Andy Harris comes under fire for D.C. pot referendum blockage

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- A push by Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., to block Washington, D.C.'s decriminalization of recreational marijuana as part of the government's spending bill has some residents angry.

The district in November voted to legalize marijuana, allowing adults to to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, grow up to six plants and give marijuana to other adults. The ballot initiative 71 had more than 70 percent support.

But the Home Rule Act of 1973 also gives Congress the power to veto any of the district's laws. Backed by support from Harris and other lawmakers, Congress agreed Tuesday to block the new marijuana law in D.C. as a rider in the government's new $1.1 trillion spending bill.

"I am glad Congress is going to, in a bipartisan way, uphold federal law to protect our youth by preventing legalization in Washington, D.C.," Harris said in a statement Wednesday morning. "Numerous studies show the negative impact regular recreational marijuana use has on the developing brain and on future economic opportunities for those who use this illegal drug."

The move sparked outcry by Initiative 71 supporters, who feel the federal government shouldn't have power over the referendum. Harris faced particular social media ridicule after interaction with reporters Wednesday.

Asked by a reporter from the liberal-leaning Talking Points Memo website if the rider violate's state's rights, Harris responded, "D.C.'s not a state."

"I'm sorry, it's not a state," he added.

Asked Rep. Andy Harris if his DC anti-pot rider violates the principle of states rights. His response: "DC's not a state."
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) December 10, 2014

Pack it in, everyone. Andy Harris found out the secret that D.C.'s not a state.
— Sarah Anne Hughes (@dcistsarah) December 10, 2014

@RepAndyHarrisMD Andy Harris to DC taxpayers: Just shut up and pay your taxes. You vote counts when I SAY it counts. #DC71
— David Hobby (@strobist) December 10, 2014

Meanwhile, members of DC Vote, a group that advocates for a greater voice for D.C. residents, urged Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to block the rider in an open letter.

"Any proposal to block a law enacted by the overwhelming vote of District citizens flies in the face of your own support for the District's deserved equality and autonomy," DC Vote's Kimberly Perry and Ed Krauze wrote.

Supporters of Initiative 71 marched on the Department of Justice Wednesday evening in protest of the spending bill rider.

Here's the plan: u get out of work at 5:30, hop on Metro, get off at Archives, walk over to DOJ, & join us at 6pm when we march! #DC71
— DC Cannabis Campaign (@DCMJ2014) December 10, 2014