US President Joe Biden on Friday commuted the prison terms of 11 people serving decades in prison for non-violent drug crimes and potentially pardoned thousands of others convicted in Washington and federally of ordinary possession of marijuana, Reuters reports.

Biden said the actions are aimed at addressing the sentencing disparity that has disproportionately affected the black community and furthering his commitment to marijuana reform.

“America was founded on the principle of equal access to justice under the law,” Biden said in a statement.

“Elected officials from both sides of the aisle, spiritual leaders, civil rights advocates and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect this core value that makes our communities safer and stronger.”

The United States has less than 5% of the world’s population, but one-fifth of the prisoners.

Black people make up the largest share of prisoners, disproportionately compared to white people.

On the other hand, blacks make up a large part of Biden’s base of support.

Biden is gearing up to campaign ahead of the 2024 presidential election as his popularity declines, particularly among young people.

According to the White House, some of those pardoned were serving life sentences, including Early Deacon Barber of Alabama for distribution of cocaine and Deondre Cordell Higgins of Missouri for distribution of pure cocaine. Given the recent reforms, everyone would be eligible for a reduced sentence if convicted today.

Biden’s proclamation pardons people who have been “convicted of a crime related to habitual possession of marijuana, attempted possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana.”

A White House official said thousands of people convicted federally and in Washington, D.C. are eligible for clemency. The administration has started accepting applications so that pardoned persons can receive a special certificate, if it is necessary to find housing or employment.

Friday’s actions add to 75 commutations and three pardons issued in April 2022; six pardons in December 2022; and 31 commutations in April 2023, as well as a blanket pardon granted to thousands of people convicted of habitual possession of marijuana in October 2022.