Pot Legalization Advocates Tap Lobbyist on D.C.'s Marijuana Ban

The Drug Policy Alliance is ramping up a lobbying effort to remove the federal prohibition on the District of Columbia legalizing and regulating cannabis by bringing in the high-powered law and lobbying firm Arent Fox.

It’s the first outside firm hired by the Drug Policy Alliance, an advocacy group that works on drug decriminalization measures around the country. The organization has been involved with lobbying the federal government for two decades, according to disclosures filed with Congress.

“The District of Columbia is the nation’s capital. What happens here sends waves across the country,” Queen Adesuyi, policy manager of national affairs ...