Biden pardons thousands convicted on federal marijuana possession charges

Along with Thursday’s pardons, President Biden is calling for a review of cannabis’ classification as a Schedule I drug. Activists were encouraged by his moves, though they fall short of longtime calls to legalize marijuana nationwide. (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press)

TNT in the global Classic Rock chart! 102.7 fm Mornings with Jim Garland Oct 7, 2022. Klamath Falls, Oregon.

President Joe Biden unveiled surprise, significant marijuana reform Thursday, directing a review of marijuana’s scheduling under federal law, announcing pardons for “all prior federal offenses of simple possession” and calling on governors to do the same with state charges.

While there’s considerable uncertainty around the implications of that plank of the reform — including timing and whether “initiating a review” will ultimately yield any change — it’s the piece of Thursday’s announcement that experts think could be the most impactful.

“It’s legal in many states, and criminal records for marijuana possession have led to needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden says in the video. “And that’s before you address the racial disparities around who suffers the consequences. While white and Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people are arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.”

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