PRESS RELEASE: DC Cannabis Campaign Declares Victory in Historic Ballot Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 4, 2014

CONTACT: ZACK PESAVENTO
(202) 420-1065
ZACK@DCMJ.ORG

DC Cannabis Campaign Declares Victory in Historic Ballot Initiative

WASHINGTON, DC – The DC Cannabis Campaign declared victory today on Ballot Initiative 71, which legalizes the limited possession and cultivation of marijuana. Supporters of the “Yes on 71” campaign gathered at Meridian Pint, a popular local restaurant, to welcome the election night results and prepare for the bill’s mandatory congressional review period.

“This victory is dedicated to everyone still sitting in jail tonight because of marijuana prohibition.” said Adam Eidinger, the Chair of the DC Cannabis Campaign who also formally proposed Initiative 71. “District residents have made their voices heard loud and clear. The road to justice won’t end on Capitol Hill.”

Hundreds of supporters convened at Meridian Pint, located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, to celebrate the passage of Ballot Initiative 71. District lawmakers have vowed to transmit the bill to Congress when it reconvenes in January. Following a mandatory 30-day review period, the bill’s provisions could go into effect as soon as March 2015.

The measure allows adults over the age of 21 to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, give (but not sell) up to one ounce of marijuana to other adults, and cultivate up to three mature marijuana plants at home. The District Council is proceeding with its own separate legislative proposal to tax and regulate the sale of marijuana. Supporters of Ballot Initiative 71 spoke in favor of the DC Council’s legislation at a joint public hearing on October 30.

“The people of the District of Columbia have voted in favor of ending racially biased marijuana prohibition,” said Dr. Malik Burnett, the Vice Chair of the DC Cannabis Campaign. “The harms caused by the war on drugs are not fixed with this vote alone; the real healing begins when the DC Council develops a tax-and-regulate system based on racial and social justice.”

The DC Cannabis Campaign is the official campaign committee for Ballot Initiative 71. The campaign is a project of residents from across the District of Columbia, Drug Policy Action, and Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps.

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PRESS RELEASE: DC Marijuana Initiative Supporters Announce Election Night Party

PRESS ADVISORY
8:00pm–11:30pm EST, Tuesday, November 4, 2014

CONTACT: ZACK PESAVENTO
(202) 420-1065
ZACK@DCMJ.ORG

DC Marijuana Initiative Supporters Announce Election Night Party

Proponents of Ballot Initiative 71, which legalizes the cultivation and possession of limited amounts of marijuana in the District of Columbia, will hold an election night party and fundraiser to benefit the DC Central Kitchen. Starting at 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 4, supporters of the “Yes on 71” campaign will gather at Meridian Pint to watch the election results.

Ballot Initiative 71 allows adults over the age of 21 to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, give (but not sell) up to one ounce of marijuana to other adults, and cultivate up to three mature marijuana plants at home. If successful, the bill will be transmitted to Congress for a mandatory review period after lawmakers convene again in January. Without interference, the bill’s provisions could go into effect as soon as April 2015.

WHO: Adam Eidinger, chair, DC Cannabis Campaign; Dr. Malik Burnett, vice-chair, DC Cannabis Campaign; Supporters of Ballot Initiative 71

WHAT: Election Night Fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen

WHERE: Meridian Pint, 3400 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

WHEN: Tuesday, November 4 from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM EST

The DC Cannabis Campaign, Metropolitan Wellness Center, Drug Policy Alliance, Students For Sensible Drug Policy, DC Brau, DC Central Kitchen, Capital City Hydroponics, E.F.F.O.R.T.S. (Employment For Former Offenders Receiving Treatment Services) and Meridian Pint are partnering to support the election night fundraiser. Attendees will be encouraged to make a donation to DC Central Kitchen or bring a canned food item.

The DC Cannabis Campaign is the official campaign committee for Ballot Initiative 71. The campaign is a project of residents from across the District of Columbia, Drug Policy Action, and Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps.

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