We will know a couple of days from now if Washington D.C. voters want marijuana legalization or not. Every poll I have seen shows the initiative leading by a healthy margin. Marijuana opponents have tried hard to make it seem like marijuana legalization isn’t needed in D.C. since D.C. decriminalized marijuana recently. However, I think those same opponents are going to be disappointed on Election Day when their tactics are overwhelmingly rejected by voters.
The Washington D.C. Council met last week to discuss marijuana taxation and regulation, which may be an indication that members of the Council expect the initiative to pass. Many of the Council members were leery of marijuana legalization not that long ago, but seem to be more receptive of the idea. Per Washington Times:
“When I introduced the Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act in September of 2013, none of my colleagues were willing to be co-introducers or co-sponsors,” D.C. Council member David Grosso, at-large independent, said at Thursday’s hearing on the bill.
“If the referendum passes on Tuesday, which I hope it does, the council will be in the position of having to set up a regulatory framework and taxing it will be part of that framework,” said D.C. Council member Jack Evans, Ward 1 Democrat who also oversaw Thursday’s hearing on the bill.
I can’t wait until Tuesday. If/when Washington D.C. legalizes marijuana, it will be tremendously significant. D.C. residents will be able to possess two ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants if the initiative passes. I’ll post an article with the election results as soon as a result is declared.
