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1

Jugales t1_javukd7 wrote

A posession charge hung over my dad's head for almost 30 years until his death last August. It's the reason the only job he could get was cab driver, where he only made $40-$60/day to support 6 kids. I hope this change can impact many lives for the better.

696

imsupertriggerd t1_jawd1eo wrote

They just need to make it federally legal at this point like come on man

412

zedemer t1_jawdom3 wrote

ELI5 why would people need to apply for this? Surely, if the database exists showing this conviction, a simple db scrub would do the trick. Unless they think people want to keep this conviction as some sort of trophy ...

196

SpinozaTheDamned t1_jawhqqw wrote

Replying to imsupertriggerd (#2,159,208)

I suspect there's whole departments related to prosecuting cannabis right now. Lawyers are really good at not loosing their jobs, so I think what needs to happen now is make it really difficult to secure a conviction for cannabis. Disincentivize law enforcement from relying on these kinds of convictions as part of their normal jobs, but allow time for everyone to transition away from that role. Then, after cannabis convictions only form a small part of general law enforcement, bring down the legalization hammer and provide retirement packages for any law enforcement and legal staff, purging records of those convicted on that specific crime, and provide states with universal guidelines on regulation when legalizing cannabis.

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THEBUSKINGS t1_jawlx9v wrote

This is just so someone can have proof it was removed. Says in the article all were scrubbed. Does nothing for MJ related federal cases. ONLY SIMPLE POSSESSION. Not money laundering, not possess with intent. Theres like one person who's thankful for this. Its a show. Its a publicity stunt.

8

HBPhilly1 t1_jawpwqd wrote

What were you doing between 1995 and 2010? There's seems to be a large hole left on your resume?

172

Chuckomo t1_jawq5zs wrote

I am happy it all gets legal now, but they broke the law did they not ?

−15

Ronin22222 t1_jawqfkd wrote

Most weed convictions are at the state level, but ok

33

diskdinomite t1_jawu5ke wrote

Replying to zedemer (#2,159,233)

What's most likely going to happen is that people who were originally charged with something higher (dealing, manufacturing, etc) but took a plea deal for possession will not have their records expunged.

59

fudgebacker t1_jawv9da wrote

Hey, how about just erasing ALL OF THEM without requiring anything from those affected?

52

magnumhairball t1_jawvgo6 wrote

Do people even get federally charged for weed? Figured that is a state thing 98% of the time

26

zedemer t1_jaww86v wrote

Replying to diskdinomite (#2,160,010)

But they still did the time, right? So it seems like a slippery slope to avoid giving people their due. Not to mention sometimes charges are stacked up to incentivize people to plea down to a lesser charge even if they couldn't convict

15

Totallyperm t1_jax582k wrote

Replying to diskdinomite (#2,160,010)

That's dumb. Plea deals get abused by prosecutors offices to pressure people into pleading guilty regardless of guilt. I would say fuck the state. If they didn't want this to be a possiblity they should have gone to trial. As of right now those people are only guilty of possession. Expunge it.

26

minnesotamoon t1_jax73uj wrote

What we really need is to change drug free workplace laws that get flowed down to companies through federal contracts and a ban on companies drug testing for cannabis which is now legal either medically or recreationally in most states.

The way things stand now employers can ruin lives with a drug test for something legal at the state level or prevent employment.

9

huffingtontoast t1_jax78s6 wrote

the government pretends to support the people and the people pretend to support the government

liberals will praise Biden for this policy affecting no one, conservatives will bristle at the decline of "law and order," and america will remain the most imprisoned, unfree nation on earth dictated by capitalist swine

0

adampsyreal t1_jaxdg1k wrote

Let military veterans get all their earned medical benefits, despite having used cannabis -especially in states where it is legal.

8

HaysteRetreat t1_jaxe3wa wrote

Replying to Chuckomo (#2,159,843)

One big point of all of this is that people who would otherwise be productive members of society are being prevented from fully contributing to the economy because of their criminal record.

Personal freedoms yaddayadda but the societal point of incarceration and keeping track of convictions is to limit people who would negatively impact the rest of society from doing so.

When laws go too far and you limit productive people, you harm everyone.

So ultimately it's not even about them and whatever sense of "justice" that compels the dumb parts of our human brains to feel its unfair that someone else is able to "get away with" breaking rules when we follow them.

0

friday99 t1_jaxl0hs wrote

Replying to magnumhairball (#2,160,075)

0 people will be released over this and it might only benefit about 6,500 individuals.

And most federal marijuana possession charges are with other more serious charges.

No one has been arrested at a federal level for simple possession only.

This was mostly lip service. It's looking like You're doing something without actually doing much. I know the office of the president can't control state legislature, but that's where the real action has to happen

19

bubleve t1_jaxlk2k wrote

Replying to Ronin22222 (#2,159,856)

Yes, but that has to be done at the state level or as an act of Congress. This affects about 6,500 people. This is about all the Biden administration can do for past convictions.

12

bubleve t1_jaxlv2e wrote

Replying to fudgebacker (#2,160,065)

Literally the first paragraph, and this can only cover Federal because Congress or States need to do the rest.

> The Department of Justice on Friday launched an application form that people who were covered under President Joe Biden’s mass marijuana pardon can fill out to demonstrate that they were granted clemency. ...The relief was automatic...

20

Jonesie946 t1_jaxrnc3 wrote

The only person this helps is Joe Biden

−4

Soywojack t1_jaxsw2e wrote

Does this mean FPS Russia is back?

2

0xWednesdei t1_jaxvus0 wrote

This is great news obviously, but I can’t help but wonder how much it cost society to make it illegal in the first place. All the resources dedicated to enforcing the laws, lost time due to incarceration, job loss because of charges, etc.

Imagine where we would be if that money was dumped into education. It probably would have been more effective in the long run.

2

monkeyhind t1_jaxx20f wrote

Based on the photo I thought this was going to be another incident of someone getting a breaded chicken head in their nugget basket.

1

bilgewax t1_jaxz97m wrote

Replying to minnesotamoon (#2,160,576)

Federal government does this too w/ federal DOT requirements for commercial drivers. Had a couple beers yesterday, and then drove today? … no problem at all. Couple hits off a vape three weeks ago? Give us your license. You’re fired.

6

moistsoup333 t1_jay3eq9 wrote

Why do they have to apply? Just remove all the convictions that don't make sense

4

IPlayTheInBedGame t1_jay472b wrote

Replying to GooseInternational66 (#2,161,014)

Disagree. Possessing a plant shouldn't have jail as a consequence. But there are lots of cases of fraud that I definitely think should result in correctional action. I do think we need reform of how we view the purpose of prison. But Bernie Madoff should definitely be in prison for a little while at least. He should just be taking financial ethics classes and getting therapy while he's in there.

4

joleme t1_jay6026 wrote

Replying to zedemer (#2,160,116)

> Not to mention sometimes charges are stacked up to incentivize people to plea down to a lesser charge even if they couldn't convict

You mean nearly all the time. The cops will even lie before they even charge you with something. They'll tell you you'll be charged with 10+ things and say really nicely "but we'll just charge you for this 1 thing if you plead guilty".

ACAB.

2

brokeassdrummer t1_jay74st wrote

I'm sure there's a hefty "processing" fee no? It's all about money

1

deck4242 t1_jay991w wrote

Stupid question: why do they have to apply ? Why not remove it for everyone automatically ?

3

Kuwing t1_jay9jt8 wrote

This is a different kind of uplifting

1

GooseInternational66 t1_jay9lfh wrote

Replying to IPlayTheInBedGame (#2,162,054)

I see your point. In America I don’t think the prison system is very good. It’s not correctional at all. It takes people who made a bad choice and turns them into something much worse.

I think all nonviolent crimes can be dealt with a fine, or community service, or rehab, etc.

3

Basdad t1_jay9sav wrote

How much more is having their "crime" expunged going to cost them?

1

viol3tsparrow t1_jayarfs wrote

But like why do they have to be the ones to apply?

1

TheManWhoClicks t1_jayc1oe wrote

I wonder what the total amount of damage to society is that politicians and law enforcement inflicted with cannabis being part of their “war on drugs”. Must be in the multiple trillions of $.

1

speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaycip8 wrote

“The President’s pardon lifts barriers to housing, employment and educational opportunities for thousands of people with those prior convictions,”

Maybe. Which makes this disinformation.

If it's up to the federal government (federal jobs and such), this may work. Of course, the Biden admin fired a bunch of people for mj early on, didn't they?

And who knows what future administrations might do.

But a pardon doesn't expunge a conviction from your record.

And an employer can still absolutely refuse to hire a pardoned mj convict.

And a landlord can still absolutely refuse housing.

No one has been or will be released from prison.

The best possible result is a certificate saying you've been pardoned by Joe Biden. Which may actually mean something to some relevant people. Or it may not.

1

speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaydi3j wrote

Replying to bubleve (#2,161,277)

> The relief was automatic...

A pardon doesn't remove a conviction from your record.

No one has been or will be released from prison.

The fact that a convict has been pardoned may or may not change the mind of an employer, landlord, etc.

In that context, a cute little certificate saying that you were pardoned is probably worth a tiny little Something, to someone. Hopefully.

6

speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaydnam wrote

Replying to bubleve (#2,161,264)

>Yes, but that has to be done at the state level or as an act of Congress. This affects about 6,500 people. This is about all the Biden administration can do for past convictions.

Why can't they expunge records?

That would provide concrete help to those 6500 people.

−2

speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jaye9hb wrote

Replying to deck4242 (#2,162,457)

>I mean they could remove it from everybody records with a click on a computer in washington.

Ya I'm pretty sure they could actually expunge the convictions from people's records

"Yes we can! But we're not going to."

3

ScryForHelp t1_jaygn7j wrote

Replying to SadSausageFinger (#2,161,905)

Based. War on Drugs is a fucking scam anyway. If they cared about drugs in the first place they'd have gone after the gov agency funding wars and destabilizing with crack and heroin at the american citizens expense

55

bubleve t1_jayjs4l wrote

Replying to speaks_truth_2_kiwis (#2,162,500)

They pardoned federal crimes. Your statement was about the state level so that is what I responded to.

It is unclear to me if the president has those powers, pretty sure that has to be Congress.

> ...As these opinions confirm, a presidential pardon removes, either conditionally or unconditionally, the punitive legal consequences that would otherwise flow from conviction for the pardoned offense. A pardon, however, does not erase the conviction as a historical fact or justify the fiction that the pardoned individual did not engage in criminal conduct. A pardon, therefore, does not by its own force expunge judicial or administrative records of the conviction or underlying offense.

https://www.justice.gov/file/451106/download

4

Christmas_Panda t1_jayl5k2 wrote

Just expunge it. Don’t waste tax payer dollars for a bureaucratic process. I bet they will charge per application too.

1

[deleted] t1_jaymi7g wrote

Oh no the republicans are gonna shit their pants

1

wallstregard t1_jaynfrm wrote

Background check system has turned into a machine of systemic discrimination. For thousands of years if someone committed a crime. When you completed your sentence, back to normal you go.

People need a way out. More serious crimes, put a longer time frame on them. But give everyone a way out if they do the right things. Corporations use the justice system as a job applicant filter

7

pipsdontsqueak t1_jaynvpb wrote

Replying to SpinozaTheDamned (#2,159,425)

Arresting maybe, not prosecuting unless it happens to be popular to be anti-marijuana in the jurisdiction. Weed charges tend to be tacked on otherwise, it's not really worth the effort to prosecute someone over simple possession of marijuana most places.

2

CharlesIngalls_Pubes t1_jayol13 wrote

Kind of sucks that it's something you should have to apply for. Seems like if you meet certain stipulations, it should be done automatically.

1

WinterCool t1_jayoljx wrote

Replying to magnumhairball (#2,160,075)

I used to work on Federal Land and cited quite a few people with possession. Maybe a $100 ticket, no jail/arrest/etc, just a ticket, but federal. Honestly I felt like shit doing it. Really glad to hear this news because a few ppl I still remember seemed like nice normal young college kids that probably fucked em over a bit as they applied for jobs.

...but do you discriminate on which laws you enforce, and to whom? Just because they're going to the local college and seemed nice, do you not cite? You're enforcing laws based on discrimination, on your own biases? Why even be in law enforcement if you aren't going to do your job?..I am not in that field anymore.

5

imdoon t1_jayow10 wrote

Wheres the restitution?

2

Pezdrake t1_jaypyr8 wrote

Do it fast. This may not be a long lasting policy.

1

SingingPurrmaid t1_jayq156 wrote

This is absurd. So the ones working two or three jobs because they can’t break through above minimum wage when that won’t even pay your rent so don’t have time to file or understand a filing - so the ones who need this most - just fall through the cracks? This needs to be automatic.

2

DistributionOwn6195 t1_jayr1mt wrote

good thing. They were stupid racist laws made like a 100 yrs ago. Alcohol had a much worse effect on the world

2

speaks_truth_2_kiwis t1_jayrzsf wrote

Replying to bubleve (#2,162,743)

> They pardoned federal crimes. Your statement was about the state level so that is what I responded to.

You're confusing me with another poster.

> It is unclear to me if the president has those powers, pretty sure that has to be Congress.

That seems to be true.

In any case. the Biden admin is implying that this action does more than it actually does. Disinforming the public and taking credit for more than he actually did.

> “The President’s pardon lifts barriers to housing, employment and educational opportunities for thousands of people with those prior convictions,”

Maybe.

If it's up to the federal government (federal jobs and such), this may work. Of course, the Biden admin fired a bunch of people for mj early on, didn't they?

And who knows what future administrations might do.

But a pardon doesn't expunge a conviction from your record.

And an employer can still absolutely refuse to hire a pardoned mj convict.

And a landlord can still absolutely refuse housing.

No one has been or will be released from prison.

The best possible result is a certificate saying you've been pardoned by Joe Biden. Which may actually mean something to some relevant people. Or it may not.

0

MouthJob t1_jays14v wrote

Replying to bubleve (#2,162,734)

You can suspect whatever you want. As long as they make up some other random bullshit to actually say out loud, they can see it in all kinds of screwed up ways in their own screwed up head all they want.

1

angry_pecan t1_jayv22m wrote

You should not have to apply if this is country wide; expunge any & all marijuana related charges/records.

2

LimeMime565 t1_jayye66 wrote

Biden signed the 90s crime bill people do not ever expect weed to be federally legalized under his administration.

2

BlazingSpaceGhost t1_jaz2o9k wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#2,160,470)

Cory Booker's statement very much depends on where you are at in the country. As a white man from Indiana it is most definitely not legalized for anyone in Indiana. I have several friends both white and non-white that have faced possession charges.

4

Razakel t1_jaz3gtb wrote

Replying to zedemer (#2,159,233)

In the UK, anyone convicted of a sexual offence that is now legal can apply to have it deleted (the Turing law).

The problem is that the law also covered other things that remain rightfully illegal, so every case has to be individually examined.

1

Dry-Start-297 t1_jaz3m8d wrote

Replying to SeaOfGreenTrades (#2,162,057)

I'd be curious to know how many turn into federal offenses.

Just from personal experience, one of my close (not personally close but relation close) family members got popped by local, it turned federal, and that individual is looking at 100+ years. Will likely never get out but if they do, will be too old to even work. TBH, I'm kinda split on my opinion because I know enough to believe this person could willingly have done what they were doing, but probably weren't. More than likely it was due to another close family members choices, it's much more probable that they were given an ultimatum and just followed orders.

I've also had a few friends from my younger years end up in a similar boat albeit not as bad as the above people.

All of them were drug related charges. Non-violent offenses.

2

AnonymousMonk7 t1_jaz3qzm wrote

Replying to friday99 (#2,161,198)

I don’t see how it’s an empty gesture. It’s not like the Democrats that voted for this change we’re holding back greater reforms nationwide; they don’t have the views for a federal reversal and the conservative states are all against it. It’s not like an offer to post for dinner but then adding a caveat to stick to the dollar menu. They did what was possible in current conditions. Yes it affects a proportionately small group of people affected, but the blame is on the opposition, and hopefully it leads to greater pressure on state legislatures to change, getting closer to the actual reforms needed.

0

5am5ep1ol t1_jaz44m3 wrote

Replying to Jugales (#2,158,199)

It makes me so, so, so fucking mad that these stories are pretty commonplace. All because a few racists back in the day decided to demonize weed. Fucking idiotic and sad and all-around tragic because of how many lives they ruined. These people get one shot at their life. And it has far too often been spent under the thumb of a backwards law out there for terrible reasons.

Countless lives impacted, countless lives virtually destroyed—and countless lives undeniably destroyed. I’m sorry your dad got caught up in that mess.

4

charyoshi t1_jaz7746 wrote

Why not do it automatically? Why make people jump through hoops?

4

Elemenohpede t1_jaza3pn wrote

Replying to HBPhilly1 (#2,159,830)

Oh that? Its nothing. In '95 I tried to kill a baby after killing his parents. The little bastard survived and I died. Luckily I had a few kick knacks around with bits of my soul infused in them, and here i am good as new!

I'm good with animals and have strong leadership skills, and wish for nothing more than the advancement of pure-blooded bloodlines.

16

puddyspud t1_jazfqt4 wrote

Inb4 the incoming GOP lawsuit or inevitable Supreme Court standstill

1

who-are-we-anyway t1_jazkpdi wrote

Replying to DesiBail (#2,163,809)

The application is just for a certificate to prove you were granted clemency, the actual clemency itself was automatic. The article actually does a good job explaining everything, but the certificate is useful for people who have issues qualifying for housing, jobs, or assistance because of their prior conviction.

2

Sarcarean t1_jazm8oe wrote

Once again, a false reddit headline designed to be propaganda. The DOJ is starting to issue little certificates, with gold stars, just like they give out in preschool to the good little boys and girls. This action does not, I'll say it again, DOES NOT, remove any conviction from anyone's record.

2

Sarcarean t1_jazmnx4 wrote

Replying to wallstregard (#2,162,887)

This comment right here is 1000% right. This is the root cause of many issues in society that people ignore while trying to find solutions to issues like homelessness or high crime areas, etc.

2

Psychotic_EGG t1_jazpxjx wrote

Now apply? That should be being done without someone applying.

1

testinggoose t1_jazsdrt wrote

Just paid $3000 to have this done 6 months ago. Excellent timing.

1

xandercade t1_jazw16l wrote

Replying to 5am5ep1ol (#2,163,559)

I know for a fact the if marijuana was legal I wouldn't have had half the trouble I had in my life. I wouldn't have had to go thru shady people who pushed more addictive substances on me that led me down a path right to jail.

1

xandercade t1_jazw98d wrote

Replying to diskdinomite (#2,163,651)

No they lay out a bunch of charges and say you make this easy on everyone and sign this paper saying you did this and that and we'll only charge you with 2 things instead of 10. It's basically the same damn thing.

1

alexmbrennan t1_jb0377k wrote

Replying to HaysteRetreat (#2,160,913)

>One big point of all of this is that people who would otherwise be productive members of society

But could they be productive members of society?

If they cannot restrain themselves from taking illegal drugs that come with a significant prison sentence then I don't want them making my burger because food safety rules need to be followed and they have already demonstrated that they are not capable of following rules.

>societal point of incarceration and keeping track of convictions is to limit people who would negatively impact the rest of society from doing so.

If you cannot follow rules then you will negatively impact society. It doesn't matter if it's the speed limit, food safety or fire codes - if you break the rules then people can die.

1

Gismo22 t1_jb075ax wrote

But how do you get rid of the arrest?

1

iambobbyhill2015 t1_jb0iwvj wrote

How about automatically remove it instead of wasting all these people’s time applying for it? Crazy right?

1

Justinackermannblog t1_jb0pb9y wrote

Why the fuck do Americans have to “apply” for everything when the government already knows everything they need to know…

1

HaysteRetreat t1_jb0wy66 wrote

Replying to alexmbrennan (#2,164,577)

Lol death penalty for jaywalking then.
Or at least right to jail.

The fact that there even is more than one punishment at all is pretty clear that your premise isn't considered true. Every human society has independently agreed that there are different severities to breaking the law. Arguably based on how much the violation negatively impacts society.

If we determine a violation or collection of violations means a person CANT contribute to society with a net positive we typically imprison them for life or send them to Texas and hit them with a brick.

The average American breaks 3 laws per day . Insert joke about the average American* but basically: people aren't perfect, and by extension, law makers and enforcers certainly aren't either. The racial disparity in drug arrests and sentencing is just one example.

1