Pubdate: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH) Copyright: 2014 The Columbus Dispatch Contact: http://www.dispatch.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93 D.C. MAY EASE UP ON PERSONAL POT USE WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia moved closer yesterday to weakening restrictions on marijuana as city lawmakers advanced a plan to make possession of up to 1 ounce of the drug a civil violation. In a unanimous voice vote, the city council's public-safety committee sent the full council a proposed ordinance that would decriminalize the possession of marijuana, making it subject to a fine as low as $25 and seizure of the drug. The penalty for possessing any amount of marijuana in the District of Columbia is up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. It is legal for medicinal use. Tommy Wells, a Democratic councilman who is running for mayor this year, introduced the measure last summer, arguing that current law disproportionately punishes black residents and costs too much to enforce. Under the new measure, smoking marijuana in public places, including train stations, would be subject to a $100 fine. Selling marijuana would remain a crime. The full council likely will cast a first vote on the bill on Feb. 4, said Jack Pfeiffer, a spokesman for Wells. The council must approve legislation twice before it goes to the mayor. It then would be subject to a 30-day review by Congress before it could be enacted. Ten of the 13 council members supported the bill when it was introduced, and the measure is expected to pass. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, a Democrat, also supports the measure, a spokesman, Pedro Ribeiro, confirmed yesterday. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D