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Leahy Schedules Hearing on Conflict in State and Federal Marijuana Laws

By Jeralyn, Section Crime Policy
Posted on Tue Aug 27, 2013 at 03:38:32 PM EST
Tags: marijuana reform (all tags)
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Sen. Patrick Leahy has scheduled a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on September 10th on the conflict between state and federal marijuana laws. Attorney General Eric Holder and Deputy Attorney General James Cole have been invited to testify.

“It is important, especially at a time of budget constraints, to determine whether it is the best use of federal resources to prosecute the personal or medicinal use of marijuana in states that have made such consumption legal,” Leahy said. “I believe that these state laws should be respected. At a minimum, there should be guidance about enforcement from the federal government.”

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    Leahy Schedules Hearing on Conflict in State and Federal Marijuana Laws | 4 comments (4 topical)

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    If Sen. Leahy thinks (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by Peter G on Tue Aug 27, 2013 at 08:52:58 PM EST
    that the important focus is on why the federal government shouldn't prosecute cases of "personal or medicinal use" of marijuana, he is just posturing and wasting time. Use, as such, is not even a crime, and possession for personal use ("simple possession") is the least likely federal crime (a misdemeanor) to be prosecuted.  The problem is with federal investigation, prosecution and forfeiture actions directed against growers and distributors for personal and medical use by others, where those growers and distributors are in -- nor pretty much in -- compliance with state law. For that matter, one of the big problems is with the feds taking it upon themselves to decide who is or is not in compliance with state law, as a criterion for whom to persecute.

    Of course, where I typed (none / 0) (#2)
    by Peter G on Wed Aug 28, 2013 at 08:56:20 AM EST
    "nor pretty much in," I meant to say "or at least pretty much in" compliance.

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    I think... (none / 0) (#3)
    by kdog on Thu Aug 29, 2013 at 11:52:47 AM EST
    the good senator must be implying that in order for anyone to use the sacrament recreationally or medicinally legally under state law they must be free to grow, buy, and sell the sacrament as permitted under state law without the feds busting down doors and stealing the sacrament, the money, and other valuable assets.  

    iow, though the feds might not bother with individual users, they could if they so chose under federal law...and f*cking with the growers and/or sellers is indirectly f*cking with the users.

    Parent

    SITE VIOLATOR (none / 0) (#5)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Sun Sep 07, 2014 at 10:55:27 AM EST


    Leahy Schedules Hearing on Conflict in State and Federal Marijuana Laws | 4 comments (4 topical)

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