Joe Biden pardons anyone convicted of marijuana possession

US President Joe Biden's executive action affects all Americans who have federal convictions for "simple possession" of marijuana. Biden also called for states to follow suit.US President Joe Biden pardoned on Thursday all people with federal convictions for "simple possession" of marijuana. Biden called for states to implement the same measure.

The order affects "thousands" of people, a senior administration official said. What did Biden say? "No-one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana," Biden said. "There are thousands of people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result," he said. "My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions," Biden stressed. Biden is also directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to review ho marijuana is scheduled under federal law. More to follow...