Obama Backs DC Vote to Legalize Marijuana

President Obama supports legalization of the recreational use of marijuana in the nation’s capital as approved by D.C. voters in a November referendum, the White House says.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday that despite some reservations, Obama would sign the $1.1 trillion spending bill if it reaches his desk.

District voters approved an initiative in November that legalizes possession of small amounts of pot.

District leaders have protested the anti-marijuana rider as anti-democratic interference, since residents of the capital city do not have voting representation in Congress.

But Members of Congress  say they are acting to uphold federal law, which still bans the use, possession and sale of marijuana.

Obama supports statehood for the District, and Earnest says the president believes “on principle” that Congress shouldn’t interfere with a local initiative…