Posted on 10/06/2022 12:40:12 PM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color.
Biden’s move also covers thousands convicted of the crime in the District of Columbia. He is also calling on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases.
Biden, in a statement, said the move reflects his position that “no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana.”
“Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana,” he added. “It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely for “simple possession” of the drug, but the pardon could help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job.
“The Justice Department will expeditiously administer the President’s proclamation, which pardons individuals who engaged in simple possession of marijuana, restoring political, civil, and other rights to those convicted of that offense,” the department said in a statement. “In coming days, the Office of the Pardon Attorney will begin implementing a process to provide impacted individuals with certificates of pardon.”
Biden is also directing the secretary of Health and Human Services and the U.S. attorney general to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD, but ahead of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The White House did not set a timeline for the review.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
He FINALLY did one thing right!
Is there a “complex possession” of marijuana charge?
Nothing a Democrat does is right. You can take that to the bank.
Vote buying again.
Trump should have done this while in office. It would have re-assured his re-election.
If the GOP takes the House *or* the Senate next month he may very well be forced to give a full,and unconditional,pardon to Hunter...and his brother...in order to prevent them from testifying under oath.
Here in Washington State, when we decriminalized marijuana and set up pot stores in every neighborhood, selling very potent versions of the drug, we saw a huge spike in homelessness, vagrancy, and shoplifting.
Buying votes I see
You stole my post...
It’s a gateway drug. You ask any decrepit heroin or meth addict how they got into drugs they’ll say “well,I started with grass...”
Do you think the pot made them homeless, or did homeless people come for the pot?
Asking sincerely.
Nonsense. They started on mother’s milk.
If Trump pardoned Eric for jay walking the corrupt butt boys of the press would be screaming bloody murder.
But when Biden does this for this scummy criminal son the press won’t say a word. Effing thugs of a feather...
How much marijuana can you possess before you are assumed to be dealing?
It sounds like Biden pardoned everyone including dealers regardless of how much possession.
That's my assumption as well. Let the Democrats tell you what they did and then multiply that by 10.
Ditto. Small amount of weed should be a nothing burger.
“He is also calling on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases.”
Hmm, probably still won’t help me, mine was for cultivation not possession. I had a total of 3 tiny plants growing in my closet when the cops busted in for a medical emergency and noticed the grow lights emanating from there. Wound up being a costly ordeal with lawyers and fines, but I would still like to get it off my record even at this late date. Ironically I’m now thinking of quitting marijuana because it tends to sap my energy and motivation, this at a time when they are finally legalizing it.
“...addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color.”
Uh, you mean the folks that “disproportionately” commit the crimes?
Thought so.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.