WASHINGTON — It was legal until suddenly it wasn’t.
On Tuesday, the D.C. City Council voted to dissolve a ban on marijuana use in private businesses, only to reinstate the ban 20 minutes later.
It led to brief confusion with some council members, who weren’t exactly sure what they agreed to.
Before the vote, the majority of the council didn’t see the need for an emergency extension of the ban, so the panel decided to let marijuana be used in private clubs.
“Reissuing a blanket ban on all consumption not in a residence is not a good way to move forward,” said Councilwoman Brianne Nadeau, Ward 1.
Councilman Vincent Orange said he was concerned about citizens who can’t use marijuana in their homes, like those who live in public housing, for instance.
The council initially voted 7-6, essentially making it legal to use marijuana in private businesses.
But minutes later, Councilwoman Yvette Alexander expressed shared confusion with her colleagues.
“Was wondering if we could reconsider that,” she asked Council Chairman Phil Mendelson.
Then, Councilman Charles Allen motioned for the act to be reconsidered.
Allen said he was concerned how the city could enforce the private use of marijuana with no law in place.
He asked Judiciary Committee Chairman Kenyon McDuffie if his panel would move quickly toward permanent legislation, making the current emergency ban a stopgap measure.
Both McDuffie and Mendelson supported the ban, which they said Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Cathy Lanier wanted upheld.
The council, concerned over how police would enforce private pot clubs with no law in place, agreed to rework the permanent bill and keep the ban in place.
“Leave for today the status quo, but come together, create the infrastructure we need so we can go forward,” said Councilwoman Mary Cheh.
The measure ultimately passed 9-4.
