Biden Pardons Thousands in Federal Prison for Simple Possession of Marijuana

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