President Biden recently pardoned thousands in federal prison for simple possession. He supported this decision with the fact that these convictions have limited opportunities for those with a criminal record in many ways, including employment, housing, and education. He also noted how these convictions have negatively impacted African American communities.
Jessica McElfresh was interviewed by NBC 7 supporting this decision, explaining how people end up with federal convictions that “truly follow them around” and prevent them from future opportunities. She also saw this decision as a shift in how the government might view other drug charges and the potential for additional pardons down the road.
View the full story with NBC 7 here.
California marijuana laws change frequently. For updated information, see the following pages: Medicinal Uses of Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana Business