Joe Biden has extended pardons for individuals charged with simple cannabis possession and use, yet disappointingly, he has refrained from granting clemency to those currently incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses.
In an extension of the previous year’s extensive federal pardons for cannabis possession, Joe Biden has issued additional pardons for thousands of individuals convicted of simple cannabis use and possession on federal lands and in Washington D.C., according to the Associated Press.
The White House recently announced granting clemency to 11 individuals who have been incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses, acknowledging the unjustly lengthy sentences they have served.
However, it is essential to note that these pardons do not lead to the immediate release of any current prisoners serving time for cannabis-related offenses.
Rather, the purpose behind these pardons is to tackle the obstacles that individuals face in seeking employment and housing opportunities due to their past cannabis convictions.
This signifies a symbolic shift in the federal government’s approach to cannabis convictions, aiming to support individuals reintegrating into society.
Komorn Law is Michigan’s top cannabis law firms when it comes to licensing, consulting and legal defense.
Call them if you’re thinking about venturing into the marijuana business in Michigan (248) 357-2550
Biden said that the pardons would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality,” the report said.
“Criminal records for marijuana use and possession have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.” – President Joe Biden, via the AP
President Biden has restated his desire for U.S. governors to nullify state cannabis convictions. He emphasizes the importance of this action, aligning with his ongoing commitment.
“Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.”
Officially, cannabis remains federally prohibited under the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule I substance. This classification is reserved for substances that are considered to lack any currently accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse.
However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended in August that cannabis be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III.
More Posts
Prosecutors drop marijuana charges against Michigan mom
Aug 5, 2015 - After a year long battle, Michigan Attorney Michael Komorn and his staff have chalked up another positive conclusion for a client caught up in the medical marijuana and forfeiture debacle. Some may consider it a win, but this slow ruination of a family...
Security Systems – You should have one!!
For most... a security video system is a tool to protect themselves from liability, false accusations and identify activities around their home or business. For some, such as thieves, those who make false accusations and liars...it works against them. There...
What’s required of you in a Michigan traffic stop?
July 24, 2015 Dashcam video released this week from a traffic stop shows how a confrontation between a Texas woman and the arresting officer escalated. Given the circumstances in the aforementioned Sandra Bland case, we wanted to find out what is allowed and not...
Detroit police make arrests at marijuana dispensary
The Detroit police raided and made arrests at marijuana dispensary in an article in the Detroit Free Press from July 14, 2015. Detroit police arrested two people and confiscated two firearms and drugs during a raid on a marijuana dispensary Tuesday afternoon. Police...
Michigan Medical Marihuana Patient Bill of Rights
On November 8th, 2008, by a majority of 63 percent, the citizens of the State of Michigan voted into law the constitutional initiative, Initiated Law 1 of 2008, ratified into law December 4, 2008, herein referred to as the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, MCL 333.26421...
Colorado Supreme Court: Employers can fire for off-duty pot use
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Monday Jun 15, 2015, that Employers’ zero-tolerance drug policies trump Colorado’s medical marijuana laws. In a 6-0 decision, the Colorado Supreme Court affirmed lower court rulings that businesses can fire employees for the use...
How a sex toy put spotlight on Michigan civil asset forfeiture laws targeted for reform
The headlines read... "How a sex toy put national spotlight on Michigan civil asset forfeiture laws targeted for reform" "State Legislators Reconsider Forfeiture Laws That Turn Cops Into Robbers" "Why Take My Vibrator?" Cops Legally Rob "every Belonging"...
Reform Today’s Forfeiture Laws
Everyday, I get calls to my office from medical marijuana patients and caregivers who have been raided or pulled over by police. Often times, these individuals are not arrested, and little if any paperwork is left behind by the various Narcotics Enforcement Teams....
KOMORN LAW NEWSLETTER ISSUE #1 May 2015
The Michigan Legal Advisor News Letters. Read the current newsletter from Michigan's #1 Medical Marijuana Defense Attorney Michael Komorn. KOMORN LAW NEWSLETTER ISSUE #1 May 2015 Michael Komorn is recognized as a leading expert on the Michigan Medical...
Attorney Michael Komorn Lectures Students at the U of M Law School
I wanted to give a huge thanks to University of Michigan Law School Professors Howard Bromberg, Mark Osbeck and Law School class. This past Thursday I had the honor of being asked to speak about my favorite topics, the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act and the practice...
