After a hearing on Washington Friday, Representative John Mica of Florida said that his position on marijuana decriminalization is "evolving." Although he has not singled out the District of Columbia's marijuana policy for scrutiny nor offered any opinion on the merits of the law, The Associated Press said that the Republican congressman was among the many who had questioned over the statute on marijuana possession.
It has been said that the US Congress rarely seeks to invalidate state or local laws. However, Congress reportedly use the appropriations process to block policies that are being opposed by social conservatives. And on Friday, the hearing was the third Mica's subcommittee has held to discuss about he conflict between federal and local drug laws and the enforcement priorities of the Obama administration.
The DC law, which was signed by DC Mayor Vincent Gray in March, now penalizes an individual who has possessed less than an ounce of marijuana. However, Mica pointed out, using an imitation of a marijuana cigarette in the hearing, how local and national lawmakers need to streamline their drug laws. In the hearing, AP said Mica noted that a person could roll over 20 joints using just an ounce of pot. It was also noted in the hearing that as the acting US Park Police chief would arrest people who had been found with pot on a federal property, DC police will not do so.
AP said that the DC law on marijuana possession would take effect if Congress will not take any action after 60 legislative days. It was pointed out that the law will not be enforced by federal authorities on federal property, which makes about a quarter of the city land.
Representative John Fleming of Louisiana, commented after the hearing that he will mull over an attempt to block the district's law. However, Fleming, who is a doctor and an outspoken critic of marijuana liberalization, said he is not sure on whether it was appropriate or feasible for Congress to intervene on the matter.
