President Joe Biden has expanded his marijuana pardon initiative, now including individuals who committed cannabis possession offenses on federal properties. This move aims to address the negative impacts of criminal records related to marijuana use and possession on employment, housing, and education opportunities. The expansion covers federal and Washington, D.C. offenses for simple possession, attempted possession, or use of marijuana, regardless of whether individuals have been charged or prosecuted before the proclamation’s date. While the pardon is a step toward rectifying past injustices, advocates note that it does not release anyone from prison and excludes certain groups, such as immigrants and those convicted of selling marijuana. The president’s actions align with ongoing efforts to reform marijuana policies, but fall short of broader promises to federally legalize medical cannabis and decriminalize the plant. Additionally, Biden has recently commuted the sentences of 11 individuals serving long terms for drug offenses. Despite these positive steps, advocates emphasize the need for comprehensive marijuana reform.
By FCCT Editorial Team
, an independent military force, and allied militias in Sudan raped several dozen women and girls in West Darfur’s capital, El Geneina, and those fleeing to Chad between late April and late June 2023, Human Rights Watch said today. The assailants appear to have targeted people because of their Massalit ethnicity and, in some cases, because they were known activists.){kind=link}