Biden to pardon thousands of people with federal marijuana convictions and encourage states to do the same

The White House said Thursday that President Joe Biden will pardon thousands of people with federal convictions for marijuana possession.

In a statement, Biden, who has been urged by some Democrats to back the legalization of cannabis, argued that it does not make sense to put people behind bars for a substance.

Those convicted of possession won't be granted pardons. State governors are encouraged to do the same, according to Biden.

While many states have legalized the use of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes, at the federal level the plant remains classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning that it is at least officially viewed as having a high potential for abuse.

Soon, that could change.

In his statement, Biden said that he wants the Attorney General and Health Secretary to look into the scheduling of marijuana.

Biden said that too many lives have been ruined because of the failed approach to marijuana. We need to right these wrongs.

The announcement from the White House was welcomed by the criminal justice reform advocates.

Kevin Ring is the president of Families Against Mandatory Minimums.

Tell us about a news story. C Davis is the reporter for Insider.