President Biden has announced that he has granted amnesty for those convicted of possession of marijuana for use under a new plan he calls “marijuana reform”.
In a written statement, US President Joe Biden announced the new plan, which he called “marijuana reform”.
Reminding that he has repeatedly stated that no one should go to jail just for using or possessing marijuana, Biden said that criminal records for possession of marijuana create unnecessary barriers to employment, housing and education opportunities.
“Jailing has turned so many lives upside down”
Biden stated that blacks are disproportionately arrested for this crime more than whites. “Judging people for possession of marijuana has turned so many lives upside down. I’m announcing three steps I’ve taken to end this failed approach.” said.
declared an amnesty
Biden, announcing the amnesty of all federal offenses convicted of possession of marijuana for use, said in the first place. “I have instructed the Attorney General to develop an administrative process for issuing amnesty to eligible individuals. There are thousands of people who have federal convictions for marijuana possession and may be denied employment, housing or educational opportunities as a result. My action will help mitigate the secondary consequences resulting from those convictions.” said.
call to governors
Secondly, Biden called for amnesty to all governors as well. “Just as no one should be in a federal prison just for possession of marijuana, so no one should be in a local or state prison.” said.
Classification of marijuana to be revised
Thirdly, Biden stated that he instructed the Ministry of Health to review the classification that marijuana is in the same category as heroin and LSD. “Federal law currently classifies marijuana on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, which is the classification for the most dangerous substances. This is the same schedule as heroin and LSD, and even higher than the classification of fentanyl and methamphetamine, the drugs that triggered our epidemic of overdose.” said.
“So many lives have been turned upside down because of our failing approach”
Noting that even as federal and state regulations on marijuana change, significant restrictions on smuggling, marketing and underage sales must remain in effect, Biden said. “Too many lives have been turned upside down because of our failed approach to marijuana. The time has come for us to right these wrongs.” said.
