Even if Prop. 19 Passes, Federal Drug Laws Will Be Vigorously Enforced, Official Says (Los Angeles: sales, how much)

[azoria]

The nation's top federal law enforcement official said the Obama administration would "vigorously enforce" drug laws against people who grow, distribute or sell marijuana for recreational use even if California voters pass a measure to legalize it.

U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., in a letter sent Wednesday to nine former chiefs of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, wrote, "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."

....."Possession and sales of marijuana are illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. In his letter, Holder wrote: "We will vigorously enforce the CSA against those individuals and organizations that possess, manufacture or distribute marijuana for recreational use, even if such activities are permitted under state law."

Even if Prop. 19 passes, federal drug laws will be 'vigorously' enforced, official says | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times

[JS1]

Did Obama change his mind on his promise not to raid CA growers?

[californio sur]

Several experts were interviewed on the news this morning to discuss the Attorney General's warning to California to not legalize marijuana or face a federal injunction. The U.S. government is not going to allow Prop 19 to be implemented even if California voters approve legalizing weed. I think a lot of people are going to vote yes on Prop 19 just to show the federal government that we can legalize marijuana if we want to!

[HeyHolliday!]

Remember when feds were going to enforce the drug laws against medical marijuana growers. How did that turn out again?

Its nothing but lip service from the DEA. I predict Prop 19 passes and the DEA will make a few busts but run out of steam in a year or two.

It's up to California to start the beginning of the end for this failed war on drugs and a lot of people from other states are crossing their fingers hoping for California to pass this initiative.

[azoria]

^^^
That wasn't "lip service" from the DEA. That was a quote from the US Attorney General.

[Roaddog]

No suprise there, the Feds don't like to be slapped in the face.

[BRinSM]

it'll be the same old story if prop 19 passes. the feds will be all talk but no walk when it comes to any kind of enforcement. once a year or so, they'll put a task force together to shutdown a few 'retail outlets' then move on and the industry will pick back up again. the feds just don't have the manpower to enforce their pot laws in a state with over 30M people.

i also just read that LA Sheriff Lee Baca said he'd enforce the federal law if prop 19 passes as well. that would be an interesting political move. although i'm not sure how much luck he'd actually have with enforcement.

[Majin]

All talk, nothing will happen if (when) prop 19 passes.

[Twinkle Toes]

At some point we'll have members of Congress who will vote to repeal the preemption against MJ sales/use in the states. Some logical person has to be lurking in Congress who can sense the value of regulating/taxing it and getting our economy out of the crapper. Maybe not now, but in the near future.

[native56]

MJ is going to get our economy out of the "crapper"? That's rich! How will tens of millions of more dopeheads help our economy? Including a large percentage of our school-age kids.

Want our economy out of the crapper? Fire every Democrat and hold the Republican's feet to the fire. Don't let the Republicans retain power by outspending the Democrats like they did last time. Just free the American people to do what they do best. Let them work and create wealth. Get government off their backs.

And forget about MJ.