Pubdate: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 Source: Baltimore Sun (MD) Copyright: 2014 The Baltimore Sun Company Contact: http://www.baltimoresun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/37 Page: 6 REDUCED POT PENALTIES NOW IN EFFECT FOR D.C. WASHINGTON - Marijuana decriminalization took effect in the District of Columbia on Thursday, part of an easing of pot penalties in the U.S. capital that has drawn fire from Congress. The District of Columbia joins 17 states that have reduced penalties for first-time violators to a fine and a civil, or minor, offense. Two states, Colorado and Washington, have legalized recreational use of marijuana. Mayor Vincent Gray signed the decriminalization law in March. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt