Justice Department issues guidance on marijuana
August 29, 2013 | 06:38 PM
The Justice Department has paved the way for states to regulate marijuana farming.
Justice Department said today that, although marijuana remains an illegal drug under national law, it will not stop the production, processing, sale and possession of marijuana in those states that have legalized it unless these practices result in “harms” that federal officials have decided should be prioritized, such as distribution to minors or providing significant income to criminal enterprises, cartels and gangs.
“For states such as Colorado and Washington that have enacted laws to authorize the production, distribution and possession of marijuana, the department expects these states to establish strict regulatory schemes that protect the eight federal interests identified in the department’s guidance,” the Justice Department said in the memo. “These schemes must be tough in practice, not just on paper, and include strong, state-based enforcement efforts, backed by adequate funding.”
Details of the guidance may be found in the memo. (See link below)
Justice Department said today that, although marijuana remains an illegal drug under national law, it will not stop the production, processing, sale and possession of marijuana in those states that have legalized it unless these practices result in “harms” that federal officials have decided should be prioritized, such as distribution to minors or providing significant income to criminal enterprises, cartels and gangs.
“For states such as Colorado and Washington that have enacted laws to authorize the production, distribution and possession of marijuana, the department expects these states to establish strict regulatory schemes that protect the eight federal interests identified in the department’s guidance,” the Justice Department said in the memo. “These schemes must be tough in practice, not just on paper, and include strong, state-based enforcement efforts, backed by adequate funding.”
Details of the guidance may be found in the memo. (See link below)
