Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on US federal lands

The categorical pardon on Friday builds on a similar round issued just before the 2022 midterm elections that made thousands convicted of simple possession on federal lands eligible for pardons. Friday’s action adds additional criminal offences to those eligible for a pardon, making even more people eligible to have their convictions expunged.

Biden is also granting clemency to 11 people serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for non-violent drug offences.

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Biden, in a statement, said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality”.

“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing and educational opportunities,” Biden said. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

No one was freed from prison under last year’s action, but the pardons were meant to help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job. Similarly, no federal prisoners are eligible for release as a result of Friday’s action.

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Biden’s order applies only to marijuana, which has been decriminalised or legalised in many states for some or all uses, but remains a controlled substance under federal law. US regulators are studying reclassifying the drug from the category of drugs deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”, known as “Schedule I”, to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III”.

The pardon also does not apply to those in the US unlawfully at the time of their offence.

Those eligible can submit applications to the Justice Department’s pardon attorney office, which issues certificates of pardon.

Biden on Friday reiterated his call on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions.

“Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either,” Biden said.