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 ...
“According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely for “simple possession” of the drug…”
“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.”
No, nope, nah. That was obviously due to climate change and Trump. ;-)
Why not pardon all drug offenses whatever they are and of course that will include Hunter and while he is at it all offenses for Child Trafficking , got to get Hunter off that charge also.
Less than 100 kilos?
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.
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Coincidence? Nah!
“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.”
Alcohol abuse can result in those problems as well, in addition to many acts of violence domestic and otherwise, do you want that to be illegal too?
How much marijuana can you possess before you are assumed to be dealing?
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Varies by state, but the amount isn’t important - what is important is the State’s AG’s view of drugs whether to prosecute or not.
But here an example of US vs other countries:
US: caught with 3 kilos of cocaine - maybe 4 years, unless prosecution is declined or plead out as is frequently the case. Fentanyl up to 1million pills - no prosecution.
Most South & Latin American countries for same offense: 5-8 years, judge’s discretion. More than 3keys, it goes to 25 years in prisons where you better have a friend or relative bring you any amenities or edible food.
>>> He FINALLY did one thing right! <<<
I’m not so sure. Most federal convictions are plea bargains. The actual crime was often much worse than “simple possession”. I’m ok if they look at each case carefully, but this administration cannot be trusted to do anything carefully.
It’s still federally illegal.
Once again Biden doesn’t keep his oath to execute the law.
It’s not up to him to decide what should or shouldn’t be legal, it’s his job to EXECUTE the laws passed by congress.
Wouldn't that kinda depend on how much? I mean, if it's an 18-wheeler full?
People are not usually in jail for simple possession.
Mostly drug dealers pledged down to simple posession!
But the voters he thinks he's buying will be too stoned to vote.
How is the homeless affording 80 dollars for 3.5 grams of the killer weed?
If THAT has made them homeless then they deserved it.
My first thought was that the internal polls for the dems must suck. A lot.
I suspect the answer to that is “All of the above”.
1000”s? I thought the feds did not generally pursue simple possession charges. Most USA’s were told to be mindful of the state law where they serve also. My guess would be any a hole in a fed pen for simple possession got there by way of a plea deal.
But there was no reason to wait two years. Oh. There was.
Anyone affected by this was probably already a Biden voter. On a scale of one to how does this affect people’s everyday life this is in the less than zero range.
He could have done this a while ago and worked with congress to decriminalized it, regulate it like alcohol. Just a ploy for the election.
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