President Joe Biden (Photo/ABC News)
By Karen Stokes
President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system.
This action builds on the President’s commitment to marijuana reform, and his October 2022 Proclamation pardoning simple possession under Federal and D.C. law.
Biden is also granting clemency to 11 people serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.
The President has repeatedly emphasized that criminal records for marijuana possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. (Photo/Wisconsin Examiner)
Due to reforms, each of these clemency recipients would have been eligible for reduced sentences, had they been sentenced today. This clemency grant represents the President’s commitment to addressing unjustified disparities in sentencing.
“America was founded on the principle of equal justice under law. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect this core value that makes our communities safer and stronger. That is why today I am announcing additional steps I am taking to make the promise of…