In a move that could prove to be an international game-changer, President Joe Biden last night declared that, "Sending people to jail for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives – for conduct that is legal in many states. That’s before you address the clear racial disparities around prosecution and conviction. Today, we begin to right these wrongs.
|First: I’m pardoning all prior federal offences of simple marijuana possession. There are thousands of people who were previously convicted of simple possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My pardon will remove this burden.

"Second: I’m calling on governors to pardon simple state marijuana possession offences. Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely for possessing marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.

"Third: We classify marijuana at the same level as heroin – and more serious than fentanyl. It makes no sense. I’m asking Secretary Becerra and the Attorney General to initiate the process of reviewing how marijuana is scheduled under federal law.

"I’d also like to note that as federal and state regulations change, we still need important limitations on trafficking, marketing, and underage sales of marijuana."

As a result, tens of thousands of people – including those serving 'three strikes and you're out' life sentences – could be released from prison.

Closer to home, Malta, Germany and Luxembourg are among the countries either planning to decriminalise or legalise all forms of marijuana. There's no sign of any shift in policy in Ireland at the present time with Luke 'Ming' Flanagan drawing attention to the thousands of people here who've been criminalised because of their cannabis use. That could change though if, as is heavily rumoured, the current Minister for Drugs Frank Feighan finds himself part of December's cabinet reshuffle.

A man seemingly dedicated to maintaining the status quo, Minister Feighan has notably failed to deliver the long overdue medically supervised injecting room in Dublin during his tenure.
He'll doubtless point to the on-going planning wrangles, but some innovative thinking like a mobile unit could have broken the logjam.

Progressive drug policy activist Natalie O'Regan points out that Senator Lynn Ruane drafted a spent conviction bill in 2016.

"My bill has progressed all stages of Seanad," Senator Ruane elaborates. "I also have drug decrim bill still in order paper. The spent conviction bill is waiting to be pulled by the lottery. It’s been sponsored by Jennifer McNeill and Ivana Bacik."

Scroll down for President Biden's announcement and more feedback...

Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. Hear from @POTUS on the three steps he is taking to right these wrongs. pic.twitter.com/IqOxHxjgue

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 6, 2022

hell of an announcement: "I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., do hereby grant a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to (1) all current United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who committed the offense of simple possession of marijuana.." pic.twitter.com/uvLUDvvurX

— Michael McAuliff (@mmcauliff) October 6, 2022

10's of thousands of people in Ireland have a criminal record for possession of cannabis. In fact the number probably exceeds over 100 thousand people. These people should have a their criminal records revoked and be let get on with their lives. Prohibition destroys lives. https://t.co/PUQzjGnjsk

— Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (@lukeming) October 6, 2022

The heel dragging by our own politicians on this issue must end. Time to let go of the rope! Too many lives are and have been upended in Ireland due to Cannabis Prohibition. Enough of it, now! https://t.co/nDfLA5KsRE

— Gerard Roe (@GerRayRoe) October 7, 2022

This is truly great news.

And for people to truly be freed from having their lives haunted by unjust marijuana convictions, we must work to *expunge* records beyond pardoning.

Between that and descheduling cannabis, we can make huge steps forward for so many communities. https://t.co/cJVAvyOM0n

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 7, 2022

This is a day of hope and healing, as @POTUS takes historic steps to reform America’s approach to marijuana. These transformative actions are the latest manifestation of Democrats’ unyielding commitment to justice, especially for those unfairly harmed by cannabis criminalization.

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) October 6, 2022

@sinnfeinireland @allianceparty @SDLPlive @uuponline @duponline

A guarantors of Good Friday Agreement just pardoned federal cannabis convictions & stated recognition of how criminal record for cannabis restricted people from jobs, housing, education and opportunities. https://t.co/p7LOQrnfsU

— Dr Órfhlaith Campbell (@drorfh) October 7, 2022

For years, I’ve stood with millions of Americans calling on multiple administrations to take action to issue pardons and decriminalize cannabis.

This move by President Biden is a historic decision — and it’s the right thing to do.

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) October 6, 2022

Call me a “Hollywood liberal” and unfollow me if you want, but I am PROUD of President Biden for pardoning people with criminal records over simple possession of marijuana.

— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) October 6, 2022

When I’m governor, we will finally legalize marijuana in Texas and expunge the records of those arrested for marijuana possession.

— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) October 6, 2022