American activists protest and smoke in front of the White House

As France once again begins to tear itself apart over the holding a debate on the legalization of cannabis In the wake of the triple murder in Marseille, American activists organized a «smoke-in» in front of the White House to urge Obama to reclassify cannabis.

DCMJ, a group that advocates for the decriminalization and reclassification of cannabis, organized this demonstration, which drew about 200 people. Many smoked or vaped cannabis in front of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue at 4:20, a time associated with cannabis use.

The protesters had also set up a 15-meter-long inflatable banner reading «Obama, reclassify cannabis now.».

Secret Service officers are currently preventing pro-marijuana protesters from carrying a "51-ft joint" in front of the White House. pic.twitter.com/cb7E7ag2FW

— Alex Mallin (@alex_mallin) April 2, 2016

ADVERTISING

The Group called Obama a hypocrite, in connection with his cannabis use as a young man and the federal government’s inaction on this issue. Barack, however, has the constitutional authority to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule IV or V without congressional approval.

Cannabis is currently classified on Schedule 1 of the Drug Enforcement Administration (the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration). The substances listed in Schedule 1 are defined as the «most dangerous drugs» with no medical use and a high potential for abuse. The group therefore hopes to secure a reclassification of cannabis.

The demonstration was largely peaceful and resulted in at least two arrests for public consumption, with a possible fine of 25$.

Lauren Dove, one of the people who was arrested, says it’s «more than fair,» adding that she was much less discreet than the other protesters. «The only way we can change things is to expose it and make it the norm. We have to smoke in public.»

The protest was actually inspired by comedian Bill Maher, who showed his support for the pro-legalization movement by smoking a joint during his HBO show in February (at the 6-minute mark in the video below)

Just another way to protest. The world cannabis market 2016 Will she stop in front of the Élysée Palace?