![]() Two weeks ago President Joe Biden announced his plan to pardon all prior federal offenses of simple cannabis possession, and direct the review of the status of cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug. On Tuesday of this week, October 18th, the President spoke about the 2022 midterm election and reaffirmed his plans for cannabis pardons. He said, “I’m keeping my promise that no one should be in jail merely for using or possessing marijuana … You should not be in jail.” The President’s pardoning power, though, only extends to pardons for federal crimes. The estimate is that about 6,500 people will benefit from his pardon at the federal level. President Biden had also suggested that state Governor’s also follow suit. One estimate figured at least 40,000 people could be pardoned at the state level, if the Governor’s followed the President’s suggestion. Unfortunately, partisan politics and fears and misinformation have already prompted some Governors to publicly state that they have no intention of issuing such pardons. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he would not do such a thing. His spokesperson, Renae Eze, gave a smart aleck comment on it, saying in part, “Texas is not in the habit of taking criminal justice advice from …. someone who has overseen a criminal justice system run amuck with cashless bail and a revolving door for violent criminals.” Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb also publicly said he would not issue pardons. He said, "The President should work with Congress, not around them, to discuss changes to the law federally, especially if he is requesting Governors to overturn the work local prosecutors have done by simply enforcing the law ... Until these federal law changes occur, I can't in good conscience consider issuing blanket pardons for all such offenders." Comments are closed.
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