As the nation gets more and more relaxed with cannabis usage, politicians around the state of Florida are looking for ways to make marijuana more accessible but differing sides of the aisle aren’t necessarily approaching the issue in the same manner.
Following President Joe Biden’s (D) decision to pardon thousands of those convicted of federal marijuana possession charges, Rep. Carlos G Smith is suggesting that Florida should do the same on a state-wide basis.
It’s time we follow President Biden's lead here in Florida and pardon all individuals convicted of simple cannabis possession.
Then we can finally legalize adult-use cannabis in our state, generate hundreds of millions in new tax revenue and create more jobs. RT if you agree.
— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) October 20, 2022
“It’s time we follow President Biden's lead here in Florida and pardon all individuals convicted of simple cannabis possession. Then we can finally legalize adult-use cannabis in our state, generate hundreds of millions in new tax revenue and create more jobs. RT if you agree,” tweeted Rep. Smith.
However, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is calling on President Biden to take it one step further and deliver on a campaign promise with a stroke of the pen.
The @WhiteHouse is finally taking my advice. I called out Sleepy Joe months ago!
Now it’s time to do what you said you would do and DECRIMINALIZE! https://t.co/VRoliSv1gx pic.twitter.com/zHSG5bDD1m
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 6, 2022
“Joe Biden, where are you at? The House has passed legislation that’s one of your presidential demands. And it’s headed to death in the Senate. And I’m here to remind you and Kamala, you’re missing a critical moment for a policy accomplishment. Do what you said you would do. And by the stroke of the President’s pen, we could have substantial marijuana reform in this country,” said Rep. Gaetz on his podcast Firebrand months before Biden’s announcement. Now, he is calling for total decriminalization.
According to a CBS News poll, 66% of respondents believed that recreational use should be legal, while 34% disagreed.
“Joe Biden is like a recalcitrant boomer on marijuana policy instead of reflective of the promises he made at joebiden.com/blackamerica,” stated Gaetz on the podcast months prior.
Most politicians are no longer completely divorced from the idea of the legalization of cannabis. However, the American public is waiting to see whether Republicans or Democrats will take the extra step towards total legalization.
