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…

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Manuel Rivera

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Brian L. Schwalb

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Robert Simmons

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Paul Strauss

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Ciprian Ivanof

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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

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Ben Williams

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)

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Youngest candidate in the race, building our future, recognizing the past DC, and embracing the new. These 3 things aren't a contradiction. They're the point. #GenZLeadership #GrossForMayor #HumanLifeStandard

Aug 17, 2026X post

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I am a eco-socialist capitalist ; That's just a fancy way of saying I'm an Eutopian. Which itself is a fancy way of saying markets can advance prosperity and well-being when guided by socialistic institutions and environmental stewardship.

Jul 12, 2026X post

And I look forward to meeting you all!

Jul 12, 2026X post

In context

The post it quotes, by @gpusccc

@TheronForACC @michael_david41 @pghDSA @AlleghenyGreens @DemSocialists @RLGforMayor @DCStatehoodGP DC will be at the annual meeting!

As we push toward November, our goal is to host our own events and restore the party to its former strength. I'm not the only candidate, and this party has spoken for itself since its founding in 1971 to pressure Nixon into supporting DC statehood.

Jun 29, 2026X post

That's fair, we're looking for more volunteers to get involved with boots on the ground, right now, it's the members of this party and a whole lotta coffee. All that I saw, plus a fair amount of forums. Most unfortunately were Dem specific so, a #STG candidate wasn't invited

Jun 28, 2026X post

My administration asks a simple question: Does this improve the quality of life for the people of Washington, D.C.? The work to be done following this election is not just getting started but progressing forward towards the country's 51st State. #Statehood #DC #DCMayor

Jun 16, 2026X post

It feels like a dream to see my name on my ballot. Honestly, the fight is not finished! There will be more to come and your support is more than enough to push us forward! #DCStatehood #DCElections #DCMayor

Jun 16, 2026X post

Watch my interview with Sunrise @thehill and hear how my administration plans to modernize our city and advance us toward our ultimate goal of DC Statehood!

Jun 9, 2026X post

Testified at the SY26 Budget Oversight Hearing. Too many decisions are missing the people they’re meant to serve. If we’re serious about D.C.’s future, reform and modernization aren’t optional. They’re overdue. Grateful for the opportunity to speak.

Apr 23, 2026X post

🏙️ In Washington D.C. : The old system managed problems. The current system is trying to promote them. The HLS is here to solve them. ✨ The future isn’t coming. We are it. #DCPolitics #DCStatehood #FutureOfDC #PurposeNotProfit #Politics

Mar 19, 2026X post