President Joe Biden has expanded pardons for individuals convicted of marijuana offenses on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, aiming to address racial disparities in the justice system. This move follows a similar round of pardons just before the 2022 midterm elections, with Friday's action adding more criminal offenses to the eligibility list for pardons.
In addition to the marijuana-related pardons, Biden is granting clemency to 11 individuals serving what the White House describes as "disproportionately long" sentences for nonviolent drug offenses. The president aims to rectify the impact of punitive drug policies that have disproportionately affected communities of color.
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President Biden, in a statement, emphasized his commitment to making the "promise of equal justice a reality." He acknowledged that criminal records for marijuana use and possession have created unnecessary barriers to employment, housing, and education. The president sees the move as a way to correct the consequences of a failed approach to marijuana-related offenses, stating, "It’s time that we right these wrongs."
Individuals eligible for pardons can submit applications to the Justice Department's pardon attorney office, which issues certificates of pardon. The initiative is focused on overcoming obstacles faced by individuals with marijuana convictions, such as challenges in securing employment and housing.
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President Biden also urged governors and local leaders to take similar steps at the state level, emphasizing the need to address marijuana convictions and their impact on individuals' lives. The pardon specifically applies to marijuana-related offenses and does not extend to individuals who were in the U.S. unlawfully at the time of their offense.
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