Adam Eidinger

Congressional Seed-In

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 8, 2018

CONTACT:
ADAM EIDINGER (202)744-2671
Adam@DCMJ.org

“Congressional Seed-In” Announced for April 2, 2019

Citizens to Lawfully Give Viable Cannabis Seeds to Members of Congress to Demand Federal Legislation to Grow Cannabis At Home

No Current Legislation in Congress Explicitly Legalizes Home Cultivation as Corporate Lobby Grab Leaves Many Americans No Way Grow

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, cannabis reform advocates from DC Marijuana Justice (“DCMJ”), Maryland Marijuana Justice (“MDMJ”), and Virginia Marijuana Justice (“VAMJ”) will descend on Capitol Hill to lawfully give away cannabis seeds to members of Congress and their staff, 21 years of age and older. The action is to call for cannabis consumer-friendly legislation that permits adults to grow cannabis in the comfort and privacy of their homes & backyards.

“As full legalization & descheduling of cannabis approaches cannabis consumers & medical patients must be able to travel throughout the United States without fear of arrest, detainment, or harassment,” says Dawn Lee-Carty, Founder of Speak Life, a mom and founder of Speak Life, an organization dedicated to educating parents and legislators on the benefits of cannabis. Ms. Lee-Carty came to advocate the use of CBD, a non-psychoactive chemical compound found in cannabis, and THC after pharmaceuticals failed to adequately treat her epileptic 11 year old daughter. Due to the federal prohibitions on cannabis, Ms. Lee-Carty cannot travel with her daughters medicine.

After voters in the District of Columbia approved Initiative 71 in November 2014 and Congress approved the law in February 2015, all adults aged 21 years of age or older can legally grow & possess small amounts cannabis in the District of Columbia. With the annual spring planting taking place after the last frost in late April, the “Congressional Seed-In” aims to help members of Congress and their staff lawfully start their cannabis gardens in the District of Columbia. Outdoor cannabis requires cannabis to be grown in cycle with the seasons, so a timely spring planting is integral to the success of the crop. However, not every American is afforded the right to grow their own cannabis. Instead many Americans are forced to buy their cannabis from dispensaries, which costs as much as 10 times more than home grown cannabis.

“The only legislation we see in the 116th Congress moving is backed by lobbyists to deal with business interests,” says Adam Eidinger, Proposer of Initiative 71 . “We’re going up to the Hill to encourage members of Congress and their staff that they represent more cannabis consumers than cannabis businesses. We want to legally grow cannabis as a basic right and this is frankly more important to me than access to banks or tax reform for huge marijuana businesses,” adds Edinger.

WHO: Members of DCMJ, MDMJ and VAMJ, expert growers, and cannabis reform activists
WHAT: “Congressional Seed-In” – A Seed Giveaway for members of Congress and their staff
WHEN: April 2, 2019, 11:00 am until 4:20 pm – Ending Rally Near Capitol Steps on East side
WHERE: All Congressional Offices in Washington, DC
WHY: Citizens demand meaningful legislation that fully ends prohibition cannabis cultivation for every adult and allows the movement of cannabis between all States.

“I don’t want cannabis grown using nuclear or coal power. I want it grown using natural sunlight. The current system of using costly warehouses to grow cannabis plants under synthetic light using synthetic chemicals is bad for consumers and bad for the environment. There is a better way,” says Ms. Lee-Carty, who currently grows using LED technology, but would prefer to grow her daughter’s cannabis outdoors..

“The age of utilizing expensive warehouses to grow cannabis is a relic of prohibition and DCMJ & MDMJ believe that cannabis should return to the fields from which it was formerly grown,” says MDMJ co-founder Kris Furnish. “Congress and state leaders have been standing in the way of cannabis consumer friendly reform, while poll after poll show that the American public fully supports the full legalization of cannabis, including home grow.

ABOUT DCMJ
Since its founding in 2013, DCMJ has lead the nation in creative and high-profile cannabis reform activism. After introducing and passing ballot initiative 71, which legalized the possession and cultivation of cannabis in the District of Columbia, DCMJ organized two large seed giveaways that provided all adults the means to grow cannabis for themselves. Since then DCMJ has deployed giant 51’ inflatable joints outside the White House, the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Times Square in New York City, the 2016 Presidential Debates, and Boston’s Freedom Rally, as well as distributing over 10,000 joints of District of Columbia home grown cannabis at the Inauguration of President Donald Trump to most recently, attempting to distribute 1,227 joints at the congressional “Joint Session” in 2017, where U.S. Capitol Police unlawfully arrested seven DCMJ activists. All charges were dropped the following day. The “Congressional Seed-In” is DCMJ’s fourth annual “Reschedule 4/20,” day of action to highlight the need for meaningful cannabis reform legislation in the United States. In 2018 and 2019, aligned organizations MDMJ & VAMJ were formed to advocate for cannabis reform in Maryland and Virginia.

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CLICK HERE TO RSVP ON FACEBOOK!

Congresswoman Norton introduces “Sondra Battle Cannabis Fair Use Act”

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Nikolas Schiller, Sondra Battle, Adam Eidinger with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton as she signs the Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2018 aka the Sondra Battle Cannabis Fair Use Act
Exciting News!

We are pleased to share with you some cannabis reform history in the making. Today DC’s Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced the “Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2018,” aka the “Sondra Battle Cannabis Fair Use Act,” which will prevent cannabis users living in federally assisted housing, in states with medical or adult use cannabis laws, from being evicted for possessing, consuming, or growing cannabis.

This federal legislation would not have been introduced had it not been for Ward 7 resident Sondra Battle coming to a DCMJ Planning Meeting and sharing with us the trials and tribulations she was forced to endure to live in a mold-free home. Currently, Americans in states with medical cannabis or adult use laws can be evicted if they are caught using, possessing, or growing cannabis. As a fibromyalgia patient, who instead of using opiates to control her pain opted for medical cannabis, Sondra’s property management company used the knowledge of her medical cannabis use as a means to not remove the toxic black mold in her home. “If you tell on us, we’ll get you evicted for your medical cannabis!”

Most cannabis reform legislation you read about concerns cannabis business interests and doesn’t effect the people you hear the least about- the poorest of our society. Today’s legislation is groundbreaking because it has the ability to affect millions of Americans and ensure they can choose a safer alternative to opiates. When this legislation is passed, it will ensure that low-income cannabis users are not treated like second class citizens any longer. Sondra helped open our eyes to why it is important that DCMJ continues to fight for all cannabis users, growers, and their families.

A huge thank you goes out to Congresswoman Norton, her staff (Bradley Truding, Benjamin Fritsch, and Trent Holbrook) for helping draft and craft this model legislation, and most importantly, to Sondra Battle, who helped draw attention to an issue hidden from so many citizens eyes.

+ Click here to read Congresswoman Norton’s Press Release

+ Click here to read Adam Eidinger’s Washington Post Op-Ed The D.C. residents left out of the ‘District of Cannabis’ that was published nearly one year ago

Statement on Attorney General Sessions

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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.

INVITE: The B.U.D. Summit — Saturday, August 20, 2016

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The BUD Summit is taking place on Saturday, August 20

The Business, Understanding, & Development Summit (BUD Summit) is an effort to facilitate innovation and education for the cannabis industry on the East coast.

On August 20 in Washington, DC, we will capture the explosion of cannabis business, policy, culture, and investments made since the passing of legislation throughout the country.

The BUD Summit the evolution of the work accomplished with The Capitol CannaShow—the Mid­‐Atlantic’s largest and Washington, D.C.’s first cannabis conference and exposition. In the midst of an election year and with several state initiatives on ballots, there is no better place to capture the energy fueling the movement than mere blocks from our nation’s Capitol. New cannabis legislation is inevitable and we want to help you prepare to operate in this new environment.
The BUD Summit is taking place on Saturday, August 20

THE BUD SUMMIT WILL FEATURE:

Dynamic lectures on starting and growing a canna-business: (www.budsdc.com/agenda/)

  • An update from Adam Eidinger on the state of D.C. cannabis policy

  • A seminar with the industry’s most successful canna-business start-ups

  • Key-note speeches from Rick Simpson, Keith Stroup, and other industry leaders

  • A cultivation education center sponsored by DC Hydroponics

  • A 6,000 square foot exhibition area featuring top Canna-businesses nationwide

  • Advocacy opportunities with NORML, MPP, SSDP, Weed For Warriors, and more!

  • “The Hot Box” is a unique opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to access accredited investors and accelerators

Take a monumental leap towards laying the foundation for the next generation of cannabis entrepreneurial success.

Visit www.BUDSDC.com more information and register now.

Don’t forget to RSVP & invite your friends on Facebook!

Our Formal Request for a Higher Level Meeting at the White House

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The White House                                                             May 11, 2016
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama,

We would like to sincerely thank you and your staff for the assistance in helping DCMJ take meaningful first steps towards an open and honest dialogue with your administration regarding the serious need to de-schedule cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug under federal law– a classification reserved for lethal drugs considered to have no medical value such as heroin.

Today, more than half of the country has enacted medical cannabis laws. Four states and the District of Columbia have also passed laws to make adult cannabis use legal and several more states will vote on cannabis ballot initiatives this November.

Unfortunately, we have seen a pattern by the federal government of taking a backseat, while the states stand on the right side of history. This is not the first time that the states have been forced to take action while the federal government avoids it’s responsibility to address outdated, flawed and failed policies that harm Americans.

States, one-by-one, are standing up against unconstitutional laws like the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages granted under the laws of other states. Prior to being ruled unconstitutional, DOMA followed a very similar pattern like various cannabis ballot initiatives. Just like we saw with DOMA, we know more states are working to take an important stance against failed and unconstitutional drug policies of the federal government.

It is important to look at the facts regarding how our nation’s failed cannabis policies harm Americans:

  • According to the ACLU’s original analysis, marijuana arrests now account for more than half of all drug arrests in the United States.
  • Of the 8.2 million marijuana arrests between 2001 and 2010, 88% were for simply having marijuana.
  • Nationwide, the arrest data revealed one consistent trend: significant racial bias.
  • Despite roughly equal usage rates, African Americans are 3.73 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana.
  • Every year, medicinal cannabis is denied to tens of thousands of patients and our military veterans, who could benefit from its therapeutic uses.
  • Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include: pain relief, nausea, spasticity, glaucoma, movement disorders, among others. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant and emerging research suggests that marijuana’s medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumors and are neuroprotective.
  • Currently, more than 60 U.S. and international health organizations support granting patients immediate legal access to medicinal marijuana under a physician’s supervision.
  • Numerous research studies also show that the dangers of marijuana may have been overestimated in the past, while the risk of alcohol has been commonly underestimated.
  • In 2011 alone, an individual in the U.S. was arrested for marijuana use, sale or possession every 42 seconds, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report.
  • Alcohol and tobacco—both legal substances in U.S.—are more toxic, more addictive, more harmful to the body, more likely to result in injuries and death than cannabis.
  • There are more black men in prison, on parole or probation today than were enslaved in 1850 before the Civil War began.

While we are appreciative of your administration’s initial effort to take steps to begin an open dialogue with the cannabis community and its organized constituents, we would like a formal commitment from your administration to continue this conversation and are requesting:

  • An official response to DCMJ regarding our listening session with ONDCP
  • An official response to our original and standing request for a higher-level meeting with senior administration officials, such as the White House Office of Public Engagement before Friday, May 20, 2016; and
  • An answer to our original request that the White House host a cannabis policy reform summit with you, your senior staff and other key stakeholders such as patients, patient advocates, business owners, grassroots advocates, the disabled community, scientists, the medical community, veterans and others.

Given the compelling and staggering facts as to why these failed cannabis policies harm Americans, we are sure you can understand why we cannot tolerate your inaction on these important issues any longer. We simply cannot stand on the sidelines and watch while everyday more Americans are harmed by what is clearly racist and unconstitutional failed drug policies. This is why we are requesting a formal response regarding the above from your administration before May 20th.

Otherwise, on Friday, May 20, Harry Anslinger’s 124th birthday— a staunch supporter of prohibition and the criminalization of drugs, who played a pivotal role in cannabis prohibition—DCMJ will gather in front of the White House for another “Deschedule Marijuana” demonstration with non-violent civil disobedience. We feel compelled to do this as a symbolic message of solidarity on behalf of the tens of thousands of medical patients denied safe access to cannabis and the additional tens of thousands of Americans, who are rotting behind bars due to cannabis criminalization.

Harry Anslinger famously said the following deplorable, racist statements to justify marijuana prohibition:

“There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others.”

“…the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.”

“Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality, and death.”

“Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.”

“Marijuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing.”

“You smoke a joint and you’re likely to kill your brother.”

“Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind.”

You should understand our protests are not just for medical research into cannabis, but ending cannabis prohibition once and for all. You have the opportunity to heal the national wound of unjust cannabis policies that have always targeted minorities, hurt patients and corrupted policing in America for nearly 80 years.

If we do not hear back from you regarding the above meeting request, we also plan to highlight the racist views justifying marijuana prohibition which are more current than Mr. Anslinger at our demonstration. We will play recordings at the protest of President Richard Nixon’s xenophobic comments made while inside the White House. For example, we intend to play a recording of President Nixon saying the following:

“I mean one {a new bill} on marijuana that just tears the ass out of them. I see another thing in the news summary this morning about it. You know it’s a funny thing, every one of the bastards that are out for legalizing marijuana is Jewish. What the Christ is the matter with the Jews, Bob, what is the matter with them? I suppose it’s because most of them are psychiatrists, you know, there’s so many, all the greatest psychiatrists are Jewish. By God we are going to hit the marijuana thing, and I want to hit it right square in the puss, I want to find a way of putting more on that.”

Our protest will ask if the 5 million Americans that were arrested for marijuana during your time in the White House went to jail for Anslinger and Nixon’s bigotry or your indifference?

At DCMJ’s April 25, 2016 meeting with ONDCP, there were 20 empty chairs in the room that could have been filled with additional cannabis stakeholders for a meaningful and open conversation with the your administration. It’s clear that the time has come to expand the conversation. You simply were not willing to let bad policies like DOMA to be left to the states to sort out. Why should cannabis reform be any different? Now is the time for you to call cannabis prohibition a bad policy that was formed by propaganda, is unjust, un-American and extremely racist in its enforcement, even in 2016.

DCMJ looks forward to hearing from you and continuing this important dialogue with your administration—behind open or closed doors. We fully realize that continuing this conversation is vastly more effective than more demonstrations, but we need a commitment from you to keep talking. Otherwise, you should be aware that this movement has no plans on stopping protests— just like those who knew it was the right thing to not stop until DOMA was overturned.

We appreciate your administration’s consideration of continuing a sensible dialogue as well as hosting a cannabis summit with key stakeholders before you leave office.

Sincerest regards,

Adam Eidinger
Nikolas Schiller
Co-Founders, DCMJ

PRESS RELEASE: DC Residents Raise DC Liberty Pole on National Mall to Demand Equality

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 15, 2015

CONTACT:
ADAM EIDINGER (202)744-2671
NIKOLAS SCHILLER (202)805-1603

DC Residents Raise DC Liberty Pole on National Mall to Demand Equality

Nonstop Vigil to Hold Site without Permit Until April 20

WASHINGTON, DC – Early Wednesday morning, brave District of Columbia residents and supporters from Maryland and Virginia converged at 3rd Street on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol to erect the 42-foot “DC Liberty Pole” to call attention to the lack of political equality for the 650,000 American citizens who live in DC. Choosing the day federal taxes are due and wearing red Phrygian caps— symbolic hats historically worn by freed Roman slaves and American colonists resisting British tyranny during the American Revolution, and pictorially shown on the seal of the U.S. Senate, U.S. Army, and numerous state seals—the disenfranchised denizens of the nation’s capital began a six-day, nonstop unpermitted DC Democracy Vigil. They seek to highlight why taxation without representation is antithetical to American values and to call on Congress to pass legislation that grants DC residents the same rights as Americans of the 50 states.

Angered by the unethical actions of members of Congress who paternalistically meddle in the lives of District of Columbia residents, the event will feature workshops and speak-outs to call attention to the plight of the only Americans who suffer taxation without representation. Unlike citizens of the 50 states who pay their taxes on April 15 and whose elected officials represent constituents’ interests in the federal legislature, the residents of the District of Columbia are denied the right to elect representatives in Congress despite being obliged to pay both federal and “state” taxes.

“Consent of the governed is a republican value that members of Congress have forgotten, and we’re here to remind the 535 members of Congress that we do not consent to taxation without representation,” says DC Cannabis Campaign Chairman, Adam Eidinger.

Over the years, numerous international organizations from the United Nations to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have called on the U.S. government to grant political rights to DC residents. The U.S. is the only country in the developed world that denies inhabitants of the capital city the same political rights enjoyed by those who live elsewhere in the country. DC residents fight and die defending freedom abroad but are denied the right to elect Senators and Representatives who send them into harm’s way.

In the 214 years that the District of Columbia has existed, Congress has sent two DC-related constitutional amendments to the states for ratification. One became the 23rd amendment, which allows DC residents to vote for the President. The second constitutional amendment, which would have provided DC residents with representation in Congress, was not ratified by enough states and expired in 1985. Activists contend that if Congress were to send another DC-related constitutional amendment to the States, it would be ratified.

“During the Revolutionary War colonists donned Phrygian caps and constructed Liberty Poles as acts of defiance against the British government’s unethical taxation of colonies without representation in British parliament, and we are here today to harken back to that original era of U.S. liberty, to do exactly as those brave Americans did, with this vigil,” says Adam Eidinger.

The citizens will use the space around the Liberty Pole as an autonomous free-speech zone and will hold daily open mics to grant those attending the vigil the opportunity to speak about why taxation without representation must end immediately in the District of Columbia. Organizers also brought a sewing machine to assist in the fabrication of Phrygian caps for visitors and decorations for the Liberty Pole.
The DC Democracy Vigil is scheduled to conclude on Monday, April 20, but may end in arrests before this date if the National Park Service objects to the vigil.
Organizers are using the hashtag #FreeDC in social media to share updates about the DC Democracy Vigil.

More information about the DC Cannabis Campaign, which successfully introduced and passed Ballot Initiative 71, can be found at www.DCMJ.org. The political committee will be disbanded later this month and convert to DCMJ, a DC-based community group.

More About Liberty Poles
A Liberty Pole is a tall wooden pole, often used as a type of flagstaff, planted in the ground, and surmounted by a Phrygian cap. The symbol originated in the immediate aftermath of the assassination of Roman dictator Julius Caesar by a group of Rome’s Senators in 44 BC. Liberty poles were often erected in town squares in the years before and during the American Revolution. During this time, often violent struggles over liberty poles erected by the Sons of Liberty in New York City raged for 10 years. The poles were periodically destroyed by the British, only to be replaced by the Sons of Liberty with new ones. The conflict lasted from the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766 until the revolutionary New York Provincial Congress came to power in 1775. When an ensign was raised on a liberty pole, it was a calling for the Sons of Liberty or townspeople to meet and vent or express their views regarding British rule. The pole was known to be a symbol of dissent against Great Britain. During the Whiskey Rebellion, locals in western Pennsylvania would erect poles along the roads or in town centers as a protest against the federal government’s tax on distilled spirits, and evoke the spirit embodied by the liberty poles of decades earlier. The image of Liberty holding a pole topped by a Phrygian cap appears on many mid- and late-19th-century U.S. silver coins. Source: Wikipedia

More About Phrygian Caps
The Phrygian (pronounced FRI-GEE-AN) cap is a soft conical cap with the top pulled forward, associated in antiquity with the inhabitants of Phrygia, a region of central Anatolia. In early modern Europe it came to signify freedom and the pursuit of liberty through a confusion with the pileus, the felt cap of manumitted (emancipated) slaves of ancient Rome. Accordingly, the Phrygian cap is sometimes called a Liberty Cap and in artistic representations it signifies freedom and the pursuit of liberty.

In the years just prior to the American Revolutionary War of independence from Great Britain, the symbol of republicanism and anti-monarchial sentiment reappeared in the United States as headgear of Columbia, who in turn was visualized as a goddess-like female national personification of the United States and of Liberty herself. The cap reappears in association with Columbia in the early years of the republic, for example on the obverse of the 1785 Immune Columbia pattern coin, which shows the goddess with a helmet seated on a globe holding in a right hand a furled American flag topped by the liberty cap. The cap’s last appearance on circulating coinage was the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, which was minted through 1947 (and reused on the current bullion American Silver Eagle).

The U.S. Army has, since 1778, utilized a “War Office Seal” in which the motto “This We’ll Defend” is displayed directly over a Phrygian cap on an upturned sword. It also appears on the state flags of West Virginia (as part of its official seal), New Jersey, and New York, as well as the official seal of the United States Senate, the state of Iowa, the state of North Carolina and on the reverse side of the Seal of Virginia. Internationally, the Phrygian cap is used on the coat of arms of Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, and Nicaragua. Source: Wikipedia

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 Cannabis Campaign Undeterred Despite Congressional Attempt to Override Election

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 12, 2014

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

DC Cannabis Campaign Undeterred Despite Congressional Attempt to Override Election

WASHINGTON, DC – The DC Cannabis Campaign castigated congressional leaders today for advancing a federal spending bill that threatens a marijuana legalization ballot initiative in the District of Columbia.

“We’re going to fight back against anyone who tries to overturn our election or roll back our rights,” said Adam Eidinger, who chairs the DC Cannabis Campaign and formally proposed Initiative 71. “The people of the District of Columbia have ended marijuana prohibition and we won’t be turning back.”

The ambiguous wording of the congressional rider has left its interpretation open to debate. Although congressional Republicans argue that the rider is intended to overturn the election, others say that a plain reading leaves the law in place.

“Under the alternative reading, Initiative 71 has already been enacted, is self-executing, that is no further D.C. funds or action are needed, and will take effect after the expiration of the congressional layover period,” according to a press release from the office of DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Although President Barack Obama spoke against the congressional rider through a spokesman Thursday, he was reported to have personally lobbied members to vote for the bill. Since the appropriations rider primarily targets “Schedule I” controlled substances, the administration could still support Initiative 71’s future by exercising the federal government’s power to reclassify marijuana.

Initiative 71 passed on November 4, 2014, with 70% voting in favor of the measure to legalize the limited possession and cultivation of marijuana.

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 Cannabis Campaign Declares Victory in Historic Ballot Initiative

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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

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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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PRESS RELEASE: DC Cannabis Campaign Dismisses Obstruction Rumors on Initiative 71

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PRESS RELEASE
October 20, 2014

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

DC Cannabis Campaign Dismisses
Obstruction Rumors on Initiative 71

Joint Public Hearing on October 30 to
Consider Complementary ‘Tax and Regulate’ Bill

WASHINGTON, DC — Supporters of Ballot Initiative 71 will speak at a Joint Public Hearing at the John A. Wilson Building on October 30 that is set to discuss a separate legislative proposal known as the “Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act of 2014”. Although Ballot Initiative 71 would legalize the cultivation and possession of limited amounts of marijuana in the District of Columbia, it does not address the sale of marijuana due to existing restrictions on ballot measures. Advocates for the “Yes on 71” campaign will push back against reports that the DC Council might supplant the ballot initiative with its own legislation.

“There’s a natural complementarity to the two measures,” said Adam Eidinger, the chair of the DC Cannabis Campaign. “The ballot initiative will provide relief for private residents who continue to face fines and arrests under the current decriminalization regime, while the District Council’s legislation pursues the more complex task of taxing and regulating private businesses.”

A survey of likely voters in September showed 65% support for Ballot Initiative 71. The ballot initiative is subject to a 60-day congressional review period because it amends criminal law. The review period will need to begin once the 114th Congress is in session because the 113th Congress will not have enough time to satisfy the 60-day requirement following the November 4 election. If Congress does nothing, Ballot Initiative 71’s provisions will go into effect once the 60-day review period expires some time in the spring.

DC Cannabis Campaign officials are optimistic about the future of Ballot Initiative 71 following recent meetings with DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson.

“We expect the District Council to respect the will of the voters who want real marijuana reform,” said Dr. Malik Burnett, the vice chair of the DC Cannabis Campaign and D.C. Policy Manager for the Drug Policy Alliance. ”We feel confident that Ballot Initiative 71 will get a fair shot to pass unimpeded through Congress just like any other bill. Without interference, we could really see a sensible legalization policy go into effect this spring.”

The DC Cannabis Campaign is concerned that people of color continue to face disparities in the enforcement of penalties under the decriminalization law that went into effect on July 17. A Drug Policy Alliance review of records from the Metropolitan Police Department found that 77% of marijuana-related tickets have been issued in neighborhoods that are predominately home to people of color. White marijuana dealers were also found to be 20 times less likely to be arrested than black dealers in 2011 — the highest racial disparity of its kind in the nation.

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.

The “Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act of 2014” would establish a regulatory structure that permits private businesses to cultivate and sell marijuana and marijuana-based products to adults in the District of Columbia. The legislation, which was introduced by Councilmember David Grosso, also creates a special fund to collect marijuana-related revenues for dedicated expenditures.

The District of Columbia’s Committee on Business, Consumer, and Regulatory Affairs and the Committee on Finance and Revenue will hold a Joint Public Hearing at 11:00am EST on October 30 in Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

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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