Hippies, stoners and potheads, rejoice! Thanks to Representative Barney Frank [D-MA], marijuana may finally become legal – at least, on the federal level.

Frank’s decriminalization bill, HR 5843, would make it legal for “responsible adults” to carry up to 100 grams of marijuana and smoke as much as they want in their homes without the fear of federal agents busting down the door. The bill, however, would still make it illegal to smoke in public. Those found toking up outside will be subjected to a $100 fine, which is about par with public alcohol consumption.

The video above comes from a press conference held yesterday where Frank and his cosponsors officially discussed their rationale behind proposing the bill. According to Frank, “[the government] should not lock people up" for responsibly using marijuana. Only people who harm others under the influence should be arrested.

Agreed.

Sadly, the bill will not come to a final vote until 2009. If it passes, however, expect the 4/20 celebration next year in Boulder to be the biggest one yet.