(Reuters) - The District of Columbia stepped closer to decriminalizing marijuana on Wednesday when a city council panel approved a measure that would make smoking a joint in the U.S. capital a violation comparable to a parking ticket.
Approved unanimously by the city council's public safety committee, the bill reduces penalties for possessing less than an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana to a fine as little as $25.
Eight times more blacks than non-blacks in Washington are arrested for pot possession, and committee Chairman Tommy Wells said the measure's goal was fairness and reducing law enforcement costs.
"This is a social justice bill that addresses disproportionate impact," said Wells, who is among nine candidates for mayor in the April 1 Democratic primary.
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Good thing O'Malley wants to be president, it'll stay illegal in MD for at least another year
ReplyDeleteIf it has anything to do with dope they will have a better chance of getting a job in the Obama administration.
ReplyDeletewe used to have to go over the DC/ Maryland State line to go to Strip Bars Buy Beer and Fireworks -- the Cops would set up and grab whoever they pleased-- they probably had undercover radios set up in the Parking lots
ReplyDelete