D.C. psychedelics decriminalization initiative officially takes effect
“It is declared the policy of this act to make investigation and arrest of adults [18+] for non-commercial planting, cultivating, purchasing, transporting, distributing, possessing or engaging in practices with entheogenic plants and fungi among the lowest law enforcement priorities for the District of Columbia…” this is a notable accomplishment for advocates, as Congress has previously used its unique authority over the government of the nation’s capital to block the enactment of a voter-approved medical cannabis measure, a stance which was later reversed by a subsequent Congress.
Months after voters approved an initiative to make enforcement of laws against entheogenic substances among the city’s lowest priorities, that policy has officially taken effect following a mandatory 30-day congressional review period during which federal lawmakers can overturn local measures in the nation’s capital. In this case, the House and Senate took no action, so the measure will be implemented as approved by 76 percent of D.C. voters. The new law directs police to “make the investigation and arrest of persons 18 years of age or older, for non-commercial planting, cultivating, purchasing, transporting, distributing, engaging in practices with, and/or possessing entheogenic plants and fungi that are listed in Schedule I of the District of Columbia Uniform Controlled Substances Act of 1981… as among its lowest enforcement priorities.”
Original Article (Marijuana Moment):
D.C. psychedelics decriminalization initiative officially takes effect
Artwork Fair Use: Carol M. Highsmith