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
Repeat offender allegedly kills Ohio man just days after nonprofit pays his bail

Nonprofit Faces Scrutiny After Releasing Repeat Offender Accused in Fatal Attack Days Later

The Bail Project calls family of repeat offender The Bail Project, a…
Trump administration says federal student loan borrowers in default may see wages garnished in 2026

2026 Alert: Trump Administration’s Plan to Garnish Wages for Defaulted Student Loans

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced on Tuesday its plan to begin…
UISLII Fleece Lined Tights review: 44% off warm sheer-look tights

Stay Cozy and Stylish: UISLII Fleece-Lined Tights Now 44% Off for a Limited Time

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if…
Robbers attempt to steal an ATM at gas station by pulling it through the window

Video: Thieves Attempt ATM Heist in Texas Convenience Store on Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, a daring attempt to steal an ATM unfolded at…
Kevin Niemiec, Zachary Mascolo, Jon Clary II accused of sexually assaulting female classmate at Roselle St. Viator HS party

Three Roselle St. Viator HS Students Face Serious Allegations of Sexual Assault at School Party

In Roselle, Illinois, three teenagers are facing serious accusations after allegedly sexually…
Trump-backed candidate Asfura wins Honduras presidential election

Asfura Triumphs in Honduras Presidential Race with Trump Endorsement

Nasry Asfura has emerged victorious in the 2025 presidential election in Honduras,…
Which grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving?

Discover Which Stores and Restaurants Will Keep Their Doors Open on Christmas Day 2025

As the festive season draws near, understanding holiday store hours becomes essential…
Bow Wow Lounge rabies: Chicago dog daycare says dog with virus visited facility; 1st case in decades, IDPH says

Chicago’s Bow Wow Lounge Reports Rare Rabies Case: First in Decades, Confirms Illinois Health Officials

CHICAGO — In a rare occurrence, a dog in Chicago has been…
Virginia family alleges bed bugs bit them during transatlantic flight, suing Delta and KLM airlines

Virginia Family Sues Delta and KLM Over Alleged Bed Bug Bites on Transatlantic Flight

A family from Virginia has filed a lawsuit claiming that during a…
Convicted killer Scott Peterson keeps swinging in court — but expert says he’s not going anywhere but his cell

Scott Peterson’s Legal Battles: Why Experts Say He’ll Remain Behind Bars

It’s been over twenty years since Laci Peterson mysteriously disappeared from her…
Everything you need to know about Christmas, and how it has evolved into a global holiday

Discover the Fascinating Evolution of Christmas into a Global Celebration

By LUIS ANDRES HENAO, Associated Press Christmas, a celebration recognized worldwide, marks…
Chicago man Andrew Anania sentenced in kidnapping, sexually assaulting drivers at gunpoint; Walter Moran also convicted

Colorado Mother Kimberlee Singler Extradited from UK, Faces Charges in Deaths of Two Children

A woman from Colorado, accused of killing two of her children amid…