WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he is pardoning people with federal convictions for simple possession of marijuana, a historic move that could help more than 6,500 people and sends a powerful message on how such actions should be treated.
The vast majority of convictions occur at the state level. The president is urging governors to likewise pardon those offenders.
“Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana,” Biden said in a video announcement. “It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
“Joe Biden’s announcement of relief for Americans with federal possession offenses is long overdue. While various states have expunged thousands of cannabis offenses, millions of Americans today are still shut out of our workforce due to offenses with no bearing on their capabilities or character. This announcement will provide relief to thousands and hope to millions. However, while President Biden’s pardons rightfully attract the media’s attention, his most impactful announcement could be his direction for agencies to consider either rescheduling or descheduling cannabis. Such a move could either open the door to interstate commerce, provide tax relief and banking access to marijuana-related businesses, or throw statewide industries into chaos.” Jonathan Udell, Rose Law Group Cannabis Co-Chair
