Joe Biden is issuing pardons to thousands of Americans convicted of having cannabis in a dramatic step towards decriminalising the drug. His decision addresses legal policies seen to disproportionately affect people of colour.
President Biden’s move covers those convicted of the crime of "simple possession" at federal level and in the District of Columbia. He is also calling on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state offences, which make up the vast majority of possession cases.
The president said the pardons reflected 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.”
The White House says no one is currently in federal prison solely for “simple possession” of the drug, but the pardon could help thousands whose previous convictions have created obstacles to renting a home or finding a job.
“There are thousands of people who have prior federal convictions for possession, who may be denied employment, housing or educational opportunities as a result,” said Mr Biden. “My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions.”
Mr Biden is also directing the secretary of health and human services and the US Attorney General to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession.
But he said he believes that as the federal government and many states ease laws on marijuana, they should maintain limitations on trafficking, marketing and underage sales.
The move puts the federal government on par with big cities such as New York that have been moving toward decriminalising low-level marijuana arrests for years. But there is a big divide in the nation as some police departments still believe that the drug leads to more serious crime and ignoring low-level offences emboldens criminals.
The move also fulfills one of the top priorities of the Democratic nominee in one of their party’s most critical Senate races, in Pennysylvania. John Fetterman, the state's lieutenant governor, has repeatedly pressed Mr Biden to take the step.
Mr Fetterman is aiming to take a Republican-held seat in next month's midterm elections, but recent polls show his long-standing lead over the Republican candidate, Trump-endorsed television doctor Mehmet Oz, is narrowing.
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