Anna Grossman
Washington, D.C.’s perennially stressed politicos may have a new way to unwind, as long as they have a doctor’s note: The D.C. Council will vote on Tuesday whether or not to legalize medical marijuana and thus dispensaries for patients who qualify. The drug’s widespread use is something of an open secret in the city, which studies have shown to have one of the highest rates of use (and highest rates of arrest)—11 percent of District residents admit to lighting up over the past year in spite of heavy fines, according to federal surveys. “The number of colleges in the city is one factor,” explained one marijuana advocate. “Another factor, and a subtle one, is the degree that people feel open enough to answer.” Under the new bill, doctors would be allowed to recommend but not prescribe 2 ounces of the drug for use over a 30-day period. Fourteen U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana.