WA Governor Vetoes Medical Marijuana Licensing Bill

By Jeralyn, Section Legislation
Posted on Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 11:42:07 PM EST
Tags: medical marijuana (all tags)

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DOJ's tricks are working. After the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington sent a letter to the legislature warning that passage of a medical marijuana licensing bill would subject state workers to federal prosecution, today Governor Christine Gregoire vetoed the bill, saying she was "swayed" by the letter. (Background on the almost identical letters sent by a number of U.S. attorneys in recent weeks in states where medical marijuana is legal is here.)

More U.S. Attorneys are jumping on the bandwagon. Today, it was the U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island, sending almost a verbatim letter, even though he hadn't been asked for his position.

And in Montana today, Governor Brian Schweitzer let the bill that passed the legislature this week restricting medical marijuana become law by doing nothing. His lame explanation: [More...]

The governor said he would have to let the bill go into effect and look to the next Legislature to increase access for patients.

"I will hold my nose and allow this to be law until the Legislature gets back to session," Schweitzer said.

In Hawaii today, a bill to establish a medical marijuana project failed.

Illinois is considering a medical marijuana bill. Its chances for passage increased this week. What will happen if U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald sends out the form letter opposing it and threatening prosecution?

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WA Governor Vetoes Medical Marijuana Licensing Bill | 3 comments (3 topical)

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Gregoire (none / 0) (#3)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 09:35:31 AM EST

Gregoire may also have been swayed by the fact that she was WA attorney general before becoming governor. Her own "crime-fighting" background may also have swayed her.

Yick, I can't stand her.

We are officially the dumbest nation on earth (none / 0) (#4)
by Dadler on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 10:25:49 AM EST

And not a peep about alcohol. The stupidity of these people, the pure cowardice, our leaders deserve to be laughed at and hit with sock after sock of manure. But then you'd be wasting sh*t on sh*t, so...

Actually, the letter to Gov Gregoire (none / 0) (#5)
by oldpro on Sat Apr 30, 2011 at 11:57:55 AM EST

was from both US Attorneys in Washington State, the Western District position held by Jenny Durkan who could be described as Gregoire's best friend.

If Chris decides not to run for a third term, an appointment in the Obama administration might be attractive in rounding out her career.

Until this year, she has been an effective governor under very trying circumstances. This year, she lost her way...