Biden Extends Marijuana Pardons, Commutes Drug Sentences

The pardons, which will not result in any federal prisoner releases, aim to alleviate barriers to employment, housing, and education for thousands of Americans.

President Joe Biden has extended pardons to all Americans convicted of 'simple possession and use of marijuana under federal and D.C. law,' and has commuted the sentences of 11 people serving 'disproportionately long' drug sentences.
The pardons apply to those convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, but do not apply to those in the U.S. unlawfully at the time of their offense.
While the pardons will not result in the release of any federal prisoners, they are intended to help thousands overcome obstacles to employment, housing, and education.
Biden's order expands the grounds on which pardons are issued, including attempted simple possession under several other criminal statutes.
Biden has called on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions at the state level.