President Biden Pardons Marijuana Use, But What Does That Mean Exactly?
What does a marijuana pardon mean, and how does it affect you if you’ve been convicted?
President Joe Biden announced in late December 2023 that he had issued a federal pardon, including covering Washington D.C. offenses of simple possession of marijuana, applying to all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs . – President Joe Biden
On October 6, 2022, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation that pardoned many federal and D.C. offenses for simple marijuana possession offenses. On December 22, 2023, President Biden issued another proclamation that expanded the relief provided by the original proclamation. The December 2023 proclamation adds to the list of pardoned offenses the following: offenses under federal law for attempted possession of marijuana; additional offenses under the D.C. Code for simple marijuana possession; and violations of certain sections of the Code of Federal Regulations involving simple marijuana possession and use. The December 2023 proclamation also extends the original proclamation by pardoning offenses for simple possession of marijuana in violation of federal law prior to December 22, 2023. Both the October 2022 and December 2023 proclamations apply only to federal offenses, including violations of the U.S. Code, the D.C. Code, and the Code of Federal Regulations.
So what does that mean exactly?
Thousands of American citizens and lawful residents with federal and district marijuana convictions for their personal use and those convicted of similar federal crimes will be eligible for pardons. However, this pardon does not benefit those who have been jailed for selling marijuana and or driving while under the influence of the illegal substance.
Pardons like this will help people with prior convictions to obtain jobs, housing, and other things that were once blocked due to their convictions. Certificates stating that you’ve been pardoned can be obtained after an application process. The Department of Justice will issue the certificates as proof of clemency for future applications. To apply and get info click here.
President Biden posted more in-depth about the pardon on his Instagram account.
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As of the end of 2023, recreational marijuana is legal in 24 of the 50 states in the U.S. and in the District of Columbia. Medical marijuana is also legal in 38 of the U.S. states.
The article first appeared in BlackAmericaWeb.com.
Feature image via Instagram