Joe Biden has inflated the impact of pardons he’s given for marijuana offenses. He falsely claims that his clemency act “expunged records” and released people from prison.
He said, “A promise was made and kept” during a speech he gave in South Carolina.
“I keep my promise when I said that no one should be sent to prison for possessing or using marijuana, and their records must be expunged,” Biden stated.
He has often misrepresented the effects of his action. The pardon is a formal apology from the government. However, it does not erase the criminal record.
The pardons for federal marijuana possession crimes were granted to thousands of people under two proclamations that were issued in 2022, and last month. The Justice Department has been issuing certificates to those who are eligible and apply.
The certificate states: “The pardon is a forgiveness, but your criminal record remains.”
Biden implied that thousands of people had been granted clemency. However, none were released from prison. Federal prosecutions solely for possession are rare.
Nevertheless, advocates have noted that people are still in federal prison for other non-violent cannabis offenses. They have pushed the Biden Administration to do more. This includes keeping his main cannabis campaign promise to decriminalize pot.
In his first three-year tenure, the president has not shown a willingness for decriminalization. However, he has directed an ongoing administrative review of cannabis scheduling. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has suggested moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of Controlled Substances Act. Now, it is up to the Drug Enforcement Administration to make the final decision.
Biden seems to be aware of the popularity of marijuana reform by promoting his pardon of all cannabis users. A recent poll shows that he could gain a lot of popularity if his directive on scheduling results in a federal law reclassification.
The study found that the impression that voters had of President increased by a net of 11 points when they heard about the potential implications of the rescheduling evaluation. This includes a favorable swing of 11 points among young voters aged 18-25, who are critical for his reelection campaign.
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The post Biden Falsely Suggestions Marijuana pardons ‘Expunged Records’ And Released Prisoners while Campaigning on ‘Promises Kept appeared initially on Marijuana moment.
