Marijuana in D.C. Finds a Strong Foe in Congress

Receiving the majority vote from all eight wards, the bill legalizing marijuana in D.C. passed in the election. However, one house Republican is working to stop the initiative from moving further along.

Rep. Andy Harris, was elected for a third term as Maryland’s 1st District representative in the U.S. House on Tuesday. He has expressed his disagreement with marijuana legalization.

“Actions by those in D.C. will result in higher drug use among teens,” Harris wrote in a statement to The Washington Post. “I will consider using all resources available to a member of Congress to stop this action, so that drug use among teens does not increase.”

Harris has fought against marijuana since decriminalizing came up earlier this year.

Read more: How Georgetown Voted on Marijuana Legalization

“As a physician, I have read study after study on the devastating effects of marijuana use, especially on developing brains of teenagers,” Harris said in a news release in June. “When I became a physician, I took an oath to do no harm, and decriminalizing marijuana will harm D.C. residents, especially youth. That’s why I took steps to stop its implementation.”

Despite Harris’ efforts, marijuana was decriminalized in the District.

Now that Initiative 71 was passed, which allows those at least 21 years old to possess up to two ounces for personal use in D.C., Harris continues to oppose it.

Newly elected Mayor Muriel Bowser is in favor of marijuana legalization.

For more information visit The Washington Post.

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