Congressman Cohen Applauds President Biden’s Decision to Pardon All Convicted on Federal Marijuana Possession Charges

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the Judiciary Committeeand a member of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, today applauded President Biden's decision to grant a full and unconditional pardon of all prior federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"I have long advocated decriminalization of marijuana possession and have considered it ridiculous that it is still considered a Schedule One narcotic. The President has made a smart move and one that will improve the lives and prospects of too many who have been caught up in a senseless war on drugs. I also applaud President Biden for urging all Governors to follow his lead and hope that individuals will soon be pardoned for state marijuana possession offenses, as well."

See Congressman Cohen's April floor speech prior to House passage of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which would decriminalize marijuana possession and make other reforms, here.

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