Biden to Pardon Thousands for Marijuana Possession
- Move could affect more than 6,500 people who were charged
- President needs act of Congress to decriminalize marijuana
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President Joe Biden took his first major steps toward decriminalizing marijuana, pardoning thousands of Americans convicted for possession of the drug and ordering a review of its legal status.
Biden on Thursday issued a blanket pardon for all prior federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana. He will also urge governors to issue similar pardons for state offenses involving marijuana, senior administration officials said.