cannabis | On the Record

Congress can block DC laws, restrict how local funds are spent, and impose federal budget riders that deny the District revenue. One clear example is cannabis. DC voters legalized possession, but Congress still blocks the District from regulating and taxing recreational sales, denying millions in revenue that could be reinvested in communities harmed by the War on Drugs.

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In context

DC’s budget is under real strain, not because residents are asking for too much, but because revenue is not keeping pace with the economy or with the responsibilities DC is required to carry. The District relies primarily on local property, income, and sales taxes, along with federal funds that make up about a quarter of total revenue. Unlike states, DC must fund both city and state level services, including Medicaid, unemployment insurance, and human services, while lacking full control over its own budget.

Congress can block DC laws, restrict how local funds are spent, and impose federal budget riders that deny the District revenue. One clear example is cannabis. DC voters legalized possession, but Congress still blocks the District from regulating and taxing recreational sales, denying millions in revenue that could be reinvested in communities harmed by the War on Drugs.

At the same time, DC’s tax code and development strategy continue to favor the wealthy. Capital gains, inherited wealth, and high value property remain lightly taxed, while working families carry a disproportionate share of the load. The District has increasingly relied on mechanisms like Opportunity Zones, Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), and long term bonding to spur development without clear accountability for results. Too often, these tools shift risk onto future taxpayers while delivering limited public benefit. Without change, revenue will continue to lag behind economic growth, putting…

Darryl Moch

Statehood Green

Darrell Green

Republican

Elissa Silverman

IndependentOn the DC Council

1 measure introduced on cannabis35 recorded votes on cannabis5 against the majority

Ward 6 Member of the Council

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Charles Allen

DemocratOn the DC Council1 quoted

“Allen, who introduced emergency legislation giving ABCA enforcement authority in January 2024, said the location of the press conference was apt. “As the mayor said, H Street was suffering from a disproportionate number of these illegal shops that popped up, many of them right here on these two blocks.” he said. “These illegal shops were proliferating not just on H Street but across DC.”

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In context

In the News: "Hill Rag: DC Shutters 100th Illegal Cannabis Shop"

“Allen, who introduced emergency legislation giving ABCA enforcement authority in January 2024, said the location of the press conference was apt. “As the mayor said, H Street was suffering from a disproportionate number of these illegal shops that popped up, many of them right here on these two blocks.” he said. “These illegal shops were proliferating not just on H Street but across DC.”

Allen said the bulk of those operations accepted only cash and sold untested cannabis grown outside the District that, he said, was sometimes laced with dangerous drugs. He praised ABCA for going after those shops and in some cases, the landlords who signed leases with them. “In doing so, they are protecting consumers, protecting residents, protecting communities,” Allen said.”

5 measures introduced on cannabis61 recorded votes on cannabis5 against the majority

Jorge Rice

Republican

Attorney General

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Manuel Rivera

Republican

Brian L. Schwalb

Democrat

United States Senator

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Robert Simmons

Republican

Paul Strauss

Democrat

United States Representative

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Ciprian Ivanof

Republican1 quoted

And when I was in law school in 2016, it was clear that state governments were salivating over marijuana taxes and that there was a massive lobby. I argued that governments could get addicted to marijuana taxes the way the Russian government got addicted to vodka taxes but that was dismissed without an argument. And now we are seeing more evidence that marijuana doesn't trigger schizophrenia, it causes a schizophrenia-like condition. It time, we will probably recognize marijuana resulting in b

Apr 1, 2026X post

Franklin Garcia

Democrat

Ward 6 Member of the State Board of Education

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Measures tied to someone on your ballot

12 measures introduced by Robert White

Returning Citizens Cannabis Equity Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (B24-0221)

11 more

33 measures introduced by Phil Mendelson

Medical Cannabis Licensing and Unlicensed Establishment Enforcement Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2026 (B26-0759)

32 more

1 measure introduced by Elissa Silverman

Medical Marijuana Program Patient Employment Protection Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (B24-0184)

5 measures introduced by Charles Allen

Medical Cannabis Process Improvement Amendment Act of 2025 (B26-0522)

4 more

Medical Cannabis Program Enforcement Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 (B25-0770)Medical Cannabis Program Enforcement Amendment Act of 2024 (B25-0691)Medical Cannabis Program Enforcement Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 (B25-0648)Medical Cannabis Program Enforcement Temporary Amendment Act of 2024 (B25-0649)

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Great music and even better community vibes at Porchfest on Capitol Hill! Loved seeing neighbors come together to celebrate local artists and the creativity that makes DC special. This is what community is all about!

Oct 14, 2026X post

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🍦 Ice Cream with Oye is back! Join me Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 PM at Yala Greek Ice Cream in Georgetown! We’re teaming up with Pro Animal DC and DC Voters for Animals for sweet treats, great conversations, and community connection. Come grab a scoop! 🍨 #IceCreamWithOye #OyeForDC

Oct 12, 2026X post

This saddens me on so many levels. Brother Talib was a great man who used his story to inspire and lift others to greatness. My condolences goes out to his family, friends and colleagues. My thoughts go out to the entire MORCA family during this difficult time.

Oct 10, 2026X post

In context

The post it quotes, by @MayorBowser

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Talib Shakir, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs. We share our love, condolences, and prayers with Talib’s family and loved ones, the entire MORCA team, and all the members of our community relations teams who loved and learned from Talib.

Last night, I joined Adam Eidinger and Slobodan Milic at GW Law for a conversation about foie gras and Initiative 86’s path to law. Thank you to GW Law’s Animal Law program and everyone who came to talk about how ballot initiatives shape policy in the District. I appreciated the thoughtful discussion and the chance to hear different perspectives on this issue.

Oct 8, 2026X post

Nigeria at 66! Proud to celebrate alongside the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States and his wife, with fellow Nigerians making an impact across so many fields. An evening of culture, community, and music that felt like home. Moments like these remind me why I’m proud of where I come from, and who I carry with me as I serve D.C.

Oct 5, 2026X post

#WeekWithoutDriving: I've pledged to go car-free this week because reliable, accessible transit should work for every DC resident. Join me and take the pledge with @ggwash and DC TEN: https://ggwash.org/calendar/event/104634/dc-week-without-driving-2026

Oct 3, 2026X post ggwash.org

Hispanic Heritage Month is deeply meaningful to me. Like so many in the Latino community, I am a child of immigrants whose journey was defined by resilience, tenacity, and the desire for something better for their family. It was an honor to join the Hispanic Lobbyists Association for the La Placita: Avanza Awards. I stand in solidarity with the Latino community and am grateful to HLA for the invitation and for celebrating our shared stories, culture, and leadership. ¡Sí se puede! Better yet… ¡Sí se pudo

Oct 2, 2026X post

A second chance needs a real path forward. I appreciated hearing from leaders centering reentry and the people directly affected by it. In DC, that means tackling barriers to housing, jobs, and opportunity for neighbors returning home. Thank you, @ficpfm, for leading this work.

Sep 28, 2026X post

Great spending time with the Ward 6 Dems and ANC leaders, and always good to see Ms. Karen! The best conversations start with neighbors who know their communities and show up for them every day. I’m listening, and I’m ready to keep working together for Ward 6 and the entire District.

Sep 25, 2026X post

Last night, I made my case at the DC At-Large Council debate: protect Home Rule, expand access to health care, and make the District a place where more people can afford to build a future. Thank you to DC Debates and everyone who tuned in.

Sep 23, 2026X post