Washington, DC decriminalizes marijuana

April 02, 2014 02:35

District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray has signed a bill that decriminalizes possession of up to an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana in the U.S. capital, a spokeswoman said.

The law makes possession a civil violation with a penalty of $25, lower than most city parking tickets. Possession had been a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Proponents had backed the measure as an issue of fairness.

A study by the American Civil Liberties Union had shown that blacks in Washington were eight times more likely to be arrested for pot than people of other races.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Impact player rule: 'Entertaining cricket but takes all-rounders out of game'

Joining the raging debate around Impact Players in the IPL, Lucknow Super Giants consultant Adam Voges said he prefers something like the 'Power Surge' rule in the Australian Big Bash League where the batting team gets to decide a...

Kareena Goes To Tanzania!

Just how do movie stars spend their week? While some are travelling on film assignments or pleasure, others brave the Mumbai summer at home.

Changing complexion: Adani stocks now have prominent investor base

Amid intense scrutiny from short-sellers and regulators, Adani group stocks have seen a significant shift in their shareholder base: Relatively opaque foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have given way to more recognisable investors and...

Trying to find batting combination that does well for us: Fleming

Chennai Super Kings are not looking for a "quick fix" to their issues in the batting department and head coach Stephen Fleming is ready to give the likes of Daryl Mitchell time to get settled in top-three after their fourth loss in eight...

Take The '80s Bollywood Quiz

Sukanya Verma quizzes you to find out just how much you know about the movies.