Vote in D.C. to legalize pot not so simple
washington » The campaigns for and against legalizing marijuana in the nation’s capital are not exactly sophisticated — no targeted robo-calling, no TV commercials, no get-out-the-vote drive.
The Yes side papers streetlamp poles with signs that just say “Legalize.” The No side counterswith its simple slogan, “Two. Is. Enough. D.C.,” meaning that legal alcohol and tobacco give Washingtonians all the mind-altering substances they need.
D.C. voterswill be askedNov. 4 for a simple yes or no on legalizing marijuana, which the city decriminalized this year, replacing arrests and possible jail time with a $25 fine for possession of up to one ounce.
But in the hazyworld ofmarijuana law— an alternate reality in which Colorado and Washington have declared the substance legal even as it remains banned under federal law— nothing is simple.
In the District, the contradictions get kicked up considerably: If the initiative passes, itwould becomelegal to possess or grow small amounts of marijuana but not to sell or buy the stuff. The D.C. Council is talking aboutwaiting months, or even a year, before taking the next step and passing a scheme to allow sales, taxes and regulation. In the meantime, even if Congresswere to allowa Yes vote to stand, the city would become a place where having marijuana is legal but getting it requires illegal acts or a magical appearance of seeds or the finished product.
That leaves even some of the most fervent opponents of marijuana prohibition wondering just what the ballot proposal might accomplish.
Elsewhere, this fall’s votes on marijuana policy would have real and swift impact. Alaska andOregon voters will decidewhether to make state-regulated sales legal, much as Colorado and Washington state have done. In Florida, the ballot includes a measure thatwould allowmedical marijuana.
Even though recent polls show a large majority ofD.C. voters favor Initiative 71, “I don’t expect Congress to sit backwhile the nation’s capital legalizes marijuana,” said council member TommyWells.