D.C. Council considers decriminalizing pot possession

Two D.C. Councilmemebers plan to introduce legislation that would decriminalize marijuana possession to small amounts. The proposal, introduced by Tommy Wells and Marion Barry, would have to be approved by the mayor and Council Chairman along with Congress. The bill is scheduled to be introduced by this summer.

Those favoring decriminalization are pushing for voters to decide on the issue, but Barry thinks the Council should take the lead. More than a dozen states have eliminated jail time for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

Mayor Vincent Gray has said the district should focus on it medical marijuana program before considering decriminalization.