What did Joe Biden say about marijuana reform?

Over the years, thousands of Americans have been jailed after being convicted of possessing marijuana.

Now President Joe Biden wants to change that by pardoning thousands of convicted inmates.

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What did Joe Biden say about marijuana reform?

On October 6, 2022, Biden pardoned thousands of people previously convicted of marijuana possession.

However, the pardons only extended to federal offenders, but Biden has since urged governors to extend them to inmates in local jails and state prisons.

“Just as no one should be in a federal prison just for possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason,” Biden said expressionvia CNBC.

CNBC notes that over 6,500 people with criminal records were affected by Biden’s pardons.

“There are thousands of people who have been convicted of possession of marijuana who may be denied work, housing or educational opportunities as a result,” Biden continued.

“My pardon will relieve them of that burden.”

In addition to issuing pardons, Biden has also called on Health Secretary Xavier Becerra and Attorney General Merrick Garland to review how marijuana is classified under federal laws, CNBC adds.

“The federal government currently classifies marijuana as a ‘Schedule One’ substance, along with heroin and LSD — and more seriously than fentanyl,” Biden said.

“That makes no sense.”

“Too many lives have been turned upside down because of our failed approach to marijuana,” Biden added.

“It is time we corrected these mistakes.”

It is currently unclear whether states will follow Biden’s pardon.

Where is marijuana legal?

Over the years, more and more states have legalized recreational marijuana.

However, there are still some states where it is illegal.

According to US News, current states where recreational marijuana use is legal include:

According to CNET, the issue is also on the ballot for several states ahead of the November election, including Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota.

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What did people say about Joe Biden’s pardon?

Shortly after Biden made his remarks, many Americans took to Twitter to praise the president.

One user wrote: “That’s why I preached patience. Joe Biden went from ‘what has he done for young people’ to transformative climate change legislation, to student loan forgiveness and now to marijuana pardons/reforms, all on the course of the last 3 months.”

Another added: “Good for Joe Biden for pardoning people with marijuana convictions. It’s time for us to fully legalize recreational marijuana.”

A third said: “Joe Biden canceled some student loan debt and decriminalized marijuana. I obviously made the right choice.”

While many concurred with Biden’s verdict, there were still some critics voicing their opinions.

One user stated: “I agree with Joe Biden — no one should be in jail for any reason other than simple possession of marijuana. But let’s be honest: He doesn’t issue these pardons out of the goodness of his heart. He’s exhibiting them because he’s a president on the brink of political extinction.”