Joe Biden breaks the internet as US takes historic steps to decriminalize weed
Credit: Wikipedia Commons / Gage SkidmorePresident Joe Biden has announced historic steps his government is taking to federally decriminalize weed across the United States, and the internet is going wild.
Slowly but surely, cannabis use across the United States has become more accepted, as more states continue to legalize the use of the substance.
The medical use of cannabis has previously been legalized in 39 states across the country, with 19 of them also allowing recreational use.
On October 6, President Biden announced federal action to combat what he described as a “failed approach” to cannabis.
The US President revealed his plans on Twitter to end custodial sentences for marijuana possession across the country, starting with pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession.
“As I’ve said before, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. Today, I’m taking steps to end our failed approach,” he said.
“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.”
He also called for governors to pardon simple state marijuana possession offenses, as nobody should be in a local jail or state prison for it.
The President reiterated that cannabis is classified at the same level as heroin, and called on the Secretary of the Department of Health to initiate the process of reviewing how marijuana is scheduled under federal law moving forward.
Internet reacts as Joe Biden trends on Twitter
Biden’s announcement was trending on Twitter globally within minutes.
One user replied with an edited photo of the President smoking a joint, with the caption: “If only I could be there to hotbox the oval office with you tonight sir.”
It’s important to note that President Biden has only put plans in motion to curb prison sentences for marijuana, not legalize it. This only puts an end to custodial sanctions for those in possession under a specified amount, at the federal level.
However, many suggested for the President to go even further, and fully legalize it country-wide for recreational use.
“This is all great but I have one more suggestion: how about we federally legalize it already? It’s far past time.”