President Biden Expands Cannabis Pardons – New Hope for Thousands!
The U.S. President has recently extended the scope of pardons for simple cannabis possession and use, although these actions do not extend to those currently incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. This move expands upon the previous year's significant number of federal pardons for cannabis possession. The additional pardons cover thousands of individuals convicted for simple cannabis use and possession, particularly on federal lands and in Washington D.C.
Additionally, the President has granted clemency to 11 individuals serving disproportionately long sentences for nonviolent drug crimes. Despite these pardons symbolizing a shift in the federal stance on cannabis convictions, they do not entail the release of individuals presently incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes. The primary objective of these pardons is to alleviate the obstacles that past cannabis convictions pose in securing employment or housing.
The President commented that these pardons contribute to fulfilling the promise of equal justice. He emphasized the undue hardships caused by criminal records for marijuana use and possession, including barriers to employment, housing, and education, and stressed the importance of rectifying these past injustices.
In addition to these federal actions, the President has urged state governors to annul state-level cannabis convictions, advocating for the release of individuals imprisoned solely for cannabis use or possession at state levels.
Cannabis continues to be classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, implying it is considered to have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has proposed reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III, which would recognize some medical use and a lower potential for abuse.
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