The more you look into Biden’s big step forward in marijuana normalcy, the more hollow it seems.
Biden’s pardons only affected those who were charged with possession of marijuana at small amounts. It also only affected legal US citizens, to the dismay of some more progressive Democrats.
Even more shocking, no one actually affected by the October 6 pardon was still in prison. Not a single prisoner was released due to the mandate. Instead, records were wiped clean. There are about 3,000 prisoners convicted for marijuana-related offenses, but they were on the selling side of the equation. Biden has put a line in the sand, saying these convicts would not be getting a pardon.
“I’m keeping my promise that no one should be in jail for merely using or possessing marijuana,” said Biden on Friday. “None. And the records, which hold up people from being able to get jobs and the like, should be totally expunged. Totally expunged.”
“You can’t sell it. But if it’s just use, you’re completely free.”
A protest was staged outside the White House two days ago that shed light on the lightness of his executive order.
At this point, it doesn’t seem like much more will be done. Perhaps, at some later date, marijuana will get rescheduled, but the prisoners in jail who are either undocumented or were convicted for selling/distributing marijuana don’t have great chances for an exit ramp.
Read the full story at Reason.
