Meddling House Republican Tries to Stop "Irresponsible" Local DC Marijuana Decriminalization Law
An amendment that would make it impossible for the District of Columbia to lessen penalties for marijuana possession -- and possibly to legalize the drug -- passed in the House Committee on Appropriations.
Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), who proposed the amendment in committee, said that his background in medicine motivated his efforts to block the District law.
"As a physician, I have read study after study on the devastating effects of marijuana use, especially on developing brains of teenagers," Harris, who is an anesthesiologist, said in a statement. "Congress has the authority to stop irresponsible actions by local officials, and I am glad we did for the health and safety of children throughout the District."
