DC Council approves record sealing for pot crimes

BEN NUCKOLS
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The D.C. Council has made further changes to marijuana laws in the nation’s capital as residents weigh whether to legalize pot.

On Tuesday, the council unanimously approved a bill that allows nonviolent marijuana offenders to have their criminal records sealed. The bill follows the council’s move earlier this year to decriminalize possession of small amounts of pot. Next month, voters will decide whether marijuana possession should be legal in the District of Columbia.

The council also approved a bill that allows doctors to prescribe medical marijuana as they see fit. A temporary version of the bill was already in effect, and the bill approved Tuesday makes it permanent.

Previously, medical marijuana could only be prescribed in the District of Columbia to people suffering from a short list of conditions.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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