The Washington D.C. City Council has put a bill on hold that would have banned the creation of private cannabis clubs where cannabis could be consumed publicly.
Marijuana advocates have been pressuring the city to provide a legal space for cannabis users to consume publicly, and it appears that the council is listening. On Tuesday, it created a task force charged with evaluating whether and how to provide for the creation of cannabis clubs.
Kaitlyn Boecker, policy analyst for the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), stated:
“Democracy and common sense prevailed in the District today. Today’s withdrawal of the permanent ban shows that elected officials have finally begun to heed their constituents’ wishes, but the fight for the creation of regulated places where adults can legally consume marijuana is far from over.”
The amendment that created the task force was introduced by councilmember Vincent Orange, a Democrat. The amendment mandates the creation of a seven-member panel that must issue a report within 120 days regarding:
- Which city agencies should be involved in regulating clubs;
- How much cannabis should be allowed at each club;
- What security measures need to be taken;
- The number and location of venues;
- Whether clubs can legally have cannabis-consumption events.