Dope of the day: Joe Biden pardons thousands of US 'marijuana' prisoners

Every American who has previously smoked marijuana, including those who were never detained or charged, will receive a federal pardon, as per President Joe Biden's announcement on Friday.

All citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States who possess marijuana for personal use are eligible for the blanket pardon, as are those who have been found guilty of comparable federal offences as per USA Today.

It also pardons District of Columbia marijuana users. It does not apply to anyone who has been imprisoned for selling marijuana, which is prohibited by federal law, or for other marijuana-related offences including operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs.

Biden's pardon is expected to have far-reaching effects because people with criminal histories of marijuana use and possession face obstacles when applying for jobs, housing, and educational opportunities. 

However, people who broke state law are not eligible for pardons, and the Department of Justice must be contacted to obtain documentation of a pardon.

Last year, Biden granted a pardon like this while pledging new improvements. The declaration this year went one step further and pardoned everyone for ordinary marijuana possession or use, even those who had never been charged under federal law. 

It also includes small marijuana offences committed on federal premises, extending Biden's earlier directive.