Thousands remain in federal prison due to nonviolent marijuana-related crimes. President Biden, who says no one should be in jail for marijuana, has just a day to commute their sentences.
In 2022, Biden pardoned thousands of marijuana offenses, clearing the records of those charged federally with marijuana offenses. However, none of these pardons actually reduced the sentences of or allowed for the release of anyone currently in prison for marijuana. Biden’s lack of marijuana commutations is in contrast to the numerous times he has said “no one should be in jail for marijuana”.
Cannabis justice advocates have been urging President Biden to use his clemency power to release every federal cannabis prisoner before the end of his term.
“Time is running out to turn words into action” says the Last Prisoner Project, which is running a “Countdown for Cannabis Clemency” on their website. “President Biden must keep his promise and release the over 3,000 people still in federal prison for cannabis convictions.”
The Last Prison Project notes that hundreds of these individuals are facing charges that range from decades in prison to life.
If Biden is to issue marijuana commutations, he’ll need to do so by 12pm ET on Monday, when President-elect Trump will he sworn in at his inauguration, and become the 47th president.
