Biden Pardons Simple Marijuana Possession Charges

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.

 

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."

In response to the announcements, Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) praised the decision.

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."

"It’s time for Ron DeSantis to do the same. If he won't, Charlie Crist will," she added.