On Thursday, President Biden announced that he will pardon those who have been convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law.
“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. My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions,” Biden explained.
The White House estimates that the pardons could benefit roughly 6,500 people.
In addition to the pardons, Biden is also calling on the Attorney General and secretary of Health and Human Services to review how marijuana is classified under federal law.
The Biden Administration wants to move it out of the Schedule I drug category which includes heroin and LSD.
“We classify marijuana at the same level as heroin – and more serious than fentanyl,” Biden said in a series of tweets outlining the new approach. “It makes no sense.”
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