Washington, DC (AP) – President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.
The decision is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to decriminalize the drug and address practices that disproportionately impact people of color.
He is also calling on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases.
Biden states the legislation reflects his position that “no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.”
He also says his action will ease the consequences for “people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result.”
