Oregon’s governor pardons thousands for pot convictions
2 years, 1 month ago

Oregon’s governor pardons thousands for pot convictions

Associated Press  

Kate Brown announced Monday she is pardoning an estimated 45,000 people convicted of simple possession of marijuana, a month after President Joe Biden did the same under federal law. “No one deserves to be forever saddled with the impacts of a conviction for simple possession of marijuana — a crime that is no longer on the books in Oregon,” said Brown, who is also forgiving more than $14 million in unpaid fines and fees. As a result of these laws, an estimated 2 million Americans had their cannabis-related convictions set aside in recent years, said Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML. In 2019, Oregon lawmakers passed legislation establishing procedures for people found guilty of low-level marijuana possession offenses to file a motion with the court to have the convictions set aside.

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History of this topic

"One last chance": Biden's pardon of Hunter can't be his final act of clemency, Democrats say
2 weeks, 6 days ago

"One last chance": Biden's pardon of Hunter can't be his final act of clemency, Democrats say

Salon  

Justifying the decision to pardon his own son, President Joe Biden pointed to Republicans bringing “political pressure” on the criminal justice system, which he claimed had scuttled a plea deal and was why Hunter’s tax-and-gun issues risked landing him in prison for up to 25 years. “It is true that President Biden had said he wouldn’t pardon his son,” MSNBC’s …

With pardons in Maryland, 2.5 million Americans will have marijuana convictions cleared or forgiven
6 months ago

With pardons in Maryland, 2.5 million Americans will have marijuana convictions cleared or forgiven

Associated Press  

Maryland this week became the latest state to announce mass pardons for people convicted of marijuana-related crimes as the nation wrestles with how to make amends for the lives disrupted in the decadeslong war on drugs. Wes Moore’s plan, more than 175,000 convictions for possession of cannabis or drug paraphernalia will be pardoned, but not permanently erased from people’s criminal …

US governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions
6 months ago

US governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions

Hindustan Times  

The governor of the US state of Maryland issued a mass pardon of drug offenses on Monday, in a far-reaching move forgiving 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions across multiple decades. US governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions Democrat Wes Moore said his act "the most sweeping state-level pardon" in American history was aimed at addressing social and economic injustices disproportionately impacting tens …

U.S. governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions
6 months ago

U.S. governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions

Raw Story  

The governor of the U.S. state of Maryland issued a mass pardon of drug offenses on Monday, in a far-reaching move forgiving 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions across multiple decades. Democrat Wes Moore said his act -- "the most sweeping state-level pardon" in American history -- was aimed at addressing social and economic injustices disproportionately impacting tens of thousands of Black …

Maryland governor Wes Moore pardons 175K marijuana convictions in ‘most far-reaching and aggressive’ order
6 months ago

Maryland governor Wes Moore pardons 175K marijuana convictions in ‘most far-reaching and aggressive’ order

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy More than 175,000 people with marijuana convictions in Maryland received …

Tens of thousands of Marylanders receive pardons for marijuana convictions
6 months ago

Tens of thousands of Marylanders receive pardons for marijuana convictions

Associated Press  

Wes Moore ordered more than 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions on Monday, saying the “most sweeping state-level pardon in any state” will help reverse harms from the past caused by the war on drugs. During a news conference, Moore said the executive order will affect “tens of thousands of Marylanders” convicted of misdemeanors. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, who attended …

Maryland governor signs order pardoning more than 175,000 marijuana convictions
6 months, 1 week ago

Maryland governor signs order pardoning more than 175,000 marijuana convictions

LA Times  

Wes Moore signs the executive order Monday with Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee at his side and other state officials and criminal justice advocates behind him. Wes Moore ordered more than 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions on Monday, saying the “most sweeping state-level pardon in any state” will help reverse harms from the past caused by the war on …

Biden’s historic marijuana shift is his latest election year move for young voters
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Biden’s historic marijuana shift is his latest election year move for young voters

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — President Joe Biden may eventually ban TikTok, but he’s moving to give something back to the young people who dominate the popular social media app — a looser federal grip on marijuana. Facing softening support from a left-leaning voting group that will be crucial to his reelection hopes in November, Biden has made a number of election year …

Biden pardons 11 people and shortens the sentences of 5 others convicted of non-violent drug crimes
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Biden pardons 11 people and shortens the sentences of 5 others convicted of non-violent drug crimes

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has granted clemency to 16 people who were convicted of non-violent drug crimes, issuing pardons to 11 men and women and commuting the sentences of five other people in the latest use of his clemency power to address racial disparities in the justice system. Biden said in a statement Wednesday that April is Second Chance …

Massachusetts council approves pardoning people with misdemeanor cannabis convictions
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Massachusetts council approves pardoning people with misdemeanor cannabis convictions

Associated Press  

BOSTON — A Massachusetts council on Wednesday approved Gov. The pardons approved by the Governor’s Council will take effect immediately, although it will take some time to update state criminal records, officials said. The pardons will apply to all adults convicted prior to March 13 in state court for possession of marijuana or a “Class D substance.” Most people will …

Massachusetts governor to pardon those convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession
9 months, 1 week ago

Massachusetts governor to pardon those convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession

Associated Press  

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday said she would issue pardons for tens of thousands of people convicted of misdemeanor marijuana charges going back decades in the latest example of a state ambitiously seeking to forgive low-level drug offenders. If approved, the pardons will apply to all adult Massachusetts state court misdemeanor convictions before March 13, 2024, for …

Massachusetts governor proposes sweeping marijuana pardons
9 months, 1 week ago

Massachusetts governor proposes sweeping marijuana pardons

Politico  

Healey’s proposal still needs approval by the state’s Governor’s Council, which is comprised of all Democrats and has a record of backing Healey’s past requests for clemency for certain individuals. Biden granted a pardon to all people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law back in 2022, saying in a statement at the time that “sending people to prison …

Massachusetts governor to issue pardons for those convicted of cannabis possession
9 months, 1 week ago

Massachusetts governor to issue pardons for those convicted of cannabis possession

Associated Press  

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey plans to announce this week that she’s following the lead of President Joe Biden and issuing pardons to those convicted of simple possession of cannabis at the state level, her office said Monday. In December, Biden pardoned thousands of people who had been convicted of the use and simple possession of marijuana on federal …

Editorial: Biden’s marijuana pardons are welcome, but federal drug laws must catch up with reality
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Editorial: Biden’s marijuana pardons are welcome, but federal drug laws must catch up with reality

LA Times  

President Biden on Friday demonstrated the proper use of presidential clemency power when he pardoned thousands of people who had been convicted of various nonviolent marijuana violations on federal land. Criminal laws in theory cover all Americans equally, but in practice, laws punishing possession or use of small amounts of cannabis have been enforced over the years disproportionately against Black …

Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges and cuts non-violent drug sentences
1 year ago

Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges and cuts non-violent drug sentences

ABC  

US President Joe Biden has reduced the prison terms of 11 people serving decades-long sentences for non-violent drug charges and pardoned potentially thousands of others with federal or Washington, DC marijuana possession offences. Key points: Thousands of people convicted of simple possession of cannabis have been pardoned in the US Joe Biden's latest round of clemencies are targeting racial disparities …

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington
1 year ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system. The categorical pardon builds on a similar round issued just before …

Biden pardons thousands of marijuana offenders, gives clemency to 11 people
1 year ago

Biden pardons thousands of marijuana offenders, gives clemency to 11 people

Al Jazeera  

The US president says the actions are meant to address disparities in sentencing that have long taken a toll on the Black community. US President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of people convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, says the White House. Biden has also granted clemency to 11 …

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington
1 year ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington

LA Times  

A demonstrator waves a flag with marijuana leaves depicted on it during a protest calling for the legalization of marijuana outside of the White House. President Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of …

Biden’s Focus on Marijuana Is Part of the Problem
54 years, 11 months ago

Biden’s Focus on Marijuana Is Part of the Problem

Slate  

This story was produced in partnership with the Garrison Project, an independent, nonpartisan organization addressing the crisis of mass incarceration and policing. He pledged to pardon everyone convicted in federal or Washington, DC courts of simple marijuana possession; encouraged governors to do the same for those convicted in state courts; and he promised he would ask his Secretary of Health …

Biden’s pot pardons could boost states’ legalization drives
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden’s pot pardons could boost states’ legalization drives

Associated Press  

— There are few surprises expected on Election Day in solidly Republican Arkansas, where Donald Trump’s former press secretary is heavily favored in the race for governor and other GOP candidates are considered locks. President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he will pardon thousands of people for simple marijuana possession has shined a new spotlight on the legalization efforts in …

Most People With Weed Convictions Don’t Qualify For Biden’s Pardons
2 years, 2 months ago

Most People With Weed Convictions Don’t Qualify For Biden’s Pardons

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING President Joe Biden pardoned every person convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law last week as policymakers belatedly recognize that people should not have their lives ruined over a drug that is now legal for recreational use in 19 states. No one is currently incarcerated in federal prison solely on simple possession charges, but the pardons …

Beshear seeks details on marijuana possession convictions
2 years, 2 months ago

Beshear seeks details on marijuana possession convictions

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday that he’s asking for a review of how many Kentuckians have marijuana possession convictions as he considers President Joe Biden’s request that governors issue pardons for people convicted of state marijuana offenses. Meanwhile, Beshear’s review of marijuana issues expanded last week when Biden announced he’s pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of …

Why Biden’s Marijuana Pardons Are Not Enough
2 years, 2 months ago

Why Biden’s Marijuana Pardons Are Not Enough

Slate  

No prisoners will walk free following President Joe Biden’s pardon, last week, of low-level marijuana offenders. Several months after the state legalized medical marijuana, Mississippi’s Supreme Court upheld a life sentence for Allen Russell, who’d been convicted of possessing about an ounce. One reason illegal operators do so well is they don’t tax upward of 35 percent, which state consumers …

Joe Biden's cannabis pardons matter — but the war on drugs' racist legacy lingers
2 years, 2 months ago

Joe Biden's cannabis pardons matter — but the war on drugs' racist legacy lingers

Raw Story  

Last week President Biden announced he would pardon people convicted of simple marijuana possession. This mass pardon could help over 6,000 people but it’s still a drop in the bucket in our fight to end the criminalization of marijuana use and the outsized harm to Black and brown communities from that criminalization. The executive order was clear that it didn’t …

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action
2 years, 2 months ago

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action

Associated Press  

By pardoning Americans with federal convictions for marijuana possession, President Joe Biden said he aimed to partially redress decades of anti-drug laws that disproportionately harmed Black and Latino communities. “We know that this is really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to people who are suffering the effects of marijuana prohibition,” said Maritza Perez, director of federal affairs …

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action
2 years, 2 months ago

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Advocates for overhauling the nation’s …

President Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of 'simple possession' of marijuana
2 years, 2 months ago

President Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of 'simple possession' of marijuana

Firstpost  

According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely for ‘simple possession’ of the drug, but the pardon could help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job Washington: President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step …

Biden pardons thousands for ‘simple possession’ of marijuana
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden pardons thousands for ‘simple possession’ of marijuana

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color. “It’s time that we right these wrongs.” According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely …

Biden pardons thousands for 'simple possession' of marijuana
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden pardons thousands for 'simple possession' of marijuana

India Today  

US President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color. “There are thousands of people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational …

Biden pardons thousands convicted on federal marijuana possession charges
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted on federal marijuana possession charges

LA Times  

Along with Thursday’s pardons, President Biden is calling for a review of cannabis’ classification as a Schedule I drug. President Biden on Thursday pardoned all individuals convicted on federal charges of simple marijuana possession, a move that the White House estimated would affect more than 6,500 people nationwide. — President Biden October 6, 2022 “It’s legal in many states, and …

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession

Al Jazeera  

US president’s move comes amid efforts to legalise marijuana federally after recent success of state-level campaigns. US President Joe Biden has announced a sweeping pardon for thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession under federal laws, penalties that have disproportionately affected Black and other people of colour across the United States. “There are thousands of people who have prior federal …

California was supposed to clear cannabis convictions. Tens of thousands are still languishing
2 years, 11 months ago

California was supposed to clear cannabis convictions. Tens of thousands are still languishing

LA Times  

Nearly two decades ago, on a high desert road in San Bernardino County, Sara Rodriguez was pulled over and arrested with 10 small packets of cannabis in her car. “The vision,” said Bonta, was “that the government should have a primary and central role in delivering the existing rights to people, instead of making them go fight for it and …

Thousands of cannabis cases expunged due to legalization
3 years, 11 months ago

Thousands of cannabis cases expunged due to legalization

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday the forgiveness and expungement of about 500,000 criminal cannabis cases. Pritzker said he issued pardons for 9,210 low-level cannabis convictions, while Illinois State Police have wiped clean more than 492,000 non-felony cannabis-related arrest records. “But we can govern with the courage to admit the mistakes of our past and the decency to …

Burgum personally reviewing applications for pot pardons
4 years, 3 months ago

Burgum personally reviewing applications for pot pardons

Associated Press  

BISMARCK, N.D. — A second wave of applicants seeking pardons for low-level marijuana crimes is on North Dakota Gov. The governor this week is reviewing 26 applications forwarded to him earlier by the pardon advisory board, Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki said. Nowatzki said the governor refused to endorse the remaining 10 because of “more serious offenses on their records.” People …

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