Biden pardons thousands convicted of ‘simple possession’ of marijuana

WASHINGTON– President Joe Biden pardons thousands of Americans convicted of “mere possession” of marijuana as his administration takes a dramatic step to decriminalize the drug and crack down on charging practices that disproportionately hit people of color.

He’s also asking governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, reflecting the vast majority of marijuana possession cases.

Biden said in a statement the move reflects his position that “no one should be in prison just for using or possessing marijuana.”

“There are thousands of people with federal criminal records for possession of marijuana who may be denied work, housing or educational opportunities as a result,” he said. “My actions will help mitigate the side effects resulting from these convictions.”

Biden is also directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the US Attorney General to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal laws.