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Biden pardons thousands for ‘simple possession’ of marijuana
The Associated Press ^ | October 6, 2022 | By ZEKE MILLER and CHRIS MEGERIAN

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 ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: marijuana
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To: jimwatx

Oregon probably has an opinion as well.


41 posted on 10/06/2022 2:18:51 PM PDT by 3RIVRS
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To: dragonblustar

“ Just a ploy for the election.”

The Democrat’s election platform is war, abortion (murder) and dope.

Not hard to see why we are in a world of hurt.


42 posted on 10/06/2022 2:24:07 PM PDT by Scott from the Left Coast (Make Orwell Fiction Again)
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To: Mouton

They don’t. Most of these are probably plea bargains.


43 posted on 10/06/2022 2:32:16 PM PDT by ConjunctionJunction (Vim vi repellere licet)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

When this doesn’t pump up the numbers enough, the next thing will be buy everyone some spliff.


44 posted on 10/06/2022 2:34:17 PM PDT by TexasM1A
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

Smells like panic.


45 posted on 10/06/2022 2:35:59 PM PDT by LS ("Castles made of sand, fall in the sea . . . eventually" (Hendrix) )
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To: Gay State Conservative

100% true.

Not a single meth or heroin addict has not first started with pot.


46 posted on 10/06/2022 2:41:58 PM PDT by NoLibZone (Ruling class noticed our total lack of pushback for how the election & Covid was handled.)
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

When this doesn’t pump up the numbers enough, the next thing will be buy everyone some spliff.


47 posted on 10/06/2022 2:46:38 PM PDT by TexasM1A
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

Ask any cop what the differences are for someone driving stoned on grass or booze? Let me go ahead and tell you. There are no differences and driving under the influence of dope or booze will kill you and others. Booze and grass if you are a daily user will turn your brain into mush. But since Biden has already turned our military into a woke joke I’m certain he’ll do an executive order and tell the US military after they get their sex changes they can stay stoned on dope to calm their nerves.


48 posted on 10/06/2022 2:47:08 PM PDT by NKP_Vet
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To: Steve_Seattle

Stores that sell marijuana also offer less potent, much cheaper varieties at various price points. The “very potent” stuff is very expensive.


49 posted on 10/06/2022 2:49:07 PM PDT by GSWarrior
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To: pfflier

Probably.


50 posted on 10/06/2022 3:08:32 PM PDT by EEGator
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To: Steve_Seattle
we saw a huge spike in homelessness, vagrancy, and shoplifting.

Shoplifting crime? But the criminals felt mellow and like really blissed out during the whole thing, like I mean cool. Chillin' like a villain.

51 posted on 10/06/2022 3:09:36 PM PDT by frank ballenger (You have summoned up a thundercloud. You're gonna hear from me. Anthem by Leonard Cohen)
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To: DannyTN
I would imagine that sale of any amount is a disqualifier for this pardon.

As to how much might make them press fir delivery charges. who knows? Things like possession of scales and packaging materials might be a factor. Also, quantities in separate containers ought to be a factor. I was on a grand jury once that was hearing a case in which a guy was charged with possession of 5 bags of meth...about a 1/4 of a sandwich bag each...and they weren’t trying to get a DCS indictment. I was like “Hold the phone!” I asked why and they said they didn’t think a grand jury would go for it. Wrong.

52 posted on 10/06/2022 3:20:37 PM PDT by gundog ( It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. )
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To: Gay State Conservative

Cigarettes and alcohol before weed, I’d bet.


53 posted on 10/06/2022 3:21:37 PM PDT by gundog ( It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. )
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To: Erik Latranyi

No. Once it was done, there would be no reason for pot smokers to vote for him, cheating notwithstanding.


54 posted on 10/06/2022 3:23:19 PM PDT by gundog ( It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. )
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To: mowowie

Oregon’s dispensaries have low priced options. Think liquor store. Rot-gut or single-malt scotch...same drug...different cost.


55 posted on 10/06/2022 3:27:15 PM PDT by gundog ( It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. )
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To: Oldeconomybuyer

How are there any in jail on simple possession at the federal level?


56 posted on 10/06/2022 3:29:39 PM PDT by pas
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To: Vermont Lt

Ya gotta figure. Can ya picture someone going to Biden snd saying “Look...things are so messed up the potheads are gonna vote Republican.”


57 posted on 10/06/2022 3:29:44 PM PDT by gundog ( It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. )
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To: Mouton

Or multiple convictions. First time’s a misdemeanor. Felonies after ghat.


58 posted on 10/06/2022 3:31:34 PM PDT by gundog ( It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. )
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To: Sooth2222

18 wheeler full of cannabis?

Dude....


59 posted on 10/06/2022 3:32:08 PM PDT by Fuzz
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To: jimwatx

I would think In Washington state that legalizing marijuana brought more homeless to the state, not making them.


60 posted on 10/06/2022 3:33:03 PM PDT by cornfedcowboy ( )
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