Legalization

In a recent speech to the National Association of Attorneys General, US Attorney General Eric Holder opened the floor to questions. The first question to be asked dealt with the the Colorado and Washington’s recent legalization of marijuana this past November.

In response, the Attorney General said, “We’re still in the process of reviewing both of the initiatives that were passed…I would say, and I mean this, that you’ll hear soon.”

This is a crucial decision for the Justice Department. The ballot initiatives in Washington and Colorado legalize the possession, sale, & distribution of marijuana. The product is legal for recreational use. This is in direct on conflict with Federal law.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance; along with heroin, LSD, and others. This prohibition includes medicinal use even though there are now 18 states where medicinal marijuana is legal.