Source: [Washington Post->http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-
dyn/content/article/2010/04/20/AR2010042004751.html]

21 April 2010

The Washington D.C. Council approved a measure that
will make cannabis legal for medical use by the end of this year

Chronically ill residents of the District of Columbia (Washington
D.C.) will be able to buy government-sanctioned cannabis by the
end of the year under a measure that was unanimously approved
by the D.C. Council on 20 April. Without debate, the council
authorized five medical cannabis distribution centres throughout
the city, a number that could grow to eight in coming years. A
patient who has HIV, glaucoma, cancer or a “chronic and lasting
disease” will be able to receive a doctor’s recommendation to
possess up to 2 ounces (57 grams) of cannabis in a 30-day period.

Patients would not be allowed to grow cannabis but could buy it
from dispensaries that are licensed and regulated by the
Department of Health. Underprivileged residents who qualify will
be eligible to purchase their cannabis free or at reduced cost.
Advocates heralded the council vote as one of the final steps of a
years-long struggle to act on a 1998 referendum in which 69
percent of residents voted for medical cannabis. But some
advocates and cannabis growers say the District’s law is destined
to fail because it is too restrictive and, therefore, might not attract
established growers who could meet the District’s requirements.
Congress will get 30 days to review the legislation before it
becomes law.

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