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cannaletto · 10-19-2009, 08:27 AM

I'm posting this copy of news from KCRA TV news for anyone who hasn't heard yet.:

Feds Won't Arrest Pot-Smoking Patients, New Guidelines To Be Issued

POSTED: 5:58 am PDT October 19, 2009
UPDATED: 7:39 am PDT October 19, 2009

WASHINGTON --
Federal drug agents won't pursue pot-smoking patients or their sanctioned suppliers in California and other states that allow medical marijuana, under new legal guidelines to be issued today by the Obama administration.

Two Justice Department officials described the new policy to The Associated Press, saying prosecutors will be told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state law.

The guidelines to be issued by the department do, however, make it clear that agents will go after people whose marijuana distribution goes beyond what is permitted under state law or use medical marijuana as a cover for other crimes, the officials said.

The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration, which insisted it would continue to enforce federal anti-pot laws regardless of state codes.

California and the following states allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

California is unique among those for the widespread presence of dispensaries -- businesses that sell marijuana and even advertise their services. Colorado also has several dispensaries, and Rhode Island and New Mexico are in the process of licensing providers, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, a group that promotes the decriminalization of marijuana use.

Attorney General Eric Holder said in March that he wanted federal law enforcement officials to pursue those who violate both federal and state law, but it has not been clear how that goal would be put into practice.

A three-page memo spelling out the policy is expected to be sent today to federal prosecutors in the 14 states, and also to top officials at the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration.

The memo, the officials said, emphasizes that prosecutors have wide discretion in choosing which cases to pursue, and says it is not a good use of federal manpower to prosecute those who are without a doubt in compliance with state law.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the legal guidance before it is issued.

"This is a major step forward," said Bruce Mirken, communications director for the Marijuana Policy Project. "This change in policy moves the federal government dramatically toward respecting scientific and practical reality."

At the same time, the officials said, the government will still prosecute those who use medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activity. The memo particularly warns that some suspects may hide old-fashioned drug dealing or other crimes behind a medical marijuana business.

In particular, the memo urges prosecutors to pursue marijuana cases which involve violence, the illegal use of firearms, selling pot to minors, money laundering or involvement in other crimes.

And while the policy memo describes a change in priorities away from prosecuting medical marijuana cases, it does not rule out the possibility that the federal government could still prosecute someone whose activities are allowed under state law.

The memo, officials said, is designed to give a sense of prosecutorial priorities to U.S. attorneys in the states that allow medical marijuana. It notes that pot sales in the United States are the largest source of money for violent Mexican drug cartels, but adds that federal law enforcement agencies have limited resources.

Medical marijuana advocates have been anxious to see exactly how the administration would implement candidate Barack Obama's repeated promises to change the policy in situations in which state laws allow the use of medical marijuana.

Soon after Obama took office, DEA agents raided four dispensaries in Los Angeles, prompting confusion about the government's plans.

SURVEY:
What do you think about the Obama administration easing up on marijuana prosecutions?
Agree, let the states decide
Disagree, enforce federal laws
Create a new federal law regulating medical marijuana

Comment: What Are Your Thoughts?

Nyeacidbrain · 10-19-2009, 09:27 PM

This is what I like to see.

Stone Hartman · 10-20-2009, 04:20 PM

The Feds were told to lay off, but the States pinheads in office, ranging from Deputy to DA, are still looking for ways barge in, make arrests and shut down dispensaries. It's a shame.

If ya get a "collar", ya move up the chain of command more quickly. In turn, higher salary. Even pinheads have to earn a living.

I'd like to see the efforts of the DA targeting LA clinics go away, but I think he wants to be Mayor someday.

EarthMama · 10-20-2009, 04:32 PM

SURVEY:
What do you think about the Obama administration easing up on marijuana prosecutions?
Agree, let the states decide
Disagree, enforce federal laws
Create a new federal law regulating medical marijuana

Comment: What Are Your Thoughts?

One of the very reasons I voted for Obama, was because I thought he might ease up on the MMJ Laws...Yes, I do like Obama! Sorry, for all the Obama haters! I just happen to think he's pretty wise and a good man.
I agree, the states should decide and Federal laws should ease up on MMJ. I think the Goverment could profit alot from the sales of MMJ and It's not nearly as bad for you, as say, alcohol...Atleast, not in my opinion. I hope one day, I can walk to a co-op, the same way I can walk to a liquor store, freely...without hassels...Me and my hubby were in a huge liquor store and I thought, "Wouldn't it be great, instead of wall to wall, alcohol sales, if it was all MMJ, instead!" Step by step, little by little, I think it's a possiblity that it will be more accepted, and one day we'll have co-ops like they have liquor stores. I'll probably be 80 by then, but I hope to see that day!

DirtySlurpee · 10-20-2009, 05:50 PM

Yay-Yay!! That's what I'm screaming. Seriously though it's about damn time. Now we just need 390 to go through.

cannaletto · 10-21-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stone Hartman

The Feds were told to lay off, but the States pinheads in office, ranging from Deputy to DA, are still looking for ways barge in, make arrests and shut down dispensaries. It's a shame.

If ya get a "collar", ya move up the chain of command more quickly. In turn, higher salary. Even pinheads have to earn a living.

I'd like to see the efforts of the DA targeting LA clinics go away, but I think he wants to be Mayor someday.

Yes, unfortunately it seems that some of the "pinheads" get elected too. They cant stand to just mind their own business can they? We have to vote these Douchebags out of office. So you think he wants to be mayor eh? I know you won't let that happen friend. Keep voting.

cannaletto · 10-21-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtySlurpee

Yay-Yay!! That's what I'm screaming. Seriously though it's about damn time. Now we just need 390 to go through.

HERE HERE!!!

***Pico+Barrington Collective*** · 10-21-2009, 12:10 PM

Perhaps if we follow the laws the local PD wont mess with us

cannaletto · 10-21-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pico+Barrington Collective

Perhaps if we follow the laws the local PD wont mess with us

Yeah, we do the best we can, just remember; NEVER let the pharmaceutical corporations get control of Cannabis... Vote carefully.

solar1 · 10-21-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannaletto

Yeah, we do the best we can, just remember; NEVER let the pharmaceutical corporations get control of Cannabis... Vote carefully.

amen.

10-19-2009, 08:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
cannaletto WT Regular Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Earth Co-Op: no Vendor: no Patient: yes Posts: 56 Rep Power: 1075	Feds Won't Arrest Pot-Smoking Patients, New Guidelines To Be Issued I'm posting this copy of news from KCRA TV news for anyone who hasn't heard yet.: Feds Won't Arrest Pot-Smoking Patients, New Guidelines To Be Issued POSTED: 5:58 am PDT October 19, 2009 UPDATED: 7:39 am PDT October 19, 2009 WASHINGTON -- Federal drug agents won't pursue pot-smoking patients or their sanctioned suppliers in California and other states that allow medical marijuana, under new legal guidelines to be issued today by the Obama administration. Two Justice Department officials described the new policy to The Associated Press, saying prosecutors will be told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state law. The guidelines to be issued by the department do, however, make it clear that agents will go after people whose marijuana distribution goes beyond what is permitted under state law or use medical marijuana as a cover for other crimes, the officials said. *The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration, which insisted it would continue to enforce federal anti-pot laws regardless of state codes.* California and the following states allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. California is unique among those for the widespread presence of dispensaries -- businesses that sell marijuana and even advertise their services. Colorado also has several dispensaries, and Rhode Island and New Mexico are in the process of licensing providers, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, a group that promotes the decriminalization of marijuana use. Attorney General Eric Holder said in March that he wanted federal law enforcement officials to pursue those who violate both federal and state law, but it has not been clear how that goal would be put into practice. A three-page memo spelling out the policy is expected to be sent today to federal prosecutors in the 14 states, and also to top officials at the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration. The memo, the officials said, emphasizes that prosecutors have wide discretion in choosing which cases to pursue, and says it is not a good use of federal manpower to prosecute those who are without a doubt in compliance with state law. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the legal guidance before it is issued. "This is a major step forward," said Bruce Mirken, communications director for the Marijuana Policy Project. "This change in policy moves the federal government dramatically toward respecting scientific and practical reality." At the same time, the officials said, the government will still prosecute those who use medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activity. The memo particularly warns that some suspects may hide old-fashioned drug dealing or other crimes behind a medical marijuana business. In particular, the memo urges prosecutors to pursue marijuana cases which involve violence, the illegal use of firearms, selling pot to minors, money laundering or involvement in other crimes. And while the policy memo describes a change in priorities away from prosecuting medical marijuana cases, it does not rule out the possibility that the federal government could still prosecute someone whose activities are allowed under state law. The memo, officials said, is designed to give a sense of prosecutorial priorities to U.S. attorneys in the states that allow medical marijuana. It notes that pot sales in the United States are the largest source of money for violent Mexican drug cartels, but adds that federal law enforcement agencies have limited resources. Medical marijuana advocates have been anxious to see exactly how the administration would implement candidate Barack Obama's repeated promises to change the policy in situations in which state laws allow the use of medical marijuana. Soon after Obama took office, DEA agents raided four dispensaries in Los Angeles, prompting confusion about the government's plans. SURVEY: What do you think about the Obama administration easing up on marijuana prosecutions? Agree, let the states decide Disagree, enforce federal laws Create a new federal law regulating medical marijuana Comment: What Are Your Thoughts? cannaletto says.."The Smell Of Cannabis Is The Smell Of FREEDOM!" "I Am The Timeless One" Last edited by cannaletto; 10-19-2009 at 08:31 AM..

10-19-2009, 09:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
Nyeacidbrain Hi, Im New! Join Date: May 2009 Co-Op: No Vendor: No Patient: YES Posts: 14 Rep Power: 0	Re: Feds Won't Arrest Pot-Smoking Patients, New Guidelines To Be Issued This is what I like to see.

10-20-2009, 04:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
Stone Hartman Hi. I'm old. Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Co-Op: NO Vendor: NO Patient: YES Posts: 112 Rep Power: 12084	Re: Feds Won't Arrest Pot-Smoking Patients, New Guidelines To Be Issued The Feds were told to lay off, but the States pinheads in office, ranging from Deputy to DA, are still looking for ways barge in, make arrests and shut down dispensaries. It's a shame. If ya get a "collar", ya move up the chain of command more quickly. In turn, higher salary. Even pinheads have to earn a living. I'd like to see the efforts of the DA targeting LA clinics go away, but I think he wants to be Mayor someday.

10-20-2009, 04:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
EarthMama Wishing Peace to all Beings Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: California, in the Inland Empire. Co-Op: no Vendor: no Patient: yes Posts: 645 Rep Power: 60143	Re: Feds Won't Arrest Pot-Smoking Patients, New Guidelines To Be Issued SURVEY: What do you think about the Obama administration easing up on marijuana prosecutions? Agree, let the states decide Disagree, enforce federal laws Create a new federal law regulating medical marijuana Comment: What Are Your Thoughts? One of the very reasons I voted for Obama, was because I thought he might ease up on the MMJ Laws...Yes, I do like Obama! Sorry, for all the Obama haters! I just happen to think he's pretty wise and a good man. I agree, the states should decide and Federal laws should ease up on MMJ. I think the Goverment could profit alot from the sales of MMJ and It's not nearly as bad for you, as say, alcohol...Atleast, not in my opinion. I hope one day, I can walk to a co-op, the same way I can walk to a liquor store, freely...without hassels...Me and my hubby were in a huge liquor store and I thought, "Wouldn't it be great, instead of wall to wall, alcohol sales, if it was all MMJ, instead!" Step by step, little by little, I think it's a possiblity that it will be more accepted, and one day we'll have co-ops like they have liquor stores. I'll probably be 80 by then, but I hope to see that day!

10-20-2009, 05:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
DirtySlurpee Hi, Im New! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coachella Valley Co-Op: no Vendor: no Patient: yes Posts: 49 Rep Power: 1181	Re: Feds Won't Arrest Pot-Smoking Patients, New Guidelines To Be Issued Yay-Yay!! That's what I'm screaming. Seriously though it's about damn time. Now we just need 390 to go through.

10-21-2009, 12:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
*Pico+Barrington Collective* WT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Co-Op: Yes Vendor: No Patient: Yes Posts: 1,660 Rep Power: 40635	Re: Feds Won't Arrest Pot-Smoking Patients, New Guidelines To Be Issued Perhaps if we follow the laws the local PD wont mess with us Pico+Barrington Collective says..I volunteer for Pico+Barrington Collective with pleasure ;)

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