Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jan 2014
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2014 The Washington Times, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Author: Matthew Cella
Page: A12

MARIJUANA BILL UP FOR VOTE BEFORE COUNCIL ON FEB. 4

The D.C. Council will consider a bill to decriminalize marijuana
during its Feb. 4 legislative session.

Council member Tommy Wells, Ward 6 Democrat, has proposed a measure
that recommends a $25 civil penalty for marijuana possession. Current
law makes possession punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine
of up to $1,000.

Mr. Wells has cited racial disparities in the arrests made for
marijuana possession as the reason for reform.

The bill has broad support among the 13-member council, though several
members indicated during a hearing Thursday that they are likely to
introduce amendments before the vote.

A separate bill that would legalize marijuana is pending in the
council, and activists also are leading an effort to put legalization
on the ballot in November.
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MAP posted-by: Matt