On October 6, President Joe Biden announced a pardon of all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana, and called for state governments to do the same.
Westchester Congressman Jamaal Bowman stated,
“Finally, our federal system is recognizing the harm marijuana convictions have had on people and communities for generations, and is attempting to rectify that harm.”
“President Biden’s decision to pardon all federal offenses of simple marijuana possession brings us that much closer to restoring justice in our communities that have been targeted for decades. This comes after I wrote a letter to President Biden last year, alongside our Congressional Cannabis Caucus co-chairs Rep. Earl Blumenauer and Rep. Barbara Lee, calling for the federal pardon of all non-violent cannabis convictions.”
“In communities of color and underserved communities, having a conviction for marijuana possession changes the trajectory of one’s life and has a lasting impact for those attempting to find work, housing or even get an education. That is unacceptable. Many states, including New York, have legalized marijuana for recreational use and studies show a significant majority of Americans support legalization for medical and recreational use in every state. I hope that more states follow President Biden’s lead today and that of states where marijuana is now legalized. In states where it is legalized, I also urge lawmakers and business leaders to make the marijuana industry more accessible – especially for those who have been historically harmed by predatory marijuana laws and restrictions. Today’s announcement will reunite thousands of families and communities. We need to deschedule marijuana, legalize it in every state and pardon all who have been convicted of marijuana possession – now!”
Those convicted of marijuana crimes in New York are being prioritized as owners of pot dispensaries as the state begins to roll out the legal sale of marijuana.
