Gov. Eric Holcomb will not issue pardons for marijuana possession

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb says he will not issue pardons for low-level marijuana convictions, following President Joe Biden's recent executive action. 

The White House announced thousands of pardons for Americans convicted of "simple possession" of marijuana under federal law, October 6. President Biden called on governors across the country to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases. 

In a statement to ABC57, Gov. Holcomb said he will not follow the President's lead:

"The President should work with Congress, not around them, to discuss changes to the law federally, especially if he is requesting Governors to overturn the work local prosecutors have done by simply enforcing the law. Until these federal law changes occur, I can’t in good conscience consider issuing blanket pardons for all such offenders.

What Indiana has done, is act proactively, not reactively, by creating an opportunity for those who have maintained a clean record since a conviction of simple marijuana possession and a number of lower-level offenses, to apply for – and receive – an expungement which seals their record. I do agree that many of these offenses should not serve as a life sentence after an individual has served their time. Expunged convictions cannot be disclosed to employers, to those who grant licenses, or when seeking housing." - Governor Eric J. Holcomb