President Joe Biden announced he will be issuing a pardon on Marijuana use across the nation on Friday. The pardon applies to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and those in the District of Columbia who have used it in the past, even if they have not been arrested or prosecuted. However, this doesn’t include individuals who have been jailed for selling marijuana or other related offenses, such as driving under the influence.
For weed smokers who want to take part in this program must apply on the U.S. Department of Justice website. Having an official pardon helps those who need to provide proof of clemency while applying for jobs or housing. The significance of this pardon is criminal records of marijuana use and possession have caused difficulty for individuals who have these charges.
“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” said President Biden in a statement. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
The Congressional Black Caucus made a statement that they hope the pardons be granted to more Black Americans who have been criminalized over decades-old policies from the war on drugs era.
“It’s a positive step forward in addressing long-standing racial disparities in crack and powder cocaine sentencing, which for generations, has disproportionately imprisoned Black Americans,” said the group.
The Biden administration also recommended that the DEA change marijuana use to a lower offense earlier this year. The legalization of Marijuana is widely popular with both Democrats and Republicans; as of now, Recreational Marijuana is legal in 24 states, and Medical Marijuana is legal in 38 states.
