Washington, D.C., Panel Weighs Decriminalizing Marijuana

Washington, D.C., Panel Weighs Decriminalizing Marijuana

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The District of Columbia will take a step closer toward decriminalizing marijuana on Wednesday with a move that will make smoking a joint in the U.S. capital a violation comparable to a parking ticket.

With Washington arresting people for pot possession at a higher rate than any state, a city council panel is set to mark up a bill that would reduce penalties for possessing less than an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana to a fine as little as $25.

If the bill is passed, Washington would join 15 U.S. states and a handful of cities, including Detroit, that have decriminalized marijuana use, making possession a civil rather than a criminal offense.

Read the rest of the story at Reuters.

COMMENTS

Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.