Rep. Andy Harris Releases Statement on His Amendment to Block D.C.'s Effort to Decriminalize Marijuana

Press Release

Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., has released the following statement in response to the Appropriations Committee's bipartisan decision today to accept his amendment, which would block the District of Columbia's effort to decriminalize marijuana. According to the most recent data from the Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the District of Columbia has one of the highest rates of marijuana use among residents age 12 and up. The amendment does not impact medical marijuana laws in the District.

"As a physician, I have read study after study on the devastating effects of marijuana use, especially on developing brains of teenagers. Congress has the authority to stop irresponsible actions by local officials, and I am glad we did for the health and safety of children throughout the District. When I became a physician, I took an oath to do no harm, and decriminalizing marijuana will harm D.C. residents, especially youth. That's why I took steps to stop its implementation."

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