Simple Possession of Marijuana Federally Pardoned by President Biden

Joe Biden speaks on marijuana change and pardons

President Joe Biden is trying to make a few changes for the better when it comes to marijuana by initiating a federal pardon for marijuana possession. In addition to the pardons being sent out, Biden is now urging federal agencies to conduct a review of whether marijuana should remain a Schedule I substance.

While there isn't currently anyone that we know of in a federal prison on marijuana possession charges alone, roughly about 6,500 people or more may have the ability to benefit from being pardoned on the national level. These pardons clear anyone convicted on federal charges of simple possession and will also extend to anyone convicted in the District of Columbia.

These pardons do not expunge any record, decriminalize marijuana as a schedule 1 drug, or have anything to do with other relation marijuana offenses like distribution or possession with intent to distribute. Just simple possession on the federal level.

"We classify marijuana at the same level as heroin - and more serious than fentanyl," Biden stated. "It makes no sense." Biden strongly urged the Department of Justice and the Department of Health to review how cannabis is classified under federal law.

These changes will help what many believe are unfitting laws for the times we are in and how much more can be done with marijuana regarding the effects it can have on the economy and medical field. Extra notes: According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 19 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the adult use of marijuana for recreational purposes. Five states have legalization on the ballot at the congressional mid-term elections coming later this year in November.