In a first nod towards the decriminalization of marijuana in the United States, President Joe Biden announced this Thursday (6) the pardon of all those convicted at the federal level for possession of the substance. In a statement, the Democrat also said he had urged governors to take similar action at the state level, in what he described as an important step towards ending what he called a “failed approach”.
“There are thousands of people who have previous federal marijuana possession convictions, who may have been denied employment, housing or education opportunities as a result. My move will help alleviate the side effects of those convictions,” the president said.
Biden also said he had asked the U.S. Secretary of Health and the U.S. Attorney General to take administrative steps to review the country’s marijuana legislation, now classified under the Controlled Substances Act in the same category as stronger drugs such as heroin, LSD, fentanyl and methamphetamine.
“Too many lives have been taken because of our failed approach. It’s time to right these wrongs,” said the Democrat, who also noted that the black population is disproportionately arrested, prosecuted and sentenced in the country.
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