The city council of the District of Columbia will vote on a measure that could decriminalize marijuana in the nation's capital. The vote, taking place Tuesday, would render marijuana use a minor violation, the equivalent of a parking ticket.
CNBC reports that the bill will have to go through two rounds of voting, in the city council and then Congress, which has constitutional oversight of the capital.
The bill is expected to make it through city council, as eight of thirteen members sponsored it and Mayor Vincent Gray has offered his support, but Congress may be more difficult.
However, CBS reports that some council members have expressed their hesitance for full decriminalization, including the council chairman.
Last-minute changes to the bill propose that cannabis use in public would still be subject to arrest and further punishment.
City Councilman Tommy Wells says the measures defeat the purpose of decriminalization.
"Some members are still concerned about smoking marijuana outdoors,” Wells said. “They still want to make that a criminal charge where you could be arrested and locked up."
The council takes its first vote Tuesday. Both sides agree some form of decriminalization will pass, but it's unclear how far-reaching those measures will be.
Polls show that 63 percent of DC citizens support the measure. The District has already legalized medical marijuana use.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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