Biden has issued an unconditional pardon to any lawful US residents who were convicted of simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana under DC's controlled substances act.
Interestingly, he did not pardon people who were illegal at the time of their conviction...
In Proclamation 10467 of October 6, 2022 (Granting Pardon for the Offense of Simple Possession of Marijuana), I exercised my authority
www.whitehouse.gov
Rationale is that the convictions hold people back.
This appears to be another example of Biden trying to play both sides of an issue again (like funding Israel, Iran and Palestine simultaneously).
Earlier this year, under Biden's orders, HHS recommended rescheduling, but keeping marijuana federally illegal for all but medical or research purposes...
A year ago today on October 6, 2022, President Joe Biden asked the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Attorney General to...
www.jdsupra.com
The two policies conflict - arbitrary pardons for past offenders while keeping the crime on the books? - Make up your mind; seems to be primarily an attempt to get votes.