Washington D.C. City Council Votes to Decriminalize Cannabis

Washington D.C. City Council Votes to Decriminalize Cannabis

Washington D.C.’s City Council has voted to approve the Marijuana Possession Decriminalization Amendment Act of 2014 (Council Bill 20-409), a proposal which would make the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis a simple $25 ticket, rather than an arrestable misdemeanor. The district’s mayor is in support of the measure, and is expected to quickly sign it into law once given the chance.

Under current D.C. law, the possession of any amount of cannabis is punishable by up to 6 months in prison. According to recent polling, 75% of those in D.C. are in favor of changing this so that the possession of cannabis is no longer a criminal offense; 64% are in favor of legalization.

Once signed by the mayor (it will be sent to him after another vote in the council), Council Bill 20-409 will take effect after a 60-day congressional review period.

– TheJointBlog