David Jackson

USA TODAY

The Obama administration is expressing support for the Washington, D.C., referendum legalizing marijuana use — though President Obama also plans to sign a spending measure that would block the results of that vote.

"This administration has been a strong supporter of the District of Columbia getting statehood," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest. "We do not believe that Congress should spend a lot of time interfering with the ability of the citizens of the District of Columbia to make decisions related to how they should govern their community."

A $1.1 trillion spending plan approved by the House on Thursday and under consideration in the Senate includes a rider that would void Washington's recent pot vote.

White House officials said Obama will sign the bill when passed because it includes more good provisions than bad ones, and would avoid a government shutdown.

From ABC News:

"D.C. voters approved a referendum in November, by a nearly 2-to-1 margin, to legalize the possession of up to 2 ounces of pot or up to three plants for personal use.

"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.

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