Washington DC may soon join the likes of Washington State and Colorado when it comes to recreational use of marijuana. According to a recent poll by NBC4/Washington Post/Marist, Initiative 71 could be approved by voters during the Nov 7th election – by a 2-to-1 margin.
This is a big deal when it comes to the federal discussion of legalized marijuana. Despite the fact that our nation’s capital has recently reduced the penalties of possession, this initiative could land the business of legal pot in the front lawn of the White House… Unless the backyard gets more sun.
If passed, initiative 71 would make it legal for an adult 21 years or older to posses up to two ounces of weed for personal use. It would also make it legal to grow up to six plants within the person’s principal residence (no more than three of which could be mature flowering plants). Finally, the transfer (not sale) of marijuana can be conducted to other adults over the age of 21 not exceeding an ounce in weight.
The next DC Mayor and council would have a lot of work ahead of them to iron out the details following a what seems to be likely approval of I71. Especially considering it explicitly states that selling or distributing marijuana plants would remain illegal. To all the other Washingtonians out there: fully review the initiative and be sure to exercise your right to vote.
