DC Mayor tells Congress that weed will become legal @ 12:01am Thursday Feb. 26th
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[QUOTE]
The Washington Post
D.C. Politics
Lawmakers encourage Bowser to reconsider declaring pot legal in D.C.
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Bowser: D.C. cannot be bullied on pot laws(5:36)
During a televised address, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said that marijuana possession will become legal in the District at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, despite threats from House Republicans. (DCN)
By Aaron C. Davis and Peter Hermann February 24 at 11:12 PM
(Update: House Republicans warn D.C. mayor not to legalize pot)
City leaders declared Tuesday that marijuana possession will become legal in the District at 12:01 a.m. Thursday — but warned the public that many pot-related activities will remain illegal, including selling the drug, growing it outdoors, possessing it in federally subsidized housing and smoking it anywhere in public.
In remarks to the D.C. Council, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier offered their first public guidance on Initiative 71 — when it will take effect, what it will mean and how it will be enforced — since the ballot measure was overwhelmingly approved in the fall.
Uncertainty remained, however, about whether Initiative 71 really will be the law of the city come Thursday. Late Tuesday, Republican congressional leaders sent Bowser a letter urging her to reconsider pot legalization, which the letter described as a “knowing and willful violation of the law.”
[Everything you need to know to stay out of jail when pot is legal in D.C.]
In an interview, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said: “Federal law, signed by the president, confirms that D.C. cannot move forward. If they are under any illusion that this would be legal, they are wrong. And there are very severe consequences for violating this provision. You can go to prison for this. We’re not playing a little game here.”
Chaffetz is chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which oversees legislative matters concerning the District.
In their remarks earlier in the day, Bowser and Lanier made clear that the city planned to move ahead despite congressional opposition. But they paid as much attention to what will be forbidden as to what will be allowed.
They said District residents and visitors will be able to possess as much as two ounces of marijuana, a large sandwich bag’s worth. Residents will also be able to cultivate the plant in their homes — up to six seedlings each, with up to three plants grown to maturity. Marijuana paraphernalia, including pipes, bongs and rolling papers, will be legal.
Profiting from pot in almost any way and lighting up anywhere outside a home — including restaurants and parked cars — will be forbidden. Bowser also called for legislation to block the formation of a “gray market” for pot, with features such as the organization of “cannabis clubs” whose membership fees could pay for access to the drug.
“Residents spoke loud and clear when they voted to legalize small amounts of marijuana in the District of Columbia,” Bowser said. The task now, she said, is “to implement in a safe, fair and transparent way.”
Tangled in a web of federal oversight, the District’s journey to marijuana legalization has lurched forward since Initiative 71 passed in November. Instead of writing regulations governing how the drug would be bought, sold, tracked and taxed — a process that took more than a year in Colorado and Washington state — the District was quickly blocked from doing so by Congress. The city’s attorney general advised officials that even talking about how to allow pot sales could result in jail time for them.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), center, and D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier laid out the contours of how District police plan to respond to the changes caused by the Initiative 71. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)
That warning, coupled with fear of provoking further interference from Congress, prompted leaders to say virtually nothing until Tuesday, little more than a day before pot is expected to become legal.
But what they said Tuesday was too much, according to Chaffetz and Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), who warned of dire consequences for the city and said in the letter to Bowser that their committee will investigate the city’s actions.
“We’re putting them on notice,” Chaffetz told The Washington Post. “The mayor has to decide if she is going to follow the law.”
Bowser did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.
‘Home use. Home grown.’
Lanier spent Tuesday morning speaking publicly with Bowser and the D.C. Council about what city leaders presented as the reality of Initiative 71’s taking effect.
To emphasize the continued risk of carrying marijuana around the District, Lanier and other officials emphasized a catchphrase to help people remember to keep pot indoors: “Home use. Home grown.”
D.C. police will encourage those who want to smoke and grow marijuana to do so out of sight. Police will ticket people for lighting up anywhere in public and will continue to arrest anyone they think is trying to sell or buy the drug.
In addition, Bowser said she would ask the D.C. Council to approve emergency legislation to prohibit private clubs from following the model of Amsterdam coffee shops, where pot can be openly exchanged.
The move could rein in an expected free-for-all when the voter-approved measure takes effect. The mayor warned that the prohibition on pot clubs could be the first in a series of laws she will seek to make sure that legalized pot stays out of public view.
Some were immediately skeptical that the mayor could deliver on that promise. “I don’t think they can keep a lid on it,” said Delroy Burton, chairman of the D.C. police officers union. “Our ability to do enforcement has been severely restricted.”
Burton said that since last year, when the District eliminated criminal penalties for pot, it has become almost impossible for officers to develop reasonable suspicion for an arrest for smoking in public. And if pot clubs meet in private, he sees even less chance for officers to investigate. “With the federal laws and local laws, they’ve created a mishmash of stuff here that makes it nearly impossible.”
Lanier said that police will attempt to draw a bright line prohibiting public use.
Police will be instructed to continue ticketing or arresting people for public smoking of marijuana, an offense akin to drinking in public, which is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
The new law will also not affect the District’s prohibition against driving under the influence of drugs. Anyone caught smoking marijuana while operating a car could face penalties stiffer than those for public use and on a par with those for driving while intoxicated.
To the disappointment of proponents of Initiative 71 and its provisions for home cultivation, Lanier said it would be illegal to grow marijuana on balconies, on rooftops and in back yards. She said home cultivation of pot will be permitted only indoors.
Adam Eidinger, head of the D.C. Cannabis Campaign, has lobbied for cultivation to be allowed in restricted outdoor areas of private residences, saying it would be safer and friendlier to the environment than having home growers use powerful heat lights indoors.
In a question-and-answer session with D.C. Council members, Lanier specified a restriction on possession beyond what Initiative 71 spells out, saying that only two ounces per adult would be allowed at private residences. The initiative said pot harvested at home could remain there, which over time could far exceed two ounces.
Still, the police chief acknowledged that enforcing restrictions in private homes will remain a challenge, and she said the smell of marijuana or even complaints from neighbors might not be probable cause to enter a home to investigate.
Enforcement uncertainty
The District is potentially joining Colorado, Washington state and, as of this week, Alaska in legalizing marijuana. But the combination of Congress’s unique oversight of the city and federal jurisdiction over much of the city means that legal pot could look very different in the nation’s capital.
Congress, which has the power to review all city laws, could still intervene to block Initiative 71 from taking effect. Congressional leaders also could put a stop to the endeavor with a single sentence in a future budget.
Chaffetz and Meadows said in their letter that the action Congress took last fall in the federal budget was enough to block the initiative from taking effect.
“The Continuing Resolution enacted last December made clear no appropriated funds of any sort may be used ‘to enact any law, rule, or regulation to legalize’ marijuana ‘for recreational purposes,’ ” the letter states. “As such, your assertion that Initiative 71 takes effect on Thursday is contrary to law. We strongly suggest you reconsider your position.”
Bowser’s office declared unequivocally in a flier circulated Tuesday that the initiative will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
Lanier and Bowser spoke at length about the complex challenges that will flow from the District’s legalizing marijuana in a city that is more than one-quarter federal land.[/QUOTE]
So basically the Republicans messed up: the provision of the spending bill that was meant to block the initiative from being enacted however it was enacted in November when it was overwhelmingly accepted at the ballot. Now theyre threading DC town officials with jail time if they go through with it
I like the part about it being banned in federally subsidised housing.
If you need help for a roof but can freely spend money on weed then you need to check your priorities.
[QUOTE=Bradyns;47215296]If you need help for a roof but can freely spend money on weed then you need to check your priorities.[/QUOTE]
There's no guarantee that pot was acquired with money, though. Pot isn't all that hard to grow. A basic windowsill garden will bear useful leaves fairly easily and costs a pittance to set up. While I agree that buying drugs when on federal aid is a bit silly, we have to acknowledge that weed is one drug that pretty much anyone with $15 worth of supplies and a window facing the sun can produce themselves.
[QUOTE=TestECull;47215321]There's no guarantee that pot was acquired with money, though. Pot isn't all that hard to grow. A basic windowsill garden will bear useful leaves fairly easily and costs a pittance to set up. While I agree that buying drugs when on federal aid is a bit silly, we have to acknowledge that weed is one drug that pretty much anyone with $15 worth of supplies and a window facing the sun can produce themselves.[/QUOTE]
I thought weed was one of the harder plants to successfully grow. Lots of strains (with the exception of autoflowering ones) won't ever produce buds unless they are receiving a specific amount of light (usually 12 hours light, 12 hours dark) iirc
[QUOTE=TestECull;47215321]There's no guarantee that pot was acquired with money, though. Pot isn't all that hard to grow. A basic windowsill garden will bear useful leaves fairly easily and costs a pittance to set up. While I agree that buying drugs when on federal aid is a bit silly, we have to acknowledge that weed is one drug that pretty much anyone with $15 worth of supplies and a window facing the sun can produce themselves.[/QUOTE]
So why are they growing drugs and not food that they can actually consume to support themselves?
[QUOTE=Bradyns;47215296]I like the part about it being banned in federally subsidised housing.
If you need help for a roof but can freely spend money on weed then you need to check your priorities.[/QUOTE]
Same boat as needing help for a roof and freely buying beer and liquor imo.
[QUOTE=Propane Addict;47215438]So why are they growing drugs and not food that they can actually consume to support themselves?[/QUOTE]
Damn, how much window space do you have that you can plant a vegetable garden large enough to support yourself?
My friends here in the DMV are getting ready to head over to DC this weekend. DC is gonna start being like the mecca of white suburban kids
[QUOTE=Propane Addict;47215438]So why are they growing drugs and not food that they can actually consume to support themselves?[/QUOTE]
I grow my own tomatoes in my kitchen im sure i could grow weed
Better not smoke that shit at 12:00am, or your ass is grass
[QUOTE=Kylel999;47215434]I thought weed was one of the harder plants to successfully grow. Lots of strains (with the exception of autoflowering ones) won't ever produce buds unless they are receiving a specific amount of light (usually 12 hours light, 12 hours dark) iirc[/QUOTE]
Growlights.
There's a reason why underground/basement grow sites are so common in the business. If you can afford the seeds, a lamp, and some UV lightbulbs you can grow your own shit right in your closet.
Hey GOP. Isn't it great that state and local government are taking the initiative against the will of the fed? Oh wait, you're angry because they're doing something you don't like. You hypocritical assholes.
[QUOTE=Grimhound;47215584]Hey GOP. Isn't it great that state and local government are taking the initiative against the will of the fed? Oh wait, you're angry because they're doing something you don't like. You hypocritical assholes.[/QUOTE]
I think it's a bit different for the District of Columbia as they are a territory, somewhat federally administered.
But yes I do like the irony of a party simultaneously being for 'small government' while wanting to impose a strictly conservative view on the people, eg 'don't do this victimless 'crime' or you'll go to jail' and 'no, I reckon marriage is between a man and a woman so I won't let anyone officially marry you and your partner'.
12:01 blaze it, everyone!
[QUOTE=Jodern;47215470]Damn, how much window space do you have that you can plant a vegetable garden large enough to support yourself?[/QUOTE]
Heh. Window space. Picked up one of these the other day for my tropical plants. Plan to get LED grow lights once they get cheaper and more efficient. I grow tropical cacti and fruit plants to keep sane during winter.
[t]http://i.imgur.com/bXU34Rl.jpg[/t]
So to go more on topic, it's fairly simple to grow most plants inside. You just need a lot of artificial light tuned to the bits of the spectrum the plants enjoy. Also good soil and nutrients and the knowledge on how to grow, trim, and clone.
EDIT: To respond to concerns, I do not grow nor do I intend to grow marijuana or anything in violation of local, state, or federal law. My current lineup consists of dragon fruit cactuses, acerolas, surinam cherry, a cocoa tree, a coffee plant, peace lilies, paperwhites, strawberry guava, spider plants of variegated and non-variegated varieties, apple cactus, pomegranate trees, christmas cactus, prickly pear, and a few other oddities. I grow things for personal therapy in order to fend off depression. I look outside, it's white with two feet of snow. Inside it's warm and green. I do appreciate the concern, though.
EDIT2: If anyone wants any info on gardening or suggestions for good plants, feel free to hit me up and ask via a PM. :)
[quote]“Federal law, signed by the president, confirms that D.C. cannot move forward. If they are under any illusion that this would be legal, they are wrong. And there are very severe consequences for violating this provision. You can go to prison for this. We’re not playing a little game here.”[/quote]
I hope that mayor's staff is ready for a federal shit storm. This isnt like the others since DC isnt a state.
I like the police's attitude towards it though. Smoke/Grow in private: no issues. Smoke/Grow in public: minor issues. Selling/Buying in public: big issues.
[QUOTE=KnightVista;47215492]Better not smoke that shit at 12:00am, or your ass is grass[/QUOTE]
hehe fuck yeah it is buddy
[QUOTE=Kylel999;47215434]I thought weed was one of the harder plants to successfully grow. Lots of strains (with the exception of autoflowering ones) won't ever produce buds unless they are receiving a specific amount of light (usually 12 hours light, 12 hours dark) iirc[/QUOTE]
This is why I believe it should be freely legal to have your own plants. The knowledge to actually successfully nurture the plant should be the only requirement necessary to produce it.
[QUOTE=Pretty Obscure;47215507]Growlights.
There's a reason why underground/basement grow sites are so common in the business. If you can afford the seeds, a lamp, and some UV lightbulbs you can grow your own shit right in your closet.[/QUOTE]
you don't even really need grow lights, just stick that bitch by the window during the vegetative stage, then switch to 12 hours of light, 12 hours of uninterupted darkness. If you want your plant to be super badass then all you need is to grab simple sugars that are found in fruits such as oranges. Juice the oranges and add it to the water. To speed up growth you can use coffee as the contents of the coffee bean provide something for the plant to grow stupid fast
[editline]26th February 2015[/editline]
trust me i've grown plants before. Thing is if you can grow any plant then you can grow weed.
[QUOTE=Grimhound;47215648]Heh. Window space. Picked up one of these the other day for my tropical plants. Plan to get LED grow lights once they get cheaper and more efficient. I grow tropical cacti and fruit plants to keep sane during winter.
[t]http://i.imgur.com/bXU34Rl.jpg[/t]
So to go more on topic, it's fairly simple to grow most plants inside. You just need a lot of artificial light tuned to the bits of the spectrum the plants enjoy. Also good soil and nutrients and the knowledge on how to grow, trim, and clone.
EDIT: To respond to concerns, I do not grow nor do I intend to grow marijuana or anything in violation of local, state, or federal law. My current lineup consists of dragon fruit cactuses, acerolas, surinam cherry, a cocoa tree, a coffee plant, peace lilies, paperwhites, strawberry guava, spider plants of variegated and non-variegated varieties, apple cactus, pomegranate trees, christmas cactus, prickly pear, and a few other oddities. I grow things for personal therapy in order to fend off depression. I look outside, it's white with two feet of snow. Inside it's warm and green. I do appreciate the concern, though.
EDIT2: If anyone wants any info on gardening or suggestions for good plants, feel free to hit me up and ask via a PM. :)[/QUOTE]
Quite the garden you have. I also grow tropical cacti, i have 3 species of Trichocereus, Pachanoi, Bridgesii, and Grandiflorus
[QUOTE=cody8295;47215279]Now theyre threading DC town officials with jail time if they go through with it[/QUOTE]
Uhh, isn't that illegal on so many levels?
The great part is, congress was too busy fighting over immigration and brinkmanship to call a vote blocking this. They don't even need a majority just like 15 dudes or something
[QUOTE=Bradyns;47215296]I like the part about it being banned in federally subsidised housing.
If you need help for a roof but can freely spend money on weed then you need to check your priorities.[/QUOTE]
People in bad financial states need to make budget for spending money too. How they spend that money is up to them as long as they're being reasonable.
[QUOTE=Code3Response;47215650]I hope that mayor's staff is ready for a federal shit storm. This isnt like the others since DC isnt a state.
I like the police's attitude towards it though. Smoke/Grow in private: no issues. Smoke/Grow in public: minor issues. Selling/Buying in public: big issues.[/QUOTE]
Though how they track whether an exchange has been for cash or not is a bit iffy.
[QUOTE=Sableye;47217951]Though how they track whether an exchange has been for cash or not is a bit iffy.[/QUOTE]
If you sell to some close friends then you won't have a problem. If you're selling enough that it's a substantial source of undeclared income on your taxes, or if you're a big enough operation that the police get wind of it, you can expect jail time. The leeway is basically 'don't do enough of it to be noticed'.
Further explosion of weed culture imminent
white house more like weed house
[QUOTE=Sableye;47217600]The great part is, congress was too busy fighting over immigration and brinkmanship to call a vote blocking this. They don't even need a majority just like 15 dudes or something[/QUOTE]
Yep, a joint resolution wouldnt have been too hard to pull off
[QUOTE=Kylel999;47215434]I thought weed was one of the harder plants to successfully grow. Lots of strains (with the exception of autoflowering ones) won't ever produce buds unless they are receiving a specific amount of light (usually 12 hours light, 12 hours dark) iirc[/QUOTE]
weed is literally a weed
in parts of the world it grows absolutely everywhere, it's almost impossible to totally get rid of.
sure, if you want good-quality bud you'll want a hydroponic setup and grow lights and shit, but you can totally just throw some seeds outside and get some mediocre bud for almost no cost. after all, the world is usually bright for 12 hours and dark for 12 hours, or at least pretty close.
[QUOTE=.Isak.;47219173]weed is literally a weed
in parts of the world it grows absolutely everywhere, it's almost impossible to totally get rid of.
sure, if you want good-quality bud you'll want a hydroponic setup and grow lights and shit, but you can totally just throw some seeds outside and get some mediocre bud for almost no cost. after all, the world is usually bright for 12 hours and dark for 12 hours, or at least pretty close.[/QUOTE]
this is true. my dad used to buy a lot of low-grade, high seed shit and he would throw the seeds into the yard and forget about them. he had to pull a few plants up before they stopped throwing seeds.
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