President Biden made history by announcing a pardon for every American convicted by the federal government of simple possession of marijuana.
Biden pardons all US citizens convicted by the federal government of simple possession of marijuana
President Biden granted the pardons by proclamation:
Acting pursuant to the grant of authority under Article II, Section 2, of the United States Constitution, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., hereby grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to (1 ) all current United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who have committed the offense of simple possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, as currently codified at 21 USC 844 and as it was previously codified elsewhere in the United States Code, or in violation of DC 48–904.01 (d)(1), on or before the date of this proclamation, whether or not they have been charged or prosecuted for that offense on or before the date of this proclamation; and (2) all current United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been convicted of the offense of simple possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, as currently codified at 21 USC 844 and as it was previously codified elsewhere in the United States Code. , or in violation of DC Code 48–904.01(d)(1); which grace will restore to them the plenitude of political, civil and other rights.
My intention by this proclamation is to pardon only the offense of simple possession of marijuana in violation of federal law or in violation of DC Code 48–904.01(d)(1), and not any other offense related to marijuana or other controlled substances. Nothing herein shall be construed as pardoning any person for any other offence, including possession of other controlled substances, whether committed before, after or concurrently with the pardoned offense of simple possession of marijuana. . This pardon does not apply to persons who were not lawfully present citizens of the United States at the time of their offense.
Democrats praise Biden for marijuana reform
Speaker Pelosi said, “Today is a day of hope and healing, as President Biden takes historic steps to reform America’s approach to marijuana. These transformative actions are the latest manifestation of Democrats’ unwavering commitment to justice, especially for those unjustly harmed by the criminalization of cannabis.
Majority Leader Schumer, who advocated marijuana reform said, “For too long, federal cannabis prohibition and the war on drugs has been a war on people, and especially people of color. President Biden’s action to pardon those convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law is a huge step forward in correcting decades of overcriminalization.
U.S. Senate candidate from Pennsylvania John Fetterman hit out at predictable Republican hysteria: “I don’t want to hear any bullshit from Dr. Oz or any Republican confusing decriminalization of marijuana with a grave crime harmful. As Mayor of Braddock, I worked to tackle serious crime. I know what it looks like. And I know marijuana just doesn’t fit the bill. More than 350,000 Americans were arrested for marijuana-related offenses in 2020. The resources needed to make those arrests should be directed to tackling serious crime — and now they will. This decision will make Americans safer.
Biden makes America safer with common sense
People should not be in federal prison for simple possession of marijuana. Law enforcement and criminal justice resources should be used to pursue violent criminals, not someone who had drugs on them.
Biden makes America safe with common sense.
Donald Trump has talked about criminal justice reform, but President Joe Biden is doing it.
Mr. Easley is the editor. He is also a member of the White House press pool and a congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in political science. His graduate studies focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association