By Chris Thompson
In a recent post on X, United States President Joe Biden made a noteworthy statement on the issue of marijuana possession, expressing his belief that no one should be incarcerated for possessing the substance.
He further urged governors across the nation to pardon individuals who have previously been convicted of simple possession offences.
In his post on Saturday, Biden also emphasised that no one should be imprisoned in either federal prison or local jail or state prison solely due to possessing marijuana.
He made a plea to all governors to pardon prior state offences of simple possession of marijuana and ensure that individuals are not incarcerated for minor drug offences.
Biden’s stance on marijuana possession is a significant shift from the policies of his predecessors and reflects a growing sentiment in the United States that the criminalisation of marijuana is unjust.
This move is expected to bring relief to many people who have been serving prison sentences for low-level drug offences.
“I’m urging all governors to pardon prior state offences of simple possession of marijuana.
“No one should be in a federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana, and no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either,” his X post read.
I’m urging all governors to pardon prior state offenses of simple possession of marijuana.
No one should be in a federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana, and no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 20, 2024
