WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Eric Holder signaled a change on medical marijuana policy Wednesday, saying federal agents will target marijuana distributors only when they violate both federal and state law. That would be a departure from the policy of the Bush administration, which targeted medical marijuana dispensaries in California even if they complied with that state’s law.
Holder did not spell out exactly who no longer would face the prospect of raids by the Drug Enforcement Administration. But he was quick to add that law enforcement officers will target anyone who tries to “use medical marijuana laws as a shield” for other illegal activity.
“Given the limited resources that we have, our focus will be on people, organizations that are growing, cultivating substantial amounts of marijuana and doing so in a way that’s inconsistent with federal and state law,” the attorney general said.
via The Associated Press: Attorney general signals shift in marijuana policy.
This is a promising development, but it still leaves the question of prosecutions already in progress of California distributors or growers who were in compliance with California law, like Charles Lynch. I’m also curious as to whether the federal DEA will work with California law enforcement to help ensure that dispensaries are operating within California law — does California get to decide the distributors are following state law, or does the DEA?
What is the new “federal medical marijuana” law
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Russ Thanks for this one. I love being able to weigh in and give my point of view and read others.
I have to say I’m 50/50 on this one. As you have pointed out some very relevant concerns, that I stand with you on. Let me address looking at it another way. This does seem to be a more open ended approach than that of the previous administration’s, with regard to other state / federal laws pertaining to medical marijuana. And perhaps leaves the plan more responsible when dealing with changes to those laws. But being open ended and unspecific leaves those questions. Left unaddressed theses could become notorious “Grey” areas. So while part of me wants to fire one up in celebration, part of me still has to wonder, and only time will tell, exactly how this will protect everyone affected by prohibition.