Biden issues federal pardons for 'simple possession' of marijuana

Officials estimate about 6,500 people with federal convictions for simple possession of marijuana will benefit.

No-one is currently in federal prison solely for possession of marijuana. Most convictions occur at state level, Qazet.az reports.

But the federal pardons will make it easier for people to get employment, housing, and education, Mr Biden said.

As a presidential candidate, Mr Biden promised to decriminalise cannabis use, as well as expunging convictions.

"Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit," Mr Biden said on Thursday.