President Joe Biden (D) has announced on social media that he is pardoning people with simple possession of marijuana. The news was welcomed by Democrats across the country including prominent Democrats in Florida.
The President released a string of tweets, announcing his decision to pardon people with simple possession of marijuana while also providing comments on the pardon.
"As I've said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana," the President tweeted, saying that he's going to take "steps to end our failed approach."
He then explained what his administration's approach will be regarding marijuana possession.
First: I’m pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. There are thousands of people who were previously convicted of simple possession who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My pardon will remove this burden.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 6, 2022
The President added that he's "calling on governors to pardon simple state marijuana possession offenses. Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely for possessing marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either."
Finally, Biden explained that marijuana is currently classified "at the same level as heroin – and more serious than fentanyl. It makes no sense." Because of this, he's calling on Department of Health and Homeland Security Secretary Xavier Becerra "and the Attorney General to initiate the process of reviewing how marijuana is scheduled under federal law."
I’d also like to note that as federal and state regulations change, we still need important limitations on trafficking, marketing, and underage sales of marijuana.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 6, 2022
In response to the announcements, Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) praised the decision.
I'm with @POTUS on this and Florida needs a leader who is too.
As governor, I will expunge the records of those serving time for marijuana charges and legalize recreational use in the Sunshine State. https://t.co/LhRgU6eA62
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) October 6, 2022
Taking to social media, Crist said that "Florida needs a leader" that agrees with Biden on the matter. "As governor, I will expunge the records of those serving time for marijuana charges and legalize recreational use in the Sunshine State," Crist added.
State Senator Lauren Book (D) also shared praise on social media, writing, "I applaud President Biden’s decision to pardon all federal marijuana possession convictions."
I applaud President Biden’s decision to pardon all federal marijuana possession convictions.
It’s time for Ron DeSantis to do the same. If he won’t, @CharlieCrist will.
— Lauren Book (@LeaderBookFL) October 6, 2022
"It’s time for Ron DeSantis to do the same. If he won't, Charlie Crist will," she added.
