Biden Commutes Sentences of 11 Held on Nonviolent, Cannabis Charges

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 11 individuals currently serving extraordinarily long prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenses that are out of sync with today’s more lenient sentencing guidelines.

“Due to reforms, each of these clemency recipients would have been eligible for reduced sentences, had they been sentenced today,” the White House said in a written statement.

“This clemency grant represents the president’s commitment to addressing unjustified disparities in sentencing,” it added.

In addition, the president is set to sign a proclamation to pardon additional cannabis-related offenses, including for use and possession on federal lands, including the District of Columbia.

The action, which will potentially make thousands of individuals eligible for pardons, “builds on the president’s commitment to marijuana reform, and his October 2022 proclamation pardoning simple possession under Federal and D.C. law,” the White House said.

Friday’s pardons follow a similar action taken just before the 2022 midterm elections.

No inmates were actually freed under last year’s action, but the pardons were meant to help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job.

Similarly, no federal prisoners are eligible for release as a result of Friday’s action, the White House said.

Biden’s order applies only to marijuana, which has been decriminalized or legalized in many states for some or all uses, but remains a controlled substance under federal law.

“America was founded on the principle of equal justice under law,” the president said in a written statement.

“Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect this core value that makes our communities safer and stronger. That is why today I am announcing additional steps I am taking to make the promise of equal justice a reality.”

Biden added that “Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the use or possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.”

He is urging governors to take similar steps to undo tough and disparate sentencing.

“I have exercised my clemency power more than any recent predecessor has at this point in their presidency. And while today’s announcement marks important progress, my administration will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equal justice, address racial disparities, strengthen public safety and enhance the well-being of all Americans,” the president said.

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