Statement from President Joe Biden on Additional Clemency Actions
Today, I am commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice. With this action, I have now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in U.S. history.
Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes. As Congress recognized through the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act, it is time that we equalize these sentencing disparities. This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars. I am proud of my record on clemency and will continue to review additional commutations and pardons.
The Guardian
Joe Biden commutes sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders
The unprecedented wave of commutations reflects a last-minute push by the Biden administration to remedy what critics have long described as systemic inequities in federal drug sentencing.
“Too often, our criminal justice reforms only apply to the law going forward, leaving behind the very people and injustices that moved us to change,” the FWD.us executive director, Zoë Towns, said in a statement.
MJ Biz
The White House issued a short statement that did not identify individuals impacted nor specify if marijuana-related offenders were included.
“Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” Biden said in his statement.
The marijuana industry has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration for not commuting the sentences of those imprisoned for nonviolent marijuana offenses.
Commutations fall short, cannabis industry says
Marijuana reform activists welcomed the move but urged Biden to do more.
“We applaud President Biden’s commutations for those who suffered excessive sentences for drug offenses,” said Sarah Gersten, executive director of the Last Prisoner Project.
“This clemency signifies a recognition that we should not continue to punish individuals for outdated laws we now recognize as unjust.
“Now it’s time to do the same for the thousands of other individuals still serving lengthy federal prison sentences for cannabis.”
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Biden commutes nearly 2,500 nonviolent drug sentences; marijuana impact unclear
