WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia.

The White House says his action Friday is his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system. Biden is also granting clemency to 11 people serving what the White House called “disproportionately long” sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

Biden says these steps would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.” Biden is reiterating his call on governors and local leaders to take similar steps to erase marijuana convictions.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis applauded the decision. 

“I’m thrilled to see President Biden following Colorado’s lead by pardoning federal and D.C. marijuana use and possession offenses,” Polis said in a news release. “This overdue action will help people who were convicted for something that is no longer a crime get jobs, housing, and more. This is a major step toward breaking down barriers and helping more people and our economy thrive.” 

In 2020, Governor Polis issued an Executive Order pardoning Coloradans with marijuana possession convictions of one ounce or less, pardoning 2,732 total convictions, according to the release. Another 13,351 were pardoned in 2021 after cannabis possession amounts were raised.