DC Council To Weigh Decriminalizing Pot Possession
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two D.C. councilmembers say they plan to introduce legislation that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The proposal from councilmembers Tommy Wells and Marion Barry would have to overcome opposition from the mayor and council chairman, along with scrutiny from Congress. They hope to introduce a bill by this summer.
Groups favoring decriminalization are considering a push for a referendum that would allow city voters to decide the issue. But Barry says he thinks the council should take the lead on decriminalization. More than a dozen states have removed the threat of jail time for possessing small amounts of pot.
Mayor Vincent Gray has said the district should focus on implementing its medical marijuana program before pursuing decriminalization.
The proposal was first reported by The Washington Post.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
