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
The crooks are still in charge of Venezuela — US should plot a road map to freedom

US Urged to Develop Strategic Roadmap as Venezuela Remains Under Corrupt Regime

During a nearly three-week journey through South America, where I had the…
Texas couple labeled fake ‘Chip and Joanna Gaines’ admits $5M dream home renovation scam

Texas Duo Confesses to $5M Home Renovation Fraud, Dubbed ‘Fake Chip and Joanna Gaines

A Texas couple has admitted to federal charges after authorities exposed their…
Rep. Swalwell Vows To Strip ICE Agents of Driver's Licenses

Rep. Swalwell Proposes Revoking Driver’s Licenses for ICE Agents

California Representative Eric Swalwell has made a bold promise regarding the future…
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier opens 'I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit' based off a beloved artist focused on nature

Discover Nature’s Wonders: ‘I AM WILD’ at Chicago Children’s Museum Celebrates Charley Harper’s Iconic Art

The Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier has unveiled an exciting new…
Trump announces escalating tariffs on Denmark and other European nations to force Greenland purchase deal

Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Denmark: A Strategic Move to Secure Greenland Acquisition

In a bold move, former President Donald Trump announced plans to levy…
Dozens of Westside families receive free groceries amid rising food costs

Westside Families Benefit from Free Groceries as Food Prices Climb

On Saturday, families in Jacksonville found much-needed relief as Tamika’s School of…
Grieving father says daughter’s death by illegal alien shows cost of sanctuary policies

Heartbroken Father Speaks Out: The Hidden Toll of Sanctuary City Policies

One year after his daughter tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run…
Argentina's bungled hunt for Hitler's right-hand man Martin Bormann revealed in declassified files

Unveiled Secrets: Argentina’s Failed Pursuit of Nazi Mastermind Martin Bormann in Declassified Files

EXCLUSIVE FROM FOX: A series of documents unveiled by Argentine President Javier…
Iran’s supreme leader acknowledges thousands killed as Trump calls for new leadership: reports

Iran’s Supreme Leader Admits to Mass Casualties Amidst Trump’s Demand for Leadership Change

In a significant and rare admission, Iran’s supreme leader has recognized the…
Green Day honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Green Day Rocks 60th Super Bowl: A Legendary Kickoff Honoring MVP Icons

The NFL is celebrating six decades of the Super Bowl with a…
Protests explode in Greenland amid Trump takeover push: 'We are not interested in being Americans'

Greenland Stands Firm: Mass Protests Reject U.S. Acquisition Attempt

On Saturday, Greenland witnessed a wave of protests as locals voiced their…
Watch: Things Getting Wild in MN As Anti-ICE Crew Harasses Regular People, Concerning City Email Revealed

Chaos in Minnesota: Anti-ICE Protesters Clash with Locals Amid Alarming City Email Leak

Tensions are reaching a boiling point in Minnesota, with a series of…