Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will sign a proclamation to pardon certain marijuana offenses Friday, building on broader action he took last year for thousands of people convicted of possession under federal law, the White House said.

The new pardons target “additional offenses of simple possession and use of marijuana under federal and D.C. law,” Biden said in a statement. Further details have not been announced; a White House official said in a statement that the proclamation includes offenses related to “use and possession on certain Federal lands,” provisions that weren’t covered by the 2022 proclamation.

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

He also called on governors to take similar actions with state marijuana-related offenses, arguing that no one should be in jail or prison “solely due to the use or possession of marijuana.”

It was not immediately clear how many people would be affected by the new pardons.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommended in August that the Drug Enforcement Administration ease marijuana restrictions by moving it to a Schedule III drug, which would be a significant change to federal drug policy. The DEA still classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, alongside drugs such as heroin and LSD. Most states allow marijuana use in some form, such as recreationally or for medical purposes.

Biden on Friday is also commuting the prison sentences of 11 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, including some who have received mandatory life sentences, the White House said.

“Due to reforms, each of these clemency recipients would have been eligible for reduced sentences, had they been sentenced today,” a White House official said in an email. “This clemency grant represents the President’s commitment to addressing unjustified disparities in sentencing.”

Biden has granted clemency several times since he took office, most recently in April to 31 people convicted of drug-related offenses.

During his 2020 campaign, Biden called for the automatic expungement of cannabis use convictions.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Bondi Decimates Even More Dems - Even Lib Media Acknowledges They Weren't Ready for Her

Bondi Overpowers More Democrats – Even Liberal Media Concedes Unpreparedness

Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday…
Mark Sanchez stabbed: Perry Tole, 69-year-old truck driver, files civil lawsuit against former NFL quarterback and Fox

69-Year-Old Truck Driver Perry Tole Sues Former NFL QB Mark Sanchez and Fox After Stabbing Incident

INDIANAPOLIS (WPVI) — A 69-year-old truck driver is pursuing legal action while…
Supporters of Israel, Palestinians hope for Gaza peace talks progress, return of Hamas hostages 2 years after October 7th attack

Israel and Palestine Advocates Seek Advances in Gaza Peace Talks and the Release of Hamas Hostages Two Years Post-October 7th Assault

CHICAGO (WLS) — Tuesday marks two years since the Israel-Hamas war began,…
Cuban-led caravan aims for Mexico City as Trump policies deter migrants from US

Cuban Caravan Heads to Mexico City Amid US Policy Changes Under Trump

A caravan of approximately 1,200 Cuban migrants is making its way north…
Air traffic controller shortage causes Chicago O'Hare delays as government shutdown continues

Chicago O’Hare Delays Worsen Amid Air Traffic Controller Shortage and Ongoing Government Shutdown

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ongoing government shutdown led to flight delays at…
2025 Nobel Prize in medicine: Elmhurst, IL native Frederick Ramsdell shares win with Mary E. Brunkow, Shimon Sakaguchi

Elmhurst, IL’s Frederick Ramsdell Joins Mary E. Brunkow and Shimon Sakaguchi in Winning 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine

STOCKHOLM — A west suburban man is among the three winners of…
Illegal immigrant gets 30 years for raping 11-year-old Virginia girl multiple times

Undocumented Immigrant Sentenced to 30 Years for Repeated Assault of 11-Year-Old Virginia Girl

An unauthorized immigrant from El Salvador has received a 30-year sentence for…
Noem likens Antifa to ISIS, other terror groups that want to ‘kill’ Americans

Noem Compares Antifa to ISIS and Other Terrorist Organizations That Aim to Harm Americans

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem slammed Antifa during a White House roundtable…
Newly elected German mayor fights for life after stabbing attack

Newly Elected German Mayor in Critical Condition Following Stabbing Incident

The recently elected mayor of a town in western Germany was in…
Senate prepares to vote again on Day 8 of government shutdown

Senate set for another vote as government shutdown enters Day 8

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana holds a press conference with other…
As Trump’s Gaza deal nears, family warns Israel not to free another Sinwar

As Trump’s Gaza Deal Approaches, Family Cautions Israel Against Releasing Another Sinwar

As President Donald Trump works towards finalizing his comprehensive 20-point strategy to…
Houston man Ted Fleming arrested for injecting student near school

Houston Resident Ted Fleming Detained for Injecting Student Close to School

Court documents say the man grabbed the student and injected him with…