Washington, D.C.’s marijuana legalization initiative is in jeopardy due to Congressional meddling, but President Obama can still save it.
The large spending bill that passed the U.S. House late Thursday and which is expected to pass the Senate in the coming days contains a provision that blocks the District of Columbia from spending any money to “enact any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of” marijuana or other substances classified under Schedule I.
Some in Congress have expressed opposition to this federal interference in D.C. affairs, in addition to qualms about other unrelated provisions of the bill, but have voted for the legislation anyway to prevent a government shutdown. This I-don’t-like-it-but-won’t-stop-it attitude also extends to President Obama.
