President Joe Biden's recent wave of pardons, which included thousands of individuals with federal convictions for personal marijuana use, marks a significant step in changing the landscape for many Michigan residents with similar convictions. Announced last Friday, these pardons are seen as a groundbreaking move in the ongoing shift in how marijuana-related offenses are viewed at the federal level.
Barton Morris, a prominent attorney and member of the Cannabis Council in Troy, Michigan, lauded the president's decision. He emphasized the uniqueness of Biden's consecutive annual pardons in this area, a first in U.S. presidential history. Morris pointed out the profound impact of such convictions on individuals, stating, "Nobody should be in prison or serving time or even suffering any penalties whatsoever for marijuana-related convictions."
The implications for Michiganders with marijuana convictions are particularly significant. Morris noted the profound negative impact of felony convictions on individuals' lives, including hindering employment opportunities and obtaining licenses in various industries. Despite the legalization of personal marijuana use in Michigan, Morris highlighted that numerous state residents are still serving sentences for actions that are no longer considered criminal.
Morris expressed hope that the federal pardons will inspire Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials to follow suit. He sees this as an opportunity for state leaders to demonstrate courage and justice in their policy decisions, reflecting the changing attitudes towards marijuana use.
Michigan is among the 24 states that have legalized recreational marijuana use. The recent presidential pardons, according to Morris, could not only influence state-level decisions but also potentially pave the way for more states to join the list of those where recreational marijuana use is legal.
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