D.C. Moves One Step Closer to Medical Marijuana
Tonight, MPP’s allies in the U.S. House of Representatives took a big step toward protecting medical marijuana patients in the District of Columbia.
For ten years, the D.C. spending bill has included an amendment that prevents the city from implementing a voter-approved medical marijuana initiative. Tonight, the House passed the 2010 version of the bill, wiping out the provision blocking medical marijuana.
This is a major step and likely signals ultimate victory for advocates in D.C. The spending bill will need to move through the remainder of the legislative process and be signed into law by President Obama before any changes will take effect.
July 16, 2009 35 Comments
Former Congressman Bob Barr on Bipartisanship
In the 90s, Congressman Barr was one of MPP’s most aggressive opponents. He authored the Barr amendment in 1998, which for 10 years has blocked Washington, D.C. from implementing a voter-approved medical marijuana initiative. In recent years, however, Congressman Barr has changed both his position and his party affiliation — and has worked with MPP to eliminate the amendment that bears his name.
This talk from early July deals with bipartisanship in drug policy reform and conservative arguments for changing our marijuana laws.
July 16, 2009 24 Comments
D.C. Moves Toward Medical Marijuana
Last night, voters, patients, and advocates in Washington, D.C. moved one step closer to implementing a medical marijuana law that’s been 10 years in the making.
Since 1999, Congress has used its unique authority over D.C. affairs to block a local medical marijuana initiative passed by 69% of D.C. voters. The legislation responsible for blocking the will of D.C. voters is known as the Barr amendment, and it lives in the annual D.C. appropriations bill.
Last week, the congressional subcommittee in charge of funding D.C. announced the removal of the Barr amendment and other social issue riders. While this was great news, we weren’t surprised when medical marijuana opponents mounted an attack.
During a full committee hearing last night, Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson (R-Mo.) attempted to have the Barr amendment put back in the bill. Her efforts were defeated after passionate speeches from Congressman Dave Obey and Jose Serrano. Ultimately, the committee voted to protect the rights of D.C. voters and keep the Barr amendment out of the bill. The legislation must move through the remainder of the legislative process and be signed into law by President Obama before the changes will take effect.
Washington, D.C. is the only place where Congress intervenes so directly in local affairs, and the Barr amendment is the most offensive example of this behavior. Hopefully, this is the year that 69% of D.C. voters will see their votes finally hold the weight of law.
July 8, 2009 18 Comments
