Biden to Pardon Federal Marijuana Possession Convictions
Pres. Joe Biden has pardoned thousands convicted of simple cannabis possession in the US in a move that, according to estimates, will overturn the criminal records of roughly 6.5k people.
Facts
- Pres. Joe Biden has pardoned thousands convicted of simple cannabis possession in the US in a move that, according to estimates, will overturn the criminal records of roughly 6.5k people.
- The pardon only applies to those convicted of the low-level offense of simple possession, while people imprisoned for trafficking, sales, or other marijuana-related charges will not benefit. The White House has clarified that nobody is currently detained in federal prison for simple possession alone.
- Biden also encouraged governors to adopt his stance and pardon those convicted on state charges of simple possession, who far outnumber those at the federal level. The president further suggested that his administration intends to review whether marijuana should continue to be in the same legal category as drugs, including LSD and heroin.
- The White House cited disproportionate racial representation in possession conviction figures. According to the White House, white people and people of color use marijuana at similar rates, but "black and brown people have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates."
- Marijuana has been legalized in almost 40 states, either for medical and/or recreational use, but it's still illegal at the federal level. A majority of US citizens reportedly support wider legalization of the drug, something Biden's move could help usher in.
Sources: BBC News, Guardian, New York Times, FOX News, and Reuters.
Narratives
- Democratic narrative, as provided by Sky News. Finally, a president has recognized the problem of mass marijuana incarceration in the US. This should be a measure of hope that Democrats will, with the support of the majority of Americans, legalize marijuana and put an end to needless criminalizing and discriminatory law enforcement.
- Republican narrative, as provided by Voa. Biden is gifting criminals a blanket pardon in the midst of a crime wave and the brink of a recession. Many of these offenders pled down from more serious charges, and this "radical" move is just a desperate attempt to distract from failed leadership and score political points in the lead-up to the midterms.
