Medical marijuana was legalized in the District Monday night, clearing the way for D.C. proponents to establish official medical marijuana dispensaries.
The D.C. Council first passed a bill that would legalize medicinal marijuana and open dispensaries around the city in May, which was signed by Mayor Adrian Fenty. Under Home Rule, Congress has 30 days to review any bill before it becomes law. That time period elapsed Monday night.
According to The Washington Post, the next step is establishing regulations for who can open dispensaries, which will be limited to a maximum of 95 marijuana plants within city limits, “an apparent effort to keep dispensers within federal law that heightens penalties on anyone arrested with at least 100 plants,” The Post reported.
Though the new law stipulates that citizens suffering from cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS and other chronic ailments can procure up to four ounces per month, it is not yet clear how this will affect GW’s drug policies, which prohibit usage of marijuana. Spokesperson Michelle Sherrard could not be reached for comment.
Already, proposals for dispensaries are popping up. A Rabbi has proposed plans to open shop near the Takoma Park Metro station, drawing debate from community members who fear that the dispensary will draw crime to the area.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.’s Delegate in Congress, said Monday that the law will be tightly regulated, and commended the council for passing the legislation.
“We have faced repeated attempts to re-impose the prohibition on medical marijuana in D.C. throughout the layover period,” Norton said in a statement. “Yet, it is D.C.’s business alone to decide how to help patients who live in our city and suffer from chronic pain and incurable illnesses.”
Although marijuana has only been legalized in 14 states, there has been a growing acceptance of the drug for medical purposes. Yesterday, the Veterans Affairs Department announced that it would amend VA guidelines to allow patients to use medicinal marijuana at some VA hospitals and clinics in the 14 states and D.C., where it is legal for use.
