| ■ D.C. Council Approves Medical Marijuana Use | 2010.05.07 |
| In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the 13-member District of Columbia Council voted to allow people with cancer, glaucoma or a "chronic and long-lasting disease" to obtain medical marijuana from up to eight dispensaries regulated by the city. The legislation would allow patients to receive two ounces of marijuana a month and gives the mayor the power to raise that amount to four ounces without further council action, The New York Times reported. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty is expected to sign the measure into law. Congress and the White House would then have 30 days to decide whether to allow the city to proceed with the medical marijuana plan. In order to block the law, the House and Senate must pass a joint resolution that would then need the approval of President Barack Obama, The Times reported. Currently, 14 states allow residents to use marijuana for medical purposes. |