Joe Biden Is Pardoning Cannabis Convictions In A Huge Win For Drug Reform
"Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana."
US President Joe Biden has announced he will pardon “simple possession” cannabis crimes under federal law in a huge step towards drug reform in the country.
In an announcement on Friday, Biden stressed that “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,” said Biden. “It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana.
Today I announced a pardon of all prior federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana, urged governors to do the same, and asked HHS and DOJ to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 6, 2022
In the US, cannabis is considered a Schedule 1 narcotic, which means it is deemed to have no medical use and a high risk of abuse — putting it in the same category as heroin and LSD.
“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.”
In addition to pardoning federal offences, Biden has also called for governors to do the same on a state level.
“Just as no-one should be in a federal prison solely for possessing marijuana, no-one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason either,” said Biden.
While the White House claims nobody is currently in federal prison for “simple possession” alone, Biden’s pardon will be life-changing for people who have prior convictions that impact their ability to find a job or rent a house.
“There are thousands of people who have prior federal convictions for marijuana possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result,” he said. “My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions.”
People who have been pardoned will receive a certificate that can be shown to future employers to clear their name.
“The Justice Department will expeditiously administer the President’s proclamation, which pardons individuals who engaged in simple possession of marijuana, restoring political, civil, and other rights to those convicted of that offence,” a statement from the Department of Justice read.
“In coming days, the Office of the Pardon Attorney will begin implementing a process to provide impacted individuals with certificates of pardon.”
The maximum penalty for possession of cannabis in Australia is two years in prison.