[420 Girl]

It seemed like a fitting coincidence: the DC Council passed a bill approving the use of marijuana for medical purposes – unanimously – on Weed Day. According to a report on the Washington Post, the Council authorized five medical marijuana distribution centers, which can increase to eight as the years go by.

Marijuana Patients suffering from glaucoma or cancer or has HIV – or a “chronic and lasting disease” – may, with recommendation from a doctor, possess up to two ounces of marijuana in a thirty-day period. Unlike the medical marijuana regulations in other states, patients will not be allowed to grow marijuana; medical marijuana will have to be sourced from licensed dispensaries regulated by the Department of Health.

Council member and Health Committee chairman David Catania gave the following statement: “This legislation seeks to avoid problems while assuring the District moves forward with a medical marijuana program that is based on evidence and best practices.”

Surprisingly, though, the DC bill is critiqued by medical marijuana advocates (in addition to those who are opposed to marijuana legalization of any form), who say that there are too many restrictions in the way the bill is set up, which may result in its inability to attract established growers.

Oakland-based Harborside Health Center executive director Steve DeAngelo shares: “I think the bill is deeply flawed, and I don’t think it is going to achieve the purpose, which is protect patients… The regulations may be setting up a system that drives patients back onto the streets.” Harborside distributes medical marijuana to patients in California.

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