Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., Applauds House Vote to Continue Fight Against Marijuana Legalization in District of Columbia

With the passage of the Financial Services Appropriations bill, the House of Representatives kept intact Congressman Andy Harris' provision against the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana in the District of Columbia. This provision, which passed with unanimous Republican support in committee last month, would seek to stop D.C. from utilizing federal or local funds to reduce the penalties for possession of marijuana for recreational use or to legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. No amendment was offered to remove Congressman Harris' language from the bill. His provision would in no way impact the use of medical marijuana.

"I am pleased the House decided to take action to protect more teenagers from drug use," says Congressman Harris. "As a physician, I have read study after study on the devastating effects of marijuana use, especially on developing brains of teenagers. When I became a physician, I took an oath to do no harm, and decriminalizing marijuana will harm D.C. residents, especially teens. We should be doing all we can to protect the health and safety of teens throughout the District--and the language in this bill will help us do that."

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