'Looking for votes': Biden slammed for pardoning thousands of marijuana convicts ahead of election year

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House announced on Friday, December 22, 2023, that President Joe Biden has issued a categorical pardon to several individuals who were previously convicted of the use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia.

Per The Associated Press, this pardon is part of President Biden's latest round of executive clemencies, which aims to address racial disparities in the justice system.

It is also a continuation of a similar round of clemencies issued just before the 2022 midterm elections that pardoned thousands of individuals convicted of simple possession on federal lands.

Friday's action expands the scope of the criminal offenses covered by the pardon.

In addition, President Biden is also granting clemency to 11 individuals serving "disproportionately long" sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

The move is part of the Biden administration's broader initiative to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

The pardon seeks to rectify the disproportionate impact of drug laws on certain communities, particularly within communities of color.

President Biden on executive pardon

In a statement, President Biden said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.”

“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities,” Biden stated. “Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

Last year’s pardons did not result in the release of any prisoners, but they were intended to help thousands overcome housing and employment barriers.

Friday’s pardons also do not qualify federal prisoners for release, but they expand the criteria for which pardons can be granted.

Unlike the previous round of pardons, which only pardoned individuals convicted under one criminal statute for simple possession, Friday’s pardons apply to multiple criminal statutes, including attempted simple possession.

President Biden’s order exclusively pardons those convicted for marijuana-related offenses.

Despite being legalized or decriminalized in several states for various purposes, marijuana remains classified as a controlled substance under federal law.

Regulators in the United States are currently assessing the possibility of reclassifying marijuana from the “Schedule I” category of drugs deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse” to the more relaxed “Schedule III” category.

It is worth noting that the pardon does not extend to those who were unlawfully present in the United States at the time of their offense.

President Biden’s proclamation effectively pardons those covered, but they must submit applications to the Justice Department’s pardon attorney office to obtain certificates of pardon that can be used for housing and employment purposes.

In addition, President Biden reiterated his call on governors and local leaders to follow suit and expunge marijuana convictions.

“Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either,” the 81-year-old POTUS said.

Internet response to Biden’s new round of executive pardons

People on X put out mixed reactions in response to Biden’s latest round of executive clemencies.

One X user remarked, “Looking for votes."

Another stated, "Legalize it and regulate it like alcohol. I don't prefer using it but that shouldn't mean others shouldn't be able to enjoy it if they wanted to."

Someone else wrote, "The fact he waited til election year doesnt seem manipulative at all!"

One user asked, "Why not legalize it though?"

Another said, "Finally, some justice for the weed smokers. Biden did something right for once."

"It's about damn time. Good on ya, Biden!" someone else tweeted.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.