In Proclamation 10467 of October 6, 2022 (Granting Pardon for the Offense of Simple Possession of Marijuana), I exercised my authority under the Constitution to pardon individuals who committed or were convicted of the offense of simple possession of marijuana in violation of the Controlled Substances Act and section 48–904.01(d)(1) of the Code…

I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., do hereby grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to all current United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who, on or before the date of this proclamation, committed or were convicted of the offense of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana, regardless of whether they have been charged with or prosecuted for these offenses on or before the date of this proclamation

    • Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
      633·
      11 months ago

      Actually it’s not. Congress long ago passed the Controlled Substances Act which places the authority for scheduling what drugs are considered illegal in the hands of the Dept. of HHS, the DEA, and Attorney General.

      Currently, marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug along with heroin and LSD. Last year, though, Biden directed the Dept. of HHS to consider whether or not that is an appropriate classification. In August of this year, HHS informed the DEA that marijuana should be reclassified as a Schedule III drug. The DEA will now consider the recommendation and if they approve the HHS recommendation, as they have nearly if not always done, then they would send the recommendation to the AG who will make a final ruling.

      Law enforcement is the purview of the executive branch and frankly there is not enough money for the executive branch to enforce all the laws that Congress passes. The executive branch must therefore decide what laws have priority. With a stroke of his pen, Biden could issue an executive order instructing the DoJ to stop enforcing drug laws relating to non-violent marijuana possession.

        • Boddhisatva@lemmy.world
          24·
          11 months ago

          You are absolutely correct and it would be best if they did. My point was just that Congress isn’t required for there to be meaningful change.

      • Ashyr@sh.itjust.works
        143·
        11 months ago

        Thanks for the correction and education. I responded out of frustration with complaints that are often levied at Biden that have nothing to do with his job.

      • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.worldEnglish
        31·
        11 months ago

        You didn’t immediately accept the bullshit excuse! You don’t know how anything works!