Washington: President Joe Biden Thursday took executive action to change US policy on marijuana, pardoning everyone federal crime of ordinary Marijuana possession.
“There are thousands of people who have had prior federal convictions for marijuana possession who could be denied employment, housing or educational opportunities,” Biden said in a statement. “My action will help address the collateral consequences that may arise from these convicts.”
Biden’s actions deliver on a campaign promise and are likely to appease members of his left-leaning political base ahead of November’s midterm elections, in which Biden’s fellow Democrats are defending their control of the House of Representatives and managing committee,
Biden said he had instructed the attorney general Merrick Garland Develop an “administrative process” for issuing pardon certificates to those who are eligible.
The president also said that he is urging state governors to follow suit.
“Just as no one should be in a federal prison just because of marijuana possession, so no one should be in a local prison or a state prison,” he said.
Biden said he was asking federal officials to begin a review process to “schedule” or classify marijuana under federal law. It currently falls under the same classification as heroin and LSD and is in a higher classification than fentanyl and methamphetamine, he said.
“Ultimately, even as federal and state regulation of marijuana change, significant limits on the trafficking, marketing, and underage sales should remain,” Biden said.
“Many people’s lives have been messed up because of our unsuccessful approach to marijuana. It’s time we correct these mistakes.”
“There are thousands of people who have had prior federal convictions for marijuana possession who could be denied employment, housing or educational opportunities,” Biden said in a statement. “My action will help address the collateral consequences that may arise from these convicts.”
Biden’s actions deliver on a campaign promise and are likely to appease members of his left-leaning political base ahead of November’s midterm elections, in which Biden’s fellow Democrats are defending their control of the House of Representatives and managing committee,
Biden said he had instructed the attorney general Merrick Garland Develop an “administrative process” for issuing pardon certificates to those who are eligible.
The president also said that he is urging state governors to follow suit.
“Just as no one should be in a federal prison just because of marijuana possession, so no one should be in a local prison or a state prison,” he said.
Biden said he was asking federal officials to begin a review process to “schedule” or classify marijuana under federal law. It currently falls under the same classification as heroin and LSD and is in a higher classification than fentanyl and methamphetamine, he said.
“Ultimately, even as federal and state regulation of marijuana change, significant limits on the trafficking, marketing, and underage sales should remain,” Biden said.
“Many people’s lives have been messed up because of our unsuccessful approach to marijuana. It’s time we correct these mistakes.”