Title:
D.C. City Council considering marijuana decriminalization
Message:
Did you know that possession of any amount of marijuana in D.C. — even as little as a single gram — is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000? This, despite the fact that most District voters think marijuana ought to just be legal. Fortunately, that may be about to change.
Ask your councilmembers to support marijuana decriminalization!
Yesterday, Councilmember Tommy Wells announced he plans to file legislation that would remove criminal penalties for possession of limited amounts of marijuana. Instead of being arrested, hauled to court, and threatened with criminal penalties, police would simply issue a citation, and violators would pay a small fine. While we would prefer to see marijuana taxed and regulated like alcohol, this is a step in the right direction.
We’ve got work to do, though. Some councilmembers expressed uncertainty about the idea, including council chairman Phil Mendelson, who said, “I just don’t think it’s the right time.” Contact your councilmembers and let them know there’s never a wrong time to enact sensible marijuana policy reforms. Then, forward this to friends and ask them to do the same.
