President Biden said Thursday he will pardon anyone convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law — in a major step toward the decriminalization of cannabis. Biden announced his plan in a video posted on social media.

President Joe Biden: “I’m announcing a pardon for all prior federal offenses for the simple possession of marijuana. There are thousands of people who are convicted for marijuana possession who may be denied employment, housing or educational opportunities as a result of that conviction. My pardon will remove this burden on them.”

Biden also called on governors to pardon people found guilty of marijuana charges on the state level, where most convictions occur. The Drug Policy Alliance applauded Biden’s move as a good first step, but added, “We, however, hope that the Biden Administration will go further and fully deschedule marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act.” We’ll have more with Drug Policy Alliance director Kassandra Frederique later in the broadcast.