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'USA is officially lit': Internet flooded with memes as Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession

Social media is abuzz after President Joe Biden announced that he will pardon all Americans who have been convicted of 'simple marijuana possession'

PENNSYLVANIA, WASHINGTON DC: President Joe Biden on Thursday, October 6, 2022, made a path-breaking announcement that he will pardon all Americans who have been convicted of simple marijuana possession. The same shall occur with less than five weeks until the midterms as five more states are considering legalizing marijuana in November. 

"Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit," the president said. According to Daily Mail, White House officials have stated more than 6,500 people would be impacted by the new decision of the president. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I narcotic. Heroin and LSD are the other Schedule I drugs.

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Biden said in a statement, "As I often said during my campaign for President, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana." He made four major points regarding the new change in policy. The statement read, "First, I am announcing a pardon of all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. I have directed the Attorney General to develop an administrative process for the issuance of certificates of pardon to eligible individuals."

"There are thousands of people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions," the president added.

The statement further read, "Second, I am urging all Governors to do the same with regard to state offenses. Just as no one should be in a Federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either."

The president also stressed, "Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs." 

Biden also put forward two more aspects as the new steps are taken, "I am asking the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to review expeditiously how marijuana is scheduled under federal law."

It also mentioned, "Federal law currently classifies marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the classification meant for the most dangerous substances.  This is the same schedule as for heroin and LSD, and even higher than the classification of fentanyl and methamphetamine – the drugs that are driving our overdose epidemic."

The official statement further added, "Finally, even as federal and state regulation of marijuana changes, important limitations on trafficking, marketing, and under-age sales should stay in place."

According to Cleveland.com, Dan Tierney, a spokesman for Governor of Mike DeWine of Ohio, said, “The president’s opinion is what it is, but, reviewing his press release, (for) the types of situations he’s talking about, Ohio law does not permit people to be sentenced for those situations.”

Meanwhile, Attorney General Dave Yost tweeted, "To be very clear, the statute gives a president power reclassify marijuana administratively. President Obama or President Biden could have done this literally at any point. To abuse the pardon power like this on the doorstep of an election is an astonishing level of cynicism."

"I have long believed that marijuana should be legalized and those arrested for possession should be pardoned and have their records expunged. The President’s executive action today is an important step forward, but much more needs to be done," said Bernie Sanders.

Meanwhile, Joe Walsh claimed, "Let’s quit messing around. Marijuana should be legalized nationwide. Just do it."

'Biden making moves on weed'

Social media users had some interesting reactions to the new declaration by the President, "Biden's Pardons Were a Joint Effort," said writer Alexis Benveniste. One user tweeted, "The USA is officially lit, Joe Biden is going to reschedule and decriminalize weed federally." Another claimed, "Nah he prolly gonna roll it back (no pun intended) like he rolled back student loan forgiveness."

Jeff Grestmann said, "Biden moves to make weed less of a crime on the same day that this mario movie trailer debuts???? there are no coincidences."

One user said, "I'm just glad they finally got this hashed out. Next we can weed out other minor offenses." "John Waters returning to directing, Biden making moves on weed...Roaring 20s could still happen," said Katie Rife.

A tweet read, "Kamala watching Biden pardon all the people she locked up on marijuana related charges." Another user said, "If you're freaking out because Joe Biden is pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession, I know just the thing to help you chill."

Another tweet stated, "Basically no one is angry that Biden is pardoning marijuana offenders, no groups are divided, and there's no opposition to it. What a goddamn joke that millions of people have been getting arrested and had their lives ruined over something that everyone agrees isn't even a crime."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.