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Opinion

Marijuana activist gets presidential pardon for weed-smoking protests at Independence Mall

Chris Goldstein's "Smoke Down Prohibition" protests helped lead to the decriminalization of marijuana in Philadelphia.

Marijuana activist Chris Goldstein poses on Independence Mall with a printed copy of his official pot pardon from President Joe Biden, which he received via email. Goldstein led monthly "Smoke Down Prohibition" protests on the site in 2012 and 2013 and was subsequently arrested for smoking weed on National Park Service grounds.
Marijuana activist Chris Goldstein poses on Independence Mall with a printed copy of his official pot pardon from President Joe Biden, which he received via email. Goldstein led monthly "Smoke Down Prohibition" protests on the site in 2012 and 2013 and was subsequently arrested for smoking weed on National Park Service grounds.Read moreTom Gralish / Staff Photographer