Biden Pardons Thousands for Federal Marijuana Possession

President Biden has pardoned more than 6,500 people who were convicted for Federal marijuana possession including those in the District of Columbia.  He said the current system of convicting people for simple possession or use of cannabis “makes no sense” anymore since so many states have legalized medical and recreational marijuana. Biden says the penalties for being convicted can last a lifetime and affect a person’s employment, education and social benefits.

Biden called on the states to follow suit and pardon those convicted of simple cannabis possession. He also has asked to reconsider the scheduling of cannabis alongside other more harmful drugs so that penalties will be less and more research can be done.  Biden is still against legalizing sale and manufacture of cannabis.