Haunted by HUD: A Cannabis Gifting Demonstration

Join us for Haunted by HUD: A Cannabis Gifting DemonstrationUnder the draconian rules of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, adults receiving government aid can be evicted for using or possessing cannabis inside their home. From California to Colorado to Massachusetts to Washington, DC, adults should not be forced to live in fear! Your Home should be a safe place!

Join us this Halloween for a lunchtime demonstration at HUD’s HQ in Washington, DC and help us shed some light on one of the scariest issues facing cannabis consumers around the United States!

WHO: Cannabis Reform Advocates, Housing Assistance Recipients, Concerned Citizens
WHAT: Haunted by HUD: A Cannabis Gifting Demonstration
WHERE: 451 7th Street SW, Washington, DC
WHEN: 11:30am to 1:30pm, October 31, 2017
WHY: It’s scary to believe that in 2017 the Department of Housing and Urban Development thinks recipients of housing aid should be evicted for the use or possession of cannabis inside their homes. As more states legalize cannabis for adult & medical use, recipients of aid should not have to fear the HUD boogyman any longer!

Please RSVP on Facebook

We will be planning this upcoming demonstration this Thursday evening at the DCMJ Planning Meeting #14 in the basement meeting room of the Southwest Neighborhood Library. Please join us!

#Reschedule420 on 4/24 at the U.S. Capitol

DCMJ Statement on Arrests at Smoke-In on Capitol Steps

WASHINGTON, D.C. — DCMJ, the advocacy and educational organization that spearheaded Initiative 71, issued the following statement regarding #Reschedule420 Smoke-In at the Capitol on April 24, 2017.

Statement from Nikolas Schiller, co-founder of DCMJ:
Cannabis legalization is a bipartisan issue that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker Ryan, and Congress can no longer afford to ignore. There is overwhelming support for ending cannabis prohibition, and 71% of Americans are against a federal crackdown.

This is a peaceful and responsible movement that is demanding Congress to stop cherry picking when to respect states rights. We want Congress to do their job and respect the will of the voters.

Unfortunately, the reality is that sometimes our laws don’t match what the American people want. We have many examples of this throughout our nation’s history. It is time Congress ends unjust laws that ‘criminalize’ tens of thousands every year. However, these injustices cannot stand.

We will continue our work and we not be silenced. It’s high time, Congress get in line with the overwhelming number of citizens who support legalizing a plant scientifically far less harmful than alcohol.


Support for Ending Cannabis Prohibition Has Never Been Higher
According to an October 2016 Gallup poll, American support for legalizing cannabis is at 60 percent, the highest it’s been in 47 years, and a 2015 Harris poll found a staggering 81 percent of Americans support legalization of cannabis for medical use. Seventy-one percent of Americans across party lines and age groups oppose a federal crackdown on state-legal programs. Today, there are 29 states and the District of Columbia that have chosen to create regulated cannabis programs, including four of the five most populated states in the nation. More than 20 percent of the U.S. population lives in states that allow adults 21 and older to legally consume cannabis, and more than 60 percent of the population lives in a state where medical cannabis access is legal.

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In case you missed it, at yesterday’s White House Press Briefing spokesman Sean Spicer finally answered a question about cannabis. His response was not good. Please watch it for yourself.

It’s Why We’re Rescheduling 420 Again This Year!

New date & time: Gather at HIGH NOON, on Monday, April 24, 2017 with mass civil disobedience at 4:20pm
New location: The east side of the U.S. Capitol

This is a National Call to Action!
No More Waiting!! Congress Deschedule Cannabis NOW!

While other marijuana advocacy groups are issuing statements, we are calling on them to join us in a national demonstration on April 24, 2017. The powers that be ignore our statements and petitions but they cannot ignore us when we gather in large numbers. Therefore we need every cannabis supporter to join us at the Capitol! 

We are urging those of you reading this who live outside of DC, to reschedule your calendar, come to DC, and smoke out the office of your member of Congress. Locally, we have our eyes set on a few members of Congress that need to smell the change we desire.

Congress is not listening to us and they need to be reminded that America’s cannabis laws need to be changed NOW. Not with some lame bandaid of a law that lets states do their own thing or rescheduling that prohibits plant access, but a comprehensive law that allows you to take your cannabis in a car from DC to California without fear of arrest.

Cannabis needs to be fully removed from the Controlled Substances Act, not pushed down to Schedule II into the hands of Big Pharma!

PLEASE NOTE: Possession of cannabis on the Capitol grounds is not legal. Consuming cannabis anywhere in DC outside of a home is not legal either. But sitting quietly while the Trump administration rolls back our freedoms is not something we plan to do. We need to be loud and proud!

The Inaugural #Trump420 showed that cannabis reform is not a partisan issue. There are millions of Trump supporters who support the full legalization of cannabis, and we are encouraging people of all political stripes to join this national mobilization!

Yesterday’s poll showed a majority of Americans want cannabis reform. But unless we loudly demand it, we are going to get stuck with another shitty law that benefits corporations and not the American people.

We expect arrests to take place on Reschedule420 this year, but we know that our cause is just. We know that the best way to make America great again is not enforcing the outdated Controlled Substances Act, but providing Americans the liberty to choose cannabis for relaxation, enjoyment, and medicine.

Moreover, we can argue that ALL CANNABIS USE IS MEDICAL. If you use it to relax, that is medical. If you use it to put yourself into a better mood, that is medical. The argument that only some sick people can use cannabis while other adults are not sick enough to deserve it is deeply flawed. Many people use cannabis in order to not get sick!

Please share this link with your friends and RSVP on Facebook.

NEWS ADVISORY

Contact: Press@DCMJ.org

Smoke-In on Capitol Steps

Legalization Advocates to Lead #Reschedule420 Demonstration to Call on Congress to End the War on Cannabis, Uphold Rohrabacher–Farr Amendment, and Respect DC and States Rights

WASHINGTON, DC – DCMJ, the organization that spearheaded Initiative 71, which legalized cannabis in the District of Columbia, will lead a #Reschedule420 Smoke-In at the Capitol on Monday, April 24th. The demonstration, which is scheduled to take place four days after DCMJ’s 1st Annual Congressional #JointSession—a free cannabis giveaway—will urge Congress to support Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017 (H.R. 1227), which would put an end to the federal prohibition of cannabis and enable states to decide their own path regarding cannabis policy. DCMJ will also call on Congress to uphold the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment, which prohibits the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency from using funds to step in or interfere with state medical cannabis laws. The demonstration will place a much-needed spotlight on the Congressional inaction and ‘delay’ in addressing our nation’s ineffective drug policies. Additionally, DCMJ will call on Speaker Ryan and Congress to remove the DC budget rider that prevents the DC government from sensibly regulating adult-use stores and cafes.

WHAT: #Reschedule420 Smoke-In on Capitol Steps (House Side)
WHO: DCMJ volunteers and cannabis legalization advocates
WHEN: Monday, April 24, 2017 High noon to 4:20 p.m.
WHERE: Eastside of Capitol on the House steps side of Capitol, Washington, D.C.
*Note: Media interested in videotaping DCMJ rolling joints for the congressional giveaway should send an email to Press@DCMJ.org to schedule an appointment.

“Congress and Speaker Ryan can’t afford to ignore the vast majority of Americans, who want to end cannabis prohibition—so we are headed to Capitol Hill to finally have our issues heard,” said Adam Eidinger, co-founder of DMCJ. “Congressional inaction and leaving harmful laws on the books isn’t anyway to run a government—it is irresponsible. Arbitrarily respecting states rights and walking all over DC’s isn’t setting at the bar very high either. Speaker Ryan and others members of Congress need to stop hiding behind the special-interest smokescreen preventing responsible cannabis laws from being enacted. If these members of Congress ask themselves, who has the most to lose from ending the war on cannabis—it isn’t the American people.”

Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017 (H.R. 1227)
DCMJ will request that Speaker Ryan and members of Congress support the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017 (H.R. 1227) proposed by Virginia Rep. Tom Garrett (R) and co-sponsored by Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D), which would remove cannabis from a Schedule I classification under the Controlled Substances Act.

DCMJ will ask lawmakers to entirely remove cannabis, a plant far less harmful than alcohol and tobacco, from a Schedule I classification under the Controlled Substances Act. Today, Congressional inaction has left tens of thousands of individuals incarcerated, stripped millions of Americans of their right to vote, left otherwise law-abiding citizens with burdensome criminal records, and patients & veterans without access to alternative life-saving treatments that have been known to improve overall quality of life.

Rohrabacher–Farr Amendment
DCMJ will request that Congress reaffirm the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment, which prohibits the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency from using funds to step in or interfere with state medical cannabis laws. The amendment has protected nearly two-thirds of the country and cannabis consumers from federal legal intervention. However, the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment must be approved by Congress every year in the federal budget. DCMJ will request that the amendment is upheld under the new Congressional budget.

Protect DC and States Rights
In November 2014, DCMJ-backed Initiative 71 passed by 70 percent of DC voters. Even before Initiative 71 passed, the Council of the District of Columbia proposed a framework, which was approved to regulate the legal sale and taxation of cannabis, which would have enable DC to sensibly regulate adult-use cannabis. However, Representative Andy Harris (R-Md.)—who has long opposed DC’s independence and unsuccessfully worked to block DC’s decriminalization of cannabis—worked to sneak in a ‘rider’ as part of a deal to avoid a government shutdown. The Harris rider has prevented the DC government from spending any of the District’s locally-raised funds to regulate adult-use stores and cafes. This has resulted in the loss of millions of tax dollars, and potentially thousands of jobs.

High Personal Costs and A Waste of Tax Dollars
While some states have implemented responsible cannabis laws, others have decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, and other states still make cannabis possession a misdemeanor or even a felony. Data shows that current our laws are enforced in racially biased ways. Coupled with enforcement issues and a system that coerces guilty pleas, the consequences can be devastating for individuals charged with cannabis ‘crimes.’ The loss of a job, the right to vote, court fines, and other penalties, along with the stigma of a conviction when trying to secure work, an apartment or home or accessing benefits and other programs can be devastating to individuals and their families. Additionally, the cost to identify, arrest, prosecute, sentence, incarcerate, and supervise people for cannabis possession are tens of millions of tax dollars that could be better spent.

Support for Ending Cannabis Prohibition Has Never Been Higher
According to an October 2016 Gallup poll, American support for legalizing cannabis is at 60 percent, the highest it’s been in 47 years, and a 2015 Harris poll found a staggering 81 percent of Americans support legalization of cannabis for medical use. Seventy-one percent of Americans across party lines and age groups oppose a federal crackdown on state-legal programs. Today, there are 29 states and the District of Columbia that have chosen to create regulated cannabis programs, including four of the five most populated states in the nation. More than 20 percent of the U.S. population lives in states that allow adults 21 and older to legally consume cannabis, and more than 60 percent of the population lives in a state where medical cannabis access is legal.

To learn more about DCMJ visit DCMJ.org; follow DCMJ on Twitter at @DCMJ2014; like DCMJ on
Facebook
.

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Statement on Attorney General Sessions

DCMJ Urges President Trump to Stop Sessions from Reversing Course of Legalization

WASHINGTON, DC — Legalization advocates DCMJ, the organization that spearheaded Initiative 71 that legalized cannabis in the District of Columbia, issued the following statement Wednesday regarding the Senate confirming Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) as U.S. Attorney General.

Adam Eidinger, co-founder DCMJ stated:

“Despite all the damning evidence brought against him, the Senate today rubber-stamped colleague Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General in the Trump Administration. Sessions is a failed war on drugs zealot who has gone so far as to suggest that marijuana offenders deserve the death penalty. To say he is out of touch with the legalization wave rolling through the United States would be an understatement. Sessions is a threat to states rights, the will of the voters and the legalization movement as a whole.

“Conversely, President Trump is on-the-record with his support for states rights and medical marijuana, promising a hands-off federal approach to states with legalization laws enacted. We are hopeful that the commander-in-chief, along with leaders from law enforcement, the civil rights community and cannabis activists, will take the opportunity to help enlighten Sessions on responsible drug policy reforms.”

Nikolas Schiller, DCMJ co-founder, added:

“Senator Sessions statements earlier this year are quite clear: it is up to Congress to pass legislation that absolves him of the responsibility of turning a blind eye towards cannabis. The silver lining is that if President Trump keeps his campaign promises, Sessions will judiciously use taxpayer dollars on the Federal enforcement of cannabis similar to the previous administration. I urge Congress to take up legislation that will allow the new Attorney General to focus his time on more important issues facing the American people.

“But if President Trump wants to take cash out of the hands of international drug cartels and create millions of tax-paying jobs, then America’s cannabis community is a willing partner. If President Trump wants to overhaul healthcare and help veterans, America’s medical cannabis community is also a willing partner. Partnerships make America great, but until cannabis is fully legalized, the full potential of America is not being achieved.

“Looking at the 2016 Election and the eight states that passed new responsible marijuana measures in November, an interesting political trend reveals itself: cannabis polls high across party lines—independents, Libertarians, Green Party, Republicans and Democrats. The evidence of this can be seen in the 28 states and the District of Columbia that have already enacted sensible drug policy reforms. Americans are now looking to the President and Congress to change the laws nationally and replace them with more common sense approaches towards cannabis. You don’t have to be a farmer or a political scientist to realize that Americans want President Trump and Congress to act now.”

Please email Press@DCMJ.org with any follow-up questions.

EMERGENCY LEGALIZATION DEMONSTRATION!

TONIGHT: EMERGENCY LEGALIZATION DEMONSTRATION AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Last month we said that when the DEA makes it’s decision on cannabis descheduling we’d either protest or celebrate at 4:20pm on the day of the announcement.

Today is the day. Unfortunately, it is extremely hot today, so we are moving the emergency demonstration to 8:20 PM THIS EVENING!

The Obama Administration’s DEA is TONE DEAF on cannabis reform, so tonight our demonstration will feature #ToneDeafKaraoke

We will poorly sing ballads of reform, like the Obama Administration’s DEA has poorly reformed America’s cannabis policies.

We will insult the ears of everyone at the White House like they are insulting every American that believes in rational drug policy.

Here we are, 43 years and millions of marijuana arrests later, and we being told that cannabis is still as dangerous as heroin. WHAT THE HELL?!?! The Obama Administration’s DEA thinks Americans should go to jail for a non-toxic plant. WE THINK OTHERWISE!

We are going to take our outrage, anger, shear annoyance and we are going to make some noise! If you don’t want to sing, bring your pots and pans so Malia will hear you!

We’ve heard rumors angry activists may even throw their cannabis plants plants, seeds, and even lit joints over the White House fence.

THAT IS NOT ALL….

We are calling for a mass-mobilization on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

We are not going to sit by and let Obama, Hillary, or Trump get a pass on cannabis reform!  The Time is NOW!

 


WHO: You, your friends, and everyone you forward this email to!
WHAT: EMERGENCY LEGALIZATION DEMONSTRATION AT THE WHITE HOUSE
WHEN: TONIGHT, Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 8:20pm
WHERE: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, North of the White House
WHY: The Obama Administration’s DEA is out of touch with the American people’s demands for cannabis reform and need to be told that cannabis should be removed entirely from the Controlled Substances Act NOW!

CLICK HERE SPREAD THE WORD ON FACEBOOK!

NEWS ADVISORY: DCMJ Available After Meeting with White House Officials

Contact: Adam Eidinger, Founder, DCMJ: (202) 744-2671 adam@dcmj.org

DCMJ Leaders Available to Answer Questions Following Meeting With White House Officials Monday April 25

WASHINGTON, DC – DC Marijuana Justice (DCMJ co-founders Adam Eidinger and Nikolas Schiller, who spearheaded a successful marijuana legalization initiative in DC in 2014, will hold a press availability on Pennsylvania Avenue directly in front of the White House immediately after their meeting with White House officials regarding removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act designation of Schedule One.

The meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. EDT, Monday, April 25 and is expected to last 30-45 minutes. Members of the group Weed for Warriors including disabled Army combat veteran Brandon Wyatt will also be available for media interview at the post-meeting stake out. He will speak to the recent DEA decision to allow research into PTSD treatments with cannabis.

More background on the events that lead to this historic meeting with marijuana grassroots advocates can be found here http://dcmj.org/letter-president-obama-concerning-reschedule420/ .

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White House Seed Share & Cannabis Summit – 4/16

See you on Pennsylvania Ave. on April 16
We’re going back to the White House on Saturday, April 16 to hold the:

White House Seed Share & Cannabis Summit

WHO – Seed Seekers, Seed Sharers, Master Growers, Closet Gardeners, and Cannabis Advocates
WHAT – The legal sharing of cannabis seeds, buds, and cuttings and a discussion about the immediate descheduling of cannabis
WHERE – On Pennsylvania Ave., north of the White House, exactly where #Reschedule420 took place
WHEN – Saturday, April 16 from 4:21pm to 6:00pm
WHY – President Obama has failed to respond to our request to hold a cannabis summit and to provide cannabis advocates with seeds, buds, and cuttings

Click here to RSVP on Facebook!

Since Pennsylvania Avenue is District of Columbia land, adults can legally carry up to 2 ounces of cannabis and give it away to other adults without fear of arrest. The White House Seed Share & Cannabis Summit will start AFTER 4:20pm because we want this to be a fully legal event without any on-site consumption of cannabis.

As you may know, last weekend’s “smoke-in” ruffled the feathers of many mainstream cannabis advocacy groups because we openly broke the law by consuming cannabis in public.  Since we do not plan on breaking any DC laws on April 16, we are formally inviting all drug policy reform groups to join us for the Cannabis Summit that President Obama refuses to have with us.

History shows us that in order to change the laws, we must be persistent and that means more actions are needed. We all know the Emperor Wears No Clothes, but lighting up near a 51-foot inflatable joint is not going to deschedule cannabis overnight. It’s going to take ALL OF US to convince President Obama that the time for action is NOW!

Some of the press have reported that President Obama said that we should focus our efforts on Congress because they have the power to deschedule cannabis. Unfortunately nearly all of the media fails to mention that we, the cannabis activists of the District of Columbia, do not have Senators or a voting Representative to focus our efforts on. Thanks to the 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, we have only the President to hold accountable, and accountable we’ll continue to hold him!

We do not expect the White House Seed Share & Cannabis Summit to be as well-attended as Reschedule420 because we are not aware of many groups of out-of-town activists who plan to join us. But we expect it to be just as awesome (minus the 51′ joint) and we know that we must all continue to put pressure on Obama to use his authority to deschedule cannabis NOW!

PLEASE NOTE: DCMJ is not giving out seeds, buds, or cuttings, rather volunteer cannabis advocates who support our efforts will be the generous ones this Saturday. Please read over the rules we drafted last year for the previous seed share.

As you know, any adult in Washington, DC can carry up to 2 ounces of cannabis on them on non-federal land, so the White House Seed Share & Cannabis Summit is open to all adults.  Lawful sharing of cannabis can only take place between adults 21 and older. We urge you to not feel embarrassed to ask someone who looks under 21 for their government-issued ID before sharing with them.

In regards to the sharing of cuttings, we define a cutting as a branch of a female cannabis plant that weighs under 1 ounce and is not in a growing medium (soil, perlite, rock wool, etc.). A clone is a cutting that is in a growing medium and these can be considered plants, which are not allowed outside of your home. We suggest preserving your cuttings by placing them in a ziplock baggie with water and when you get home you should start the rooting process in the growing medium of your choosing. The last thing we want is for cannabis growers to be detained or arrested for accidentally bringing rooted plants or clones.

We will have the sound wagon with us so seed sharers can talk about their their seeds, as well as why they believe Obama should immediately deschedule cannabis.  We look forward to your sharing of stories, seeds, buds, and cuttings this Saturday!

#Reschedule420

We did it!


Hundreds Got High In Front of the White House To Protest Weed …

Hundreds of people got high in front of The White House to protest the federal government's policies on weed


It's time to demand Obama reschedule cannabis!

PUBLIC NOTICE : Due to popular demand, we’re rescheduling 4/20 this year to 4/2 because Obama’s been a BIG ZER0 on cannabis reform.

President Obama has the power to use his authority to reschedule cannabis. But recent reports have shown that he has no plans to change the status quo and, frankly, that is just pitiful.

While we have been able to drastically reduce arrests for marijuana possession in the District of Columbia, millions of Americans across the United States are not so lucky. As long as cannabis is treated in the same category of drugs as heroin, with no accepted medical use, police will continue to arrest & lockup our brothers and sisters.

We will gather outside the White House at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 2 and have speakers from DCMJ and other cannabis advocacy groups. At 4:20pm there will be a mass-consumption* of cannabis. We will not be seeking any type of permit from the National Park Police because it is our constitutional right to peacefully gather and demand Obama stop being hypocrite. He smoked cannabis and became the president of the United States, and while he might think cannabis is a bad habit, does he seriously think it’s on par with heroin, nicotine, or alcohol?

Some people think we should not protest President Obama in an election year. But if not now when? Let’s make the rescheduling of cannabis a campaign issue now!

This is a challenge to the frontrunners. Will Donald Trump federal legalization? Has Hillary evolved long enough on the issue of cannabis to support federal legalization? Will Bernie Sanders take a national legalization approach instead of a state by state approach? But most importantly, does Obama want a legacy of being the president who finally ended the failed war on drugs? We’re rescheduling 4/20 this year to find out. Join us!

What you can do:

* A 4:20pm Mass-Consumption of cannabis includes smoking, vaping, but also eating. Do you think the National Park Service will go after your brownies, gummies, rice crispy treats, or cookies? Doubtful. As we #Reschedule420 this year, we encourage people who do not want to smoke or vape their cannabis to eat it as a form of protest. So in the misquoted words of Marie Antoinette, LET THEM EAT CAKE!


Reschedule420 is this SaturdayReschedule420 is this Saturday

Did you see yesterday’s Washington Post? The 51 foot joint was on the front page of the Metro Section! What does that mean? We have the opportunity to show America an amazingly positive display of non-violent civil disobedience. It also means we need to ensure that everyone knows EXACTLY what is going down before we’re lighting up.

We are meeting at the corner of 15th & Pennsylvania Ave NW at 1:45pm and walking Cesar Maxit’s 51 foot joint a half a block down Pennsylvania Ave. At 2pm our curated open mic begins and will be lead by MC Adam Eidinger. We have various speakers from different movements confirmed to show up but we encourage everyone reading this to consider making brief remarks if their is time.  At around 4:15pm we will make announcements about the civil disobedience.  At 4:20pm there will be a blessing and many of us will engage in civil disobedience by consuming cannabis.  Shortly afterwards, we’ll part ways, go home, and watch ourselves on the evening news…. SEE YOU THERE!


Possible Civil Disobedience Scenarios at 4:21pm:

1) NO ARRESTS – After consuming cannabis as an act of civil disobedience, we march down Pennsylvania Ave. toward 17th Street for a victory lap!
2) ARRESTS OCCUR AND PEOPLE ARE RELEASED QUICKLY – After paying a small fine ($100 or less) people are released Saturday evening.
3) ARRESTS OCCUR AND PEOPLE ARE DETAINED UNTIL MONDAY – After going before a judge, you are released Monday afternoon and will likely have to return to court at a later date.


Demonstration DOs & DON’Ts

DOInvite your friends!

DON’T – Consume cannabis (smoke, vape, eat, etc.) until 4:20pm. The fastest way to get arrested is to be the only person using cannabis. If you see someone consuming cannabis, politely suggest they relocate to a different area or refrain until 4:20pm.

DO – Help hold the 51 foot joint! You know that you want to take a selfie holding the biggest joint ever brought to the White House!

DON’T – Swear or say offensive things to the general public.

DO – Listen to the various speakers. You will hear some amazing stories about how cannabis has impacted the lives of your fellow Americans. Please show speakers respect by engaging in discussions away from the sound system.

DON’T – Be rude to tourists, strangers, or other cannabis activists. One of our biggest strengths is that we are united in the belief that the federal laws related to cannabis need to be changed. You may meet people who have different political viewpoints than yours and it’s important that you know how to agree to disagree.

DO – Bring your government-issued ID. In case anything happens, it’s always good to be able to prove who you are.

DON’T – Be disrespectful to the police! Treat them like you would like to be treated yourself. Do not call them names! If you engage in civil disobedience and the police arrest you, do not fight back or you might end up with a assault charge.

DO – Be peaceful! Have fun! Know that you are making history! Don’t let the detractors who think doing nothing will somehow change something.

DON’T – Forget that the area around the White House is federal property where Ballot Initiative 71 does not apply. So don’t bring large amounts of any “illegal” substances or paraphernalia such as chillums, bowls, dugouts, bongs, etc. We recommend joints, vapes, and edibles for those who are engaging in civil disobedience.

DOBring $50 to $100 cash if you plan on engaging in civil disobedience. Often the police offer a “Post and Forfeit” option, where you may simultaneously post and forfeit an amount as collateral (which otherwise would serve as security upon release to ensure the arrestee’s appearance at trial) and thereby obtain a full and final resolution of the criminal charge. Since there are so many arrests in DC every year for civil disobedience, the post & forfeit option is very common, so bring extra cash with you.

DON’T – Resist arrest if you are engaging in civil disobedience. Resisting Arrest is defined as:
– fleeing a police officer while being arrested
– threatening a police officer with physical violence while being arrested
– physically struggling to free oneself from being restrained
– attacking a police officer while being arrested
– providing an officer with false identification

DO – Be educated on why you are demonstrating. You may be asked by a reporter for your comments. Do you have something ready to say? It’s OKAY to say nothing! But it’s best to read up on why the Controlled Substances Act needs to be changed in regards to cannabis.

DON’T – Act like a fool! We expect national & international media to be present, so do your best to represent cannabis community.

DO – Understand that if you choose to engage in civil disobedience, you might be in DC jail until Monday.

DON’T – Try to find parking nearby! Take the Metro, Bus, ride your bike, or walk! But there is garages & metered parking nearby, but it’s going to cost you a lot!

DO – Know that it is YOUR RIGHT TO PEACEFULLY ASSEMBLE! You are not risking arrest by showing up, rather you risk arrest by engaging in civil disobedience.

DON’T – Expect the world to change over night.

DO – Bring your prescription medications if you plan to engage in civil disobedience. The last thing we want is for you to get sick in a DC jail! Make sure your prescription medication has your name on it! REMEMBER: Medical marijuana is not recognized by the federal government (this is one of the reasons why we are demonstrating!)

DON’T – Forget to write 202-733-4640 with a permanent marker on your arm. If you engage in civil disobedience and get arrested, call 202-733-4640 when you are at the jail. We’ll have someone helping with jail support. We want to know who you is arrested and when they are getting out.

MOST IMPORTANT DOBE COOL!! Always stay calm. Change happens at the speed of protest, so know that after the demonstration, our efforts will go on!


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It's time to demand Obama reschedule cannabis!

It's time to demand Obama reschedule cannabis!


It's time to demand Obama reschedule cannabis!


It's time to demand Obama reschedule cannabis!


DCMJ is the District of Columbia's leading cannabis community organization

Cannabis Campaign School – Friday, April 1

The night before we head to the White House to Reschedule420, we’re heading to the basement of St. Stephens Church in Columbia Heights for our first ever Cannabis Campaign School. From 6:30pm to 8:30pm the campaign school will cover how cannabis advocates can run effective campaigns to change the laws and perceptions of cannabis in your community. Please RSVP on Facebook & invite your friends who are coming to DC!

WHO: Adam Edinger (DCMJ), Nikolas Schiller (DCMJ), Ken Bazinet (Collective Consulting, Former White House Correspondent for New York Daily News), Ellen Mellody (Collective Consulting, Former Obama for America Press Secretary)
WHAT: Cannabis Campaign School
WHEN: 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Friday, April 1, 2016
WHERE: Dining Room of St. Stephen’s Church – 1525 Newton St NW Washington, DC 20010
WHY: Learn skills to change cannabis laws in your community

Campaign School Agenda

  • Opening Remarks- 10 minutes
  • State of the Union – 15 minutes
  • Creating a Continued Narrative/The Power of Social Media – 30 Minutes
  • Break – 5 minutes
  • Media Training Session – 30 Minutes
  • Q&A Panel – Initiative 71 – Reflecting on a Winning Campaign – 30 minutes

Spread the word on Facebook!

Small Victory: DC Council Creates Task Force on Social Cannabis Use

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTACTED THE DC COUNCIL TO #AMENDTHEBAN!

Today the DC Council voted to create a Task Force that will develop recommendations on how the District of Columbia should go forward with social cannabis use.

The Task Force is to be composed of the following persons or their designees:

  • The Director of the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration
  • The Director of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
  • The Director of the Department of Health
  • The Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department
  • The Attorney General for the District of Columbia
  • Two members of the Council of the District of Columbia, as appointed
    by the Council

The Task Force has 120 days to create a report that shall include but not be limited to the following:

  • Effective ways to regulate venues to ensure the health and safety of staff, members, and invitees and the health and safety of the nearby public and the general public
  • Hours of operation
  • Occupancy limits
  • Whether food or beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) may be sold on the premise
  • The District agencies that should be involved in regulating the venues
  • Security plans
  • The amount of marijuana an individual shall be permitted to possess at the venue
  • Whether a venue can store marijuana for a member, or invitee, of a venue
  • Penalties for violating the regulations
  • Licensing, including the requirements for licensure, such as proof of compliance with all applicable District laws, the application procedure, and fee structure
  • Cost of membership or admission
  • The limitations as to the location and the number of venues allowed to operate in the District
  • How all District residents can utilize the benefits of Initiative 71
  • Whether venues can operate in the District
  • Any other recommendations

Click here to download the PDF of the Task Force amendment passed by the DC Council

We look forward to working with the Task Force!



NBC Washington: DC Lawmakers Open Door to Pot Smoking in Private Clubs




WJLA: D.C. Council votes unanimously to study how city can allow pot smoking in private clubs

Spring Seed Shares


Since Ballot Initiative 71 passed last November, the DC Cannabis Campaign has received many requests for cannabis seeds. We’ve said all along, “ask a friend, they might have some seeds to give you.” Still, we know that not everyone has friends who have seeds available to share.

To address this need, on the 1-month anniversary of Ballot Initiative 71 becoming law, the DC Cannabis Campaign is organizing two seed shares to facilitate personal home cultivation of cannabis permitted under the new law. This will be DC residents’ opportunity to share seeds with other adults and start down the path of legally growing your own cannabis in the safety and privacy of your home.

The first seed share will take place at Libertine, an absinthe bar in the Adams Morgan neighborhood from 5:30pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, March 26 and the second seed share will take place a few days later on Saturday, March 28 from 4:20pm to 7:00pm at the DC Cannabis Campaign Headquarters.


WHO: Cannabis Seed Sharers and Seed Seekers
WHAT: Spring Seed Share
WHERE: Libertine, 2435 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 and DC Cannabis Campaign Headquarters, 2448 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
WHEN: 5:30pm to 8:00pm, Thursday, March 26, 2015 @ Libertine
4:20pm to 7:00pm, Saturday, March 28, 2015 @ DC Cannabis Campaign Headquarters
WHY: To provide DC residents with the seeds to legally grow cannabis at home


SEED SHARE RULES

1) No money may exchange hands while sharing seeds. This is a seed share, not seed sale! The law allows the gift of up to one ounce of cannabis, but not sales, trades, or any type of service in exchange for the cannabis. If we see money changing hands, you will be asked to leave. The only place money should be visible is when you buy something at Libertine’s bar. IMPORTANT: buying someone food or drink in exchange for cannabis is illegal!

2) Do not carry more than 2 ounces at anytime. The law allows you to carry no more than 2 ounces of cannabis (including seeds) outside your home. Do not leave the seed share with more than 2 ounces cannabis (including seeds) or you risk being arrested on your way home. If we see you with more than 2 ounces of cannabis (including seeds), you will be asked to leave.

3) Do not give away more than 1 ounce of seeds to any one person. The law allows a maximum gift of 1 ounce between adults. So if you showed up with 2 ounces of seeds, you could give 1 ounce to one person and 1 ounce to another person, or you can be truly generous and give a couple seeds to every person who attends the seed share. But under no circumstances, should anyone be giving away more than 1 ounce at any time.

4) All sharing must be between two adults aged 21 and older. You MUST bring your government issued ID. No exceptions. While we will accept out-of-state IDs, these events are intended for DC residents only.

5) Cannabis seeds must be in your possession at all times. You can bring a container to hold your bagged seeds, but you must stay with your seeds at all times and give them away to other adults. Unattended cannabis seeds may be given away.

6) The DC Cannabis Campaign will not share seeds. Rather each adult will share their seeds with another adult. There won’t be a seed donation jar because someone would need to be responsible for the jar being under 2 ounces at all times.

7) Be patient. We are instituting a maximum of 80 people inside the venues and as people leave, more people will be able to come inside to share their seeds. The law does not prevent adults from sharing seeds in public, so get to know others in the line.

8) Respect the venues. Having a lot of people inside to share seeds can result in damage to the venues. Please treat the venues as you would treat your own home. The seed shares are taking place on private property and the owners are being generous by allowing the seed shares to take place. Disruptive guests will be asked to leave.

9) No consuming of cannabis. No smoking or vaping is allowed. We ask that you go home or to a friend’s house to consume your cannabis. If you are found to be smoking or vaping cannabis, you will be asked to leave the premises.


RECOMMENDATIONS

Have cannabis seeds but not sure what strain the seed is? We expect many people to bring random cannabis seeds they’ve collected over the years to share with other adults. These seeds may still be viable, and more importantly, they can provide a first-time grower the opportunity to grow cannabis at home. Many people might write off these “unknown” seeds as worthless, but for someone who’s never grown cannabis before, they can help immensely. We suggest bagging these seeds up before you arrive and write the words “Unknown” on a piece of paper inside the bag or on the outside of the bag itself.

Have seeds AND you know what strain they are? You’re a cannabis superstar! Many growers would like to know the strain they are growing and your “known” seeds could be very helpful to many novice growers. We suggest bagging these up before you arrive and include the name of the strain on a piece of paper inside the bag or on the outside of the bag itself. We also suggest putting 6 or fewer “known” seeds in each bag in order to ensure as many people as possible have access to your seeds.

Don’t have any cannabis seeds at all? Please bring baggies or containers to put your newly-obtained seeds in. We also suggest bringing a pencil & paper to write down the names of different strains you obtain at the seed share. You may end up with a couple random seeds or you might end up with multiple different types of strains; it all depends on who shows up. Lastly, if you do not plan growing cannabis, we politely ask you to not come to these seed shares. We want the seeds that are shared to go to folks who want to grow this year.

What about clones? Clones are cuttings of live cannabis plants. Clones are popular among growers because the sex of the plant is known and the strain of the plant is also known. Unfortunately, Ballot Initiative 71 does not permit the sharing of clones. Therefore, the only way to legally create clones is to grow a plant from seed and make clones of that plant inside of your home. If you bring a clone to the seed share, you will be asked to leave.

TIMING

The Seed Shares will take place on the evenings of Thursday, March 26 and Saturday, March 28. We ask those with seeds to share to arrive 15 minutes early (5:15pm on Thursday & 4:05pm on Saturday).

KNOW THE LAW

We ask that everyone take a few minutes to re-read Ballot Initiative 71 so you know and can comply with the law.


These seed shares will be the campaign’s last public events. We anticipate winding down the campaign committee once the campaign’s debts have been paid off. In accordance with rule #1 (no money exchange), the campaign will not be taking any donations during the seed share, but you can still donate to the campaign on our website or by check.

We look forward to sharing seeds with you! Please RSVP!