All around the country, Biden pardons marijuana use. What that entails is as follows.
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Washington, DC Every American who has previously smoked marijuana, including those who were never detained or charged, will be given a federal pardon, according to President Joe Biden's announcement on Friday.
All citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States who possess marijuana for personal use are eligible for the blanket pardon, as are those who have been found guilty of comparable federal offences. It also pardons District of Columbia marijuana users. It does not apply to anyone who have been imprisoned for selling marijuana, which is prohibited by federal law, or for other marijuana-related offences including operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs.
Biden's pardon is expected to have far-reaching effects because people with criminal histories for marijuana use and possession face obstacles when applying for jobs, housing, and educational opportunities. Those who broke state law, on the other hand, are not eligible for pardons; instead, they must apply for mercy through the Department of Justice.
Last year, he offered a pardon akin to this one and pledged further revisions. The declaration this year went one step farther and pardoned everyone for ordinary marijuana possession or use, even those who had never been charged under federal law.
Biden said in a statement that marijuana use or possession should not be grounds for incarceration in the United States. He asked governors to pardon state transgressions.
"Unnecessary obstacles to housing, work, and educational prospects have been placed in place by criminal records pertaining to marijuana use and possession. Our misguided approach to marijuana has destroyed far too many lives. We must make these mistakes right," stated Biden.
More: Biden's pardon plan won't provide relief for many Americans who were imprisoned for marijuana.
Additionally, Biden commuted the sentences of eleven individuals who, in his words, are "serving disproportionately long sentences for non-violent drug offences" and who, had they been charged today, would have received shorter terms.