Recreational marijuana now legal in D.C. despite Congress threats

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser snubbed congressional Republicans early Thursday to implement D.C.'s marijuana legalization law that allows locals to possess and use small amounts of the drug.

Bowser and D.C. Council members said they would not back down from the voter-approved initiative, known as Initiative 71. In implementing the law, Bowser rebuffed House Republicans -- including Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah and Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C. -- who said she'd be breaking federal law and runs the risk of jail.

In a news conference late Wednesday, Boswer urged Chaffetz to "stay focused on doing his job," adding that "bullying the District of Columbia is not what his constituents expect, nor do ours."

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., said Bower's actions violate the Antideficiency Act, legislation that prohibits federal government employees from obligating or authorizing expenditures that are not available in appropriations. Bowser said the law does not allow stores to sell marijuana, so the District will not be spending money to regulate a market for the drug.