D.C. would remain barred from legalizing marijuana sales under federal budget

[AZProgressive]

Washington, D.C. would remain barred from legalizing the sale of marijuana under a congressional spending plan released Wednesday.

Why it matters: The news is a blow to city leaders who hoped a Democratic majority on Capitol Hill would remove a federal budget rule that has prevented the city from legalizing the sale of recreational cannabis since 2015.

Flashback: District voters approved a ballot measure to legalize marijuana use in late 2014, but local leaders have been unable to set up a tax and sale industry due to a federal budget rider introduced by Republican Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland.

Efforts to remove the rider have so far failed. The District has limited home rule which allows for Congress to interfere in its local laws.

https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/03/09/dc-legalized-marijuana-sales-fed-budget

[msongs]

1. did dems lose their house and senate majorities? nt

[Emile]

5. This is what so frustrating!

[questionseverything]

2. Just another reason mj needs to be legalized nationwide

Not that it matters as much now with the end of civilization as we know it but

Just for the sake of chit chat, decriminalization was never going to work

[multigraincracker]

3. Another example of taxation without representation.

DC Residents have no voice. Statehood for DC. Might be the silver lining to that vote.

[IbogaProject]

4. sounds like a maryland rep was the block

He either opposes it out right or he favors someone hoping to profit from legalization in Maryland.