President Joe Biden has enacted a historic measure by signing a proclamation on Friday that absolves all individuals previously convicted at the federal level for marijuana use or possession. Alongside this significant action, President Biden has also exercised his executive powers to reduce the sentences of 11 individuals who were serving what he deemed as excessively harsh punishments for nonviolent drug crimes, including the possession with plans to distribute modest amounts of substances such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
In a public declaration, President Biden expressed his intent to administer justice more equitably across the board, emphasizing that the move has garnered support from a broad spectrum of voices, ranging from bipartisan political figures to civic and religious leaders, as well as authorities within law enforcement. He highlighted that the consensus is that the judicial system should embody the foundational principle of fairness, which in turn bolsters the safety and resilience of communities.
Biden pointed out that the 11 individuals whose sentences have been commuted were subjected to unduly severe penalties for nonviolent drug crimes, noting that if they were adjudged for the same offenses in the current legal climate, they would face much lesser sentences.
The president’s decisive step to pardon all federal convictions for basic marijuana possession and use comes as an effort to address the long-term repercussions of what he describes as a flawed policy towards the drug. He underscored the unnecessary hurdles these convictions have created, impeding access to job opportunities, housing, and education for many individuals. Biden called for a rectification of these injustices and appealed to state governors to follow suit with similar clemency for state-level offenses.
The proclamation clarified that these pardons are strictly confined to the federal convictions for simple possession of marijuana and do not extend to other controlled substances or crimes, including distribution-related offenses or impaired driving incidents involving marijuana.
This report incorporates details from the Associated Press and Reuters.
U.S. President Joe Biden has granted full and unconditional pardons to individuals convicted of marijuana use or possession in the United States. Additionally, he commuted the sentences of 11 people serving lengthy terms for nonviolent drug offenses involving small amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine. Biden’s actions aim to enforce equal justice and address the negative impacts of what he views as a failed approach to marijuana, including barriers to employment, housing, and education. The pardons are specific to marijuana possession and do not cover other controlled substances or related offenses such as distribution or driving under the influence. Biden also called on state governors to take similar steps for state offenses.
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