President Joe Biden has issued an official declaration that Americans with simple marijuana offenses will receive federal pardons.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents convicted of nonviolent offenses are eligible for the pardon.
The pardon excludes individuals incarcerated for the unlawful sale of marijuana in violation of federal law and those convicted of other marijuana-related offenses like operating under the influence.
The pardon does not cover state offenses.
CNBC explains that Friday's proclamation covers provisions that weren't including in last year's executive action that pardoned thousands for use of possession of marijuana:
“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.
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