Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession under federal law in big step towards decriminalization

President Biden will pardon thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law in a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug.

“No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana,” Biden said.

Decrying longtime practices in the so-called war on drugs that have disproportionately targeted people of color, Biden on Thursday also called on governors to issue similar pardons for possession of weed.

“Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana,” Biden said. “It’s time that we right these wrongs.”

Biden said many otherwise law-abiding Americans are locked out of jobs, housing and even educational opportunities due to minor marijuana possession convictions.

“My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions,” he said.

[ Sen. Chuck Schumer introduces bill to decriminalize adult-use weed throughout the U.S. ]

Biden is also directing the secretary of Health and Human Services and the U.S. attorney general to review how marijuana is considered under federal drug laws. Marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD, but ahead of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Progressives cheered the change in policy, as well as the pardons.

Rep. Jamal Bowman (D-N.Y.) tweeted that Biden’s action “brings us one step closer to restoring justice and humanity for people convicted of something so trivial.”

The move is the latest executive action by Biden designed to take action on issues that a deeply divided Congress either cannot or will not take.

The pardon does not cover convictions for possession of other drugs, or for charges relating to producing or possessing marijuana with an intent to distribute. Biden is also not pardoning non-citizens who were in the U.S. without legal status at the time of their arrest.