Legislation that would legalize sale of recreational marijuana in DC unveiled by Mayor Bowser

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser held a news conference Thursday to unveil legislation that would allow the legal sale of recreational marijuana in the District,

According to a news release, Bowser says the legislation would allow "for the sale of recreational cannabis and prioritizes public health and safety, advances equity, and provides clarity on the use of cannabis and cannabis products."

According to D.C. Police, it is still a criminal violation to sell any amount of marijuana or to possess more than two ounces of marijuana. It is also illegal to use marijuana in any public place or to operate a vehicle or boat while under the influence. Marijuana possession by persons under 21 years of age is not allowed, police say.

D.C. Police say it is legal for a person who is at least 21 years old to possess two ounces or less of marijuana, transfer one ounce or less of marijuana to another person who is at least 21 years old so long as there is no payment made, grow up to six marijuana plants at home (no more than three of which are mature), possess marijuana-related drug paraphernalia that is associated with one ounce or less of marijuana or use marijuana on private property.

"We won't have a system that says you can possess and use marijuana but you don't have any legal way to purchase it and that's simply untenable. And so people…many people who are going to the illegal market want to go some place that's safe, where they know what the product is, where they're not putting themselves in a dangerous situation with these street interactions and that's going to change," said Bowser.

Here are The Facts on DC Marijuana Laws as posted online by D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department.