Biden pardons thousands of Americans convicted of 'simple possession' of pot | CBC News - Associated Press:
October 06, 2022 - "U.S. President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of 'simple possession' of marijuana under federal U.S. law.... Biden's move also covers thousands convicted of the crime in the District of Columbia. He is also calling on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offences, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases....
"According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely for 'simple possession' of the drug, but the pardon could help thousands overcome obstacles related to renting a home or finding a job. 'There are thousands of people who have prior federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing or educational opportunities as a result,' he said. 'My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions.'
"The pardon does not cover convictions for possession of other drugs, nor charges relating to producing or possessing marijuana with an intent to distribute. Biden is also not pardoning non-citizens who were in the U.S. without legal status at the time of their arrest....
"The U.S. Department of Justice is working to devise a process for those covered by Biden's pardon to receive a certificate of pardon, which they can show to potential employers and others as needed. 'The Justice Department will expeditiously administer the president's proclamation, which pardons individuals who engaged in simple possession of marijuana, restoring political, civil, and other rights to those convicted of that offence,' the department said in a statement. 'In coming days, the Office of the Pardon Attorney will begin implementing a process to provide impacted individuals with certificates of pardon.'
"Biden is also directing the secretary of health and human services and the U.S. attorney general to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. Rescheduling the drug would reduce or potentially eliminate criminal penalties for possession. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD, but ahead of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The White House did not set a timeline for the review....
"It remains to be seen whether governors follow Biden's lead. Erik Altieri, executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said extending the action to states could help millions of Americans. 'Since 1965, nearly 29 million Americans have been arrested for marijuana-related violations — for activities that the majority of voters no longer believe ought to be a crime,' he said."
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/biden-marijuana-simple-possession-pardons-1.6608858
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