Biden’s pot pardons could boost states’ legalization drives

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon thousands of people convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law could give a boost to Election Day ballot proposals in five states that would legalize the drug.

Voters in Missouri, Arkansas, Maryland, North Dakota and South Dakota will take up proposals to legalize recreational marijuana.

Experts say Biden’s pardon decision could win over some voters on the fence about the idea. Recreational marijuana is legal in 19 states and opposition to legalization has softened despite federal resistance.

Opponents of the measures say they see Biden’s pardons having little impact on the campaigns.