President Joe Biden is extending pardons to thousands convicted of marijuana use and simple possession on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, as part of his ongoing efforts to address racial disparities in the justice system. This move follows a similar round of pardons issued just before the 2022 midterm elections, making individuals convicted of simple possession on federal lands eligible for pardons. The recent action expands the range of criminal offenses eligible for pardons, aiming to rectify the impact on a broader group of individuals. Additionally, Biden is granting clemency to 11 people serving lengthy sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.
In a statement, President Biden emphasized the goal of achieving “equal justice” and acknowledged the adverse effects of criminal records for marijuana use and possession, which create barriers to employment, housing, and education. He stated that the current approach to marijuana has led to unnecessary disruptions in many lives and called for addressing these past injustices.
The pardon specifically applies to marijuana-related convictions, even as the drug has been decriminalized or legalized in various states. While the action aims to help individuals overcome obstacles in areas such as employment and housing, it does not result in the release of any federal prisoners. The order encourages governors and local leaders to take similar steps in expunging marijuana convictions at the state and local levels.
Those eligible for pardons can submit applications to the Justice Department’s pardon attorney office, which issues certificates of pardon. The president’s decision underscores the need for broader criminal justice reform, particularly in addressing the consequences of past marijuana convictions on individuals’ lives.