Biden Grants Pardons for Simple Marijuana Offenses... No Prisoners Released

U.S. President Joe Biden has granted pardons to marijuana offenders who were punished for simple possession and use. It is reported that the number of pardon recipients amounts to thousands.

President Joe Biden of the United States
[Photo by Yonhap News]

According to the White House website on the 22nd (local time), President Biden announced that he would pardon individuals convicted of simple possession or use of marijuana on federal lands, including Washington D.C. President Biden explained the background of the pardon, stating, "Convictions for simple possession of marijuana impose unnecessary barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities."

No inmates will be released as a result of this pardon, and those pardoned will no longer face various disadvantages due to their criminal records. Additionally, clemency will be granted to 11 individuals currently serving sentences deemed "disproportionately long" for non-violent drug offenses.

Previously, President Biden issued a similar marijuana offender pardon in October last year, ahead of the midterm elections held in November (elections for Congress and state governments in a year without a presidential election).

In the United States, marijuana is still classified as a controlled substance under federal law. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies marijuana alongside heroin, LSD, and ecstasy as a Schedule I drug, meaning it cannot be used medically and has the highest risk of addiction.

In response, President Biden directed the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice to review drug scheduling last October. Subsequently, the Department of Health and Human Services recommended lowering the classification of marijuana in August of this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.