President Biden made history by announcing a pardon for every American federally convicted of minor marijuana possession.

Biden pardons all US citizens federally convicted of minor marijuana possession

President Biden issued the pardon by declaring:

Pursuant to conferring authority in Article II, Section 2, of the United States Constitution, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., I hereby grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to (1) all current United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who have committed the minor offense of possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, as currently codified at 21 USC 844 and as previously codified in place last in US law, or in violation of DC 48-904.01(d)(1), on or before the date of this announcement, regardless of whether they were charged or prosecuted for this offense on or before the date of this announcement; and (ii) all current US citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been convicted of the crime of simply possessing marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, as currently codified at 21 USC 844 and as previously codified elsewhere in US law, or in violation of DC law Code 48-904.01 (d) (1); Any amnesty restores them full political, civil and other rights.

My intent with this announcement is to pardon only the minor offense of possessing marijuana in violation of federal law or in violation of DC 48-904.01(d)(1), and not any other offenses related to marijuana or other controlled substances. No language herein shall be construed as pardoning any person for any other offense, including possession of other controlled substances, whether committed prior to, subsequent to, or contemporaneous with the pardoned offense of minor marijuana possession. This amnesty does not apply to individuals who were not citizens who were not lawfully present in the United States at the time the crime was committed.

Democrats praise Biden for marijuana reform

House 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 unfairly affected by the criminalization of cannabis.” .

Majority Leader Schumer, Who was advocating marijuana reform He said, “For far too long, the federal cannabis ban and the war on drugs have been a war on people, especially people of color. President Biden’s action to pardon people convicted of minor marijuana possession under federal law is a huge step forward to correct decades of excessive criminalization.”

John Fetterman, a candidate for the US Senate in Pennsylvania, took to the expected Republican hysteria, “I don’t want to hear any bullshit from Dr. Oz or any Republican who confuses decriminalization of marijuana with serious crime. As Mayor Braddock, I’ve worked to combat serious crime. I know what that sounds like.” And I know that marijuana just doesn’t fit the bill More than 350,000 Americans were arrested for marijuana-related crimes in 2020. The resources to make these arrests must go toward fighting serious crimes – 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 minor marijuana possession. Law enforcement and criminal justice resources should be used to go after violent criminals, not someone who has some power over them.

Biden makes America safe with common sense.

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Donald Trump has talked about criminal justice reform, but President Joe Biden does.

Mr. Easley is Managing Editor. He is also a press correspondent at the White House and a congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason holds a BA in Political Science. His graduating work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and Professional Memberships

Member of the Association of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association