In a somewhat shocking turn of events, president Biden has pardoned all people with federal convictions for simple marijuana possession and asked his administration to reconsider the way marijuana is classified in current code. In his remarks yesterday, Biden said:
‘Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.’
While this is a major step toward decriminalising marijuana, the key terms here are ‘federally convicted’. The number of people who are currently serving time for marijuana possession, excluding trafficking convictions, leaves only around 6,500 in prison — not including those who fall under the federal code.
This pardon is a powerful moment for the thousands currently incarcerated for non-violent possession of marijuana
Many have been quick to applaud the president’s action, but it is vital to highlight that this pardon is opportunely timed with the mid-term elections just around the corner. It is purely political, aimed at boosting the Democrats’ polling numbers rather than trying to effect real change.
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