What is Initiative 71?

Washington D.C. has recently voted in favor of an initiative that allows for the use of cannabis. Though this is a major step forward, there are still many questions about what this means for residents of the district. In this blog post, we will explore Initiative 71 and answer some of the most common questions about it. 

Initiative 71

Initiative 71 is a ballot measure that was approved by Washington D.C. voters in November 2014. The initiative legalizes possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis for adults aged 21 and older. It also provides for the personal cultivation of six cannabis plants, three of which can be mature. Initiative 71 does not legalize retail sales of cannabis, though it does allow for the gifting of up to 1 ounce of cannabis to other adults aged 21 and older. Finally, Initiative 71 prohibits public consumption of cannabis.  

Despite being legal since early 2015, the implementation of Initiative 71 has been hampered by the D.C. Council's refusal to pass legislation regulating its implementation. As a result, there is currently no regulatory framework governing the possession or cultivation of cannabis pursuant to Initiative 71 in Washington D.C. 

Understanding About Initiative 71

The passage of Initiative 71 has had a number of impacts on the District of Columbia. Most notably, it has made possession of small amounts of marijuana legal in the District. This has led to an increase in the number of people using and possessing marijuana, as well as an increase in tourism to the city. Additionally, the initiative has resulted in a number of changes to the way that the police department enforces drug laws. 

One of the most notable changes that has resulted from Initiative 71 is the decriminalization of marijuana possession in the District. Prior to the passage of the initiative, possession of small amounts of marijuana was a criminal offense that could result in jail time. Now, however, possession of up to two ounces of marijuana is only punishable by a fine of up to $100. This change has had a significant impact on the number of people who are arrested for marijuana possession in the city, as well as the number of people who are incarcerated for this offense. 

In addition to decriminalizing marijuana possession, Initiative 71 also legalized the cultivation of up to six marijuana plants for personal use. The initiative also allowed for the gifting of marijuana as long as no money, goods, or services were exchanged in return. However, selling marijuana remains illegal under Initiative 71.

What is Legal Under Initiative 71 and the Law?

Initiative 71 is a voter-approved law that made it legal for adults 21 and over to possess, grow, and share small amounts of marijuana within the District of Columbia. However, it is still illegal to sell marijuana. The initiative was approved by voters in November 2014 with 65% of the vote. 

Possession: Adults 21 and over may possess up to two ounces of marijuana for personal use. 

Gifting: Adults 21 and over may gift up to one ounce of marijuana at a time to another adult 21 and over, as long as no money, goods, or services are exchanged in return. 

Cultivation: Adults 21 and over may grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use, with no more than three mature plants flowering at a time. Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space that is not visible from a public place. 

Smoking: Smoking marijuana is only allowed in private residences. It is illegal to smoke in any public space, including parks, bars, and restaurants. 

Driving: It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. 

Conclusion

Initiative 71 was a groundbreaking law that made it legal for adults to possess, grow, and share small amounts of marijuana within the District of Columbia. However, the law has been largely unenforced due to the lack of a regulatory framework. As a result, there is still much confusion about what is and is not legal under the initiative. It is important to remember that selling marijuana remains illegal and that smoking in public spaces is also prohibited.

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