Rep. Omar Says Biden Deserves 'Enormous Credit' For Marijuana Pardons

MINNEAPOLIS — Rep. Ilhan Omar praised President Joe Biden's decision to pardon thousands of Americans convicted of "simple possession" of marijuana under federal law.

The Biden administration has also begun reviewing how marijuana is currently scheduled under federal law.

"This is a monumental decision, a sea change in a decades-long failed war on drugs that has disproportionately impacted communities of color," said Omar.

"A pardon of thousands of people across this country who were charged with simple marijuana possession will repair families, bring communities back together and help countless people reenter the workforce. It is exactly the type of bold, courageous leadership we need in the presidency and President Biden deserves enormous credit for listening to the voices of advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals and communities whose lives have been upended by the failed war on drugs."

Biden also asked all governors across the country to issue similar pardons for state marijana offenses.

"As I often said during my campaign for President, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana," Biden said.

"Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit. Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. And while white and Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates."