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In a letter written to nine former leaders of the Drug Enforcement Administration, President Obama’s Attorney General Eric Holder threatened states attempting to legalize marijuana. In the past the Obama Administration had taken somewhat more of a “hands off” approach to the regional legalization of medical cannabis; now, however, the Attorney General is apparently adamantly opposed to any effort by individual states to regulate and tax pot for adult use. In response to California’s pot legalization initiative, Holder wrote in part:

“Let me state clearly that the Department of Justice strongly opposes Proposition 19. If passed, this legislation will greatly complicate federal drug enforcement efforts to the detriment of our citizens . . . We will vigorously enforce the CSA [Controlled Substances Act] against those individuals and organizations that possess, manufacture or distribute marijuana for recreational use, even if such activities are permitted under state law.”

Chief of Police Says Legalize Pot Now



Joseph McNamara, a research fellow in drug policy at Stanford University, and former San Jose Chief of Police, has long argued for cannabis legalization, explaining that sixty percent of drug cartel money comes from the sale of illegal marijuana. In a statement from the Yes on 19 campaign, Mr. McNamara responded to Holder’s letter:

“Californians are not going to let politicians in Washington, DC tell them how to vote. As we saw with the repeal of alcohol prohibition, it takes action from the states to push the federal government to change its policies. Passing Proposition 19 in California will undoubtedly kick start a national conversation about changing our country’s obviously failed marijuana prohibition policies. If the federal government wants to keep fighting the nation’s failed ‘war on marijuana’ while we’re in the midst of a sagging economic recovery and two wars, it just proves that the establishment politicians’ priorities are wrongly focused on maintaining the status quo.”

Proposition 19 Leading in Polls



Despite the federal opposition, or maybe partly because of Holder’s bloviation, the California initiative to legalize marijuana, Proposition 19, is ahead in the state polls, and seems very likely to win in November. If Proposition 19 passes, it would become legal for people over 21 to have up to an ounce of marijuana, to grow up to 25 square feet of plants in a private residence, and to smoke pot in non-public places. The measure would also empower cities and counties to locally regulate marijuana cultivation and sales.

Just a few weeks ago our benevolent Austrian overlord, Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed legislation that reduces the penalties for possession of an ounce of marijuana in California; it is now only an infraction, punishable by a $100 fine — it had previously been a misdemeanor.





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