time of committing the crime.
Biden also reported that he commuted the sentences of 11 people who were serving "disproportionately long sentences for non-violent drug offenses."
Although it is unclear how many people would benefit from this decision, an Independent report states that the pardon could clear the records of around 6,500 people. This number of pardons would be the highest since Jimmy Carter granted pardons to more than 200,000 people for evading the draft during the Vietnam War.
