President Joe Biden today announced plans to pardon thousands of Americans convicted of "simple possession" of marijuana.
In response, the Department of Justice released a statement from spokesman Anthony Coley regarding Biden's proclamation which grants a full, complete and unconditional pardon to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have committed, or been convicted of, simple possession of marijuana.
“The justice department will expeditiously administer the president’s proclamation, which pardons individuals who engaged in simple possession of marijuana, restoring political, civil, and other rights to those convicted of that offense," Coley said. "In coming days, the Office of the Pardon Attorney will begin implementing a process to provide impacted individuals with certificates of pardon.
“Also, in accordance with the president’s directive, justice department officials will work with our colleagues at the Department of Health and Human Services as they launch a scientific review of how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.”
