Eleanor Holmes Norton: “There is a bit of a dustup over D.C.'s new marijuana reform law. D.C. has never defied the Congress, although it has…”

“There is a bit of a dustup over D.C.'s new marijuana reform law. D.C. has never defied the Congress, although it has been tempting, especially several times when the Federal Government shut down, shutting down the District with it, although the District, of course, is no part of these disputes. The majority language in the appropriation bill said that the District couldn't enact marijuana laws. The law was enacted before that language was passed. When approved by the voters, there was nothing further to be done. Small amounts of marijuana became legal in the District, smoked in private. On Thursday, D.C. has taken no further official action, and is in compliance with the law as passed by Congress. The most important impetus for passage by residents was two independent studies that showed that virtually all of those who now carry marijuana arrests are young African Americans. That was the last straw for a substance that is de facto legal for most Americans. D.C. passage is neutral on its face. It doesn't recommend the substance. We ought to have the same liberty other Americans already enjoy on this substance. ____________________”