US president Joe Biden has pardoned all people jailed for possession and use of marijuana.
The president said there are thousands of people convicted of simple possession of marijuana who are struggling to find work because of that criminal record, a record he has now expunged.
“First: I’m pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. There are thousands of people who were previously convicted of simple possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My pardon will remove this burden.”
First: I’m pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. There are thousands of people who were previously convicted of simple possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My pardon will remove this burden.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 6, 2022
Biden also called upon state governors to also pardon similar offences
“Second: I’m calling on governors to pardon simple state marijuana possession offenses. Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely for possessing marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.” he said
Biden also castigated the US federal laws that have jailed and put criminal records on marijuana users saying;
“As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. Today, I’m taking steps to end our failed approach. Allow me to lay them out.” biden wrote on his twitter handle