Every American who has previously smoked marijuana, including those who were never detained or charged, will receive a federal pardon, as per President Joe Biden's announcement on Friday.
All citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States who possess marijuana for personal use are eligible for the blanket pardon, as are those who have been found guilty of comparable federal offences as per USA Today.
It also pardons District of Columbia marijuana users. It does not apply to anyone who has been imprisoned for selling marijuana, which is prohibited by federal law, or for other marijuana-related offences including operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs.
Biden's pardon is expected to have far-reaching effects because people with criminal histories of marijuana use and possession face obstacles when applying for jobs, housing, and educational opportunities.
However, people who broke state law are not eligible for pardons, and the Department of Justice must be contacted to obtain documentation of a pardon.
Last year, Biden granted a pardon like this while pledging new improvements. The declaration this year went one step further and pardoned everyone for ordinary marijuana possession or use, even those who had never been charged under federal law.
It also includes small marijuana offences committed on federal premises, extending Biden's earlier directive.
Legislation defies Trump's demand to green light trillions of dollars in new debt
Votes on budgets, other spending are considered confidence measures, if govt loses one, it falls
Regional premier Haseloff says man was "lone attacker", 50-year-old doctor
Attacker identified as 50-year-old male doctor from Saudi Arabia who holds permanent residency in Germany
Jagmeet Singh’s NDP has been pivotal in sustaining PM Trudeau’s govt in recent years since last elections
"Macron resign," "you're talking nonsense," "water, water, water", young people and mothers shout at president
