First Thing: Biden pardons thousands convicted for marijuana possession

Long overdue' move could herald federal legalization. Plus, mother of dead Iranian schoolgirl accuses authorities

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Good morning.

Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession in a move described as long overdue". It could herald federal legalization and even set in motion a wider reappraisal of drug prohibition.

Biden had an obligation to act'. DeAnna Hoskins, president of JustLeadershipUSA, highlighted that the president was behind the infamous crime bill in 1994 that paved the way for the war on drugs".

Racial disparity in conviction rates for people of color. Biden has acknowledged that while white and Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people have been arrested, prosecuted and convicted at disproportionate rates."