Statement From BBT Executive Director Danielle Melfi on President Biden Announcing Federal Pardons for Marijuana Possession

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2022

STATEMENT FROM BBT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANIELLE MELFI ON PRESIDENT BIDEN ANNOUNCING FEDERAL PARDONS FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After President Biden announced full and unconditional pardons for all federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana by U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, encouraging state governors to do the same, Building Back Together Executive Director Danielle Melfi released the following statement:

“This announcement is life changing for those who have served or are currently serving federal sentences for marijuana use or possession in the U.S. – an overwhelming majority of whom are Black and brown people. These pardons, along with the president’s call for HHS to review the scheduling of marijuana, are historic steps to right the wrongs of the war on drugs and the lasting, devastating impact it has had on Black and brown families.

“President Biden’s actions today will help thousands with prior non-violent convictions – for conduct that is now legal in many states – access housing, employment, and educational opportunities that have previously been closed to them. The president has long said that no one should be in jail for using or possessing marijuana. Today, he is making that a reality for thousands of Americans.”

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