Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) has scheduled a
hearing to address the conflict between state and federal marijuana laws.
“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,” Senator
Leahy stated, “I believe that these state laws should be respected. At a
minimum, there should be guidance about enforcement from the federal
government.”
The hearing is scheduled for September 10th and both Attorney
General Eric Holder and Deputy Attorney General James Cole have been invited to
testify.
The
hearing comes after 20 states have approved of the medical use of marijuana and
two states have legalized it for recreational use. The Department of Justice
had promised clarification for these states regarding how, or if, the federal
government intends to respond, but has thus far failed to provide any clear
policy or guidance. It is the hope of Senator Leahy these hearings will address
the concerns of these states and provide them a way to move forward with their
state approved marijuana laws
See more at: Meeting on State and Federal Marijuana
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