Washington voters support initiative to legalize marijuana in U.S. capital

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Almost two-thirds of likely voters support a Washington initiative that would legalize marijuana in the nation's capital, a new poll found.

The NBC4/Washington Post/Marist poll released Thursday showed growing support for legalization among black voters. While they are still less likely to back legal pot, 56 percent said they would vote for Initiative 71.

If the initiative passes Nov. 4, Washington would become the third jurisdiction in the country to allow recreational use, following Colorado and Washington State. The city already reduced the penalty for possession to a $25 fine, but full legalization could set Washington up for a conflict with its largest business, the federal government.

Washington's population has grown by about 45,000 in recent years, with many of the newcomers young affluent professionals, a group that tends to support legalization.

But another factor is concern about unequal enforcement of drug laws. About 90 percent of those arrested for marijuana in the District are black people, even though surveys show drug use tends to be about the same among races. Four years ago, only 37 percent of black voters in Washington said they would support legal marijuana.

Alaska, which has no penalties for marijuana possession, and Oregon are also set to vote on legalizing recreational pot this year. Florida has a referendum on whether it will join the growing ranks of states that allow marijuana for medical uses.

Some activists opposed the initiative in Washington. They said that putting the measure on the ballot might force a premature confrontation with the U.S. Congress.