President Joe Bidenhas announced a sweeping pardon for thousands of individuals convicted of marijuana-related offenses on federal lands and in the District of Columbia.

 

President Joe Biden’s categorical pardon follows a prior round of executive clemencies just before the 2022 midterm elections. The earlier round focused on individuals convicted of simple possession of federal lands, making them eligible for pardons.  

A key motivation behind these pardons is the aim to correct racial disparities prevalent in the justice system. President Biden, in a statement, emphasized that criminal records for marijuana use and possession have created unnecessary barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities