7 Arrested At Marijuana Rally Near U.S. Capitol: Police

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Capitol Police had a very un-chill reaction to a 4/20 marijuana rally near the grounds of the Capitol on Thursday, arresting seven of the demonstrators for distributing marijuana.

Marijuana was legalized in D.C., but the drug remains illegal on the federal level. U.S. Capitol Police officers began arresting "several individuals after witnessing them distributing marijuana in public view to passersby at First and Constitution Avenue NE" shortly after noon on Thursday, according to a statement from Capitol Police.

"Under federal law, it is unlawful to possess marijuana," the statement reads. "As of 2:30 p.m., one adult male and two adult female arrestees were charged with 21 USC 841(a) (possession with intent to distribute). Four adult females were charged with 21 USC 844(a) (possession). They were taken to USCP Headquarters for processing."

The 4/20 event was dubbed the "1st Annual Joint Session," and activists said they stayed off federal land by gathering across the street from the Capitol. D.C. law allows small amounts of marijuana to be given away.

However, U.S. Capitol Police eventually seized the joints and arrested the activists.

Local marijuana advocacy group DCMJ, which organized the event, say they wanted to garner support for the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment to the federal budget, which prohibits federal authorities from using funds to interfere with D.C. cannabis laws.

"Organized by DCMJ, DC residents will lawfully give away at least 1,000 free cannabis legally home-grown joints, and call on Speaker Ryan and Congress to reauthorize the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment, which prohibits the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Agency from using funds to step in or interfere with DC and state medical cannabis laws," DCMJ said in a statement in advance of the event. "The measure expires April 28, 2017. To date, the amendment has protected nearly two-thirds of country from federal legal intervention. However, the Rohrabacher–Farr amendment must be approved by Congress every year in the federal budget. Additionally, DCMJ will also call on Speaker Ryan and Congress to remove the DC budget rider that prevents the DC government from regulating adult-use stores and cafes."

DCMJ also organized a large demonstration in D.C. at the inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20, handing out thousands of joints to the public before marching down to the National Mall to light up at four minutes and 20 seconds into Trump's speech. No arrests were made in that demonstration, although the organization warned demonstrators that they risked arrest.

Image via National Park Service