President Joe Biden announced he would be pardoned for all simple federal crimes marijuana ownership on Thursday, with the money being the first significant step toward nationwide de-nominalization.
The move fulfills Biden’s campaign pledge to clear all previous charges of federal possession, and will affect thousands of charged Americans, according to senior administration officials. senior government officials.
President Biden notes how the law unfairly impacts blacks, despite similar rates of use among whites
In a statement announcing the executive action, Biden noted that marijuana is already legal in many states, and noted that “criminal records for marijuana possession have led to unnecessary roadblocks.” for employment, housing and education opportunities.”
“No one should go to jail for using or possessing marijuana,” Biden said. “It is legal in many states, and the criminal record of marijuana possession has resulted in unnecessary barriers to employment, housing and educational opportunities.
The president also spoke about racial disparities when it comes to marijuana possession charges, adding that “Blacks and browns are arrested … and convicted at a disproportionate rate.”
“And that is before you address the racial disparities around who suffer the consequences. While whites and blacks and browns use marijuana at similar rates, blacks and browns are apprehended, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.”
In April, the House of Representatives officially passed the MORE bill, which would legalize marijuana nationwide, Shade room previous report.
The bill eliminates criminal penalties for anyone who produces, distributes, or possesses the substance. According to CNN, the bill was sponsored by Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler of New York. In addition to denomination, it would prevent federal agencies from denying federal workers security measures for marijuana use.
Biden encourages state governors to follow federal government direction, Attorney General tasked with classification review
Biden continues to encourage governors to follow instructions and similarly, the state pardon simple marijuana possession offenses, which will increase the number of Americans affected by such crimes.
The Department of Health and Human Services and Attorney General Merrick Garland will be tasked with “urgently” reviewing how drugs are scheduled under federal law in a larger effort to relax federal classification standards. state.
Marijuana is currently in the same group as much harder drugs like heroin and LSD.
Biden’s announcement comes just a month before the pivotal midterm elections in November, which will determine who will control Congress.
Marijuana Legalization A Focus in Swing Counties Across the Country Before the Midterm Elections
Several candidates for the U.S. Senate seat — specifically, Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania, John Fetterman — have focused much of their campaigns on legalizing marijuana.
Fetterman and Biden actually met last month, with the candidate saying in advance that he would raise the matter with the President.
Meanwhile, Democrats are finding a way to balance their progressive values and dismiss accusations that they are soft on crime, which remains a major problem in certain areas.
