Even if Prop. 19 passes, federal drug laws will be 'vigorously' enforced, official says

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."

The initiative on the Nov. 2 ballot would allow Californians 21 and older to grow up to 25 square feet and possess up to an ounce of marijuana. It also allows cities and counties to authorize cultivation and sales. Several cities, including Oakland, appear poised to do so if the law passes.

Campaign contributions: Who has given for and against Prop. 19? 

Holder's letter was made public Friday. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca is hosting a news conference at his headquarters Friday morning to draw attention to the letter.

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."

Dale Sky Jones, a spokeswoman for the Prop. 19 campaign, said the federal government is continuing to enforce "a failed policy."

"We're not necessarily surprised that the establishment is coming down on the side of the status quo. ... If the federal government is going to disregard the voters, this is a states' right issue."

President Obama has said that he is opposed to legalizing marijuana, but his administration has ended prosecutions of medical marijuana collectives and patients that abide by state laws, in effect ignoring the Controlled Substances Act. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration targeted the state's dispensaries and collectives for years. They have continued to bust large-scale growers.

The administration has come under criticism from the initiative's opponents for not doing enough to try to defeat it. Last week, Mexico's president, Felipe Calderon, chided the Obama administration. The nation's drug czar, Gil Kerlikowske, has spoken out about the initiative and said there is no doubt about where the administration's stands. On Thursday, his office issued a news release highlighting a survey released a month ago that showed teens are starting to use marijuana at an earlier age, 17 years old in 2009 as opposed to 17.8 years old in 2008.

Californians are split on the issue. Polls have consistently shown that marijuana legalization is supported by about half of the state's electorate.

-- John Hoeffel

Photo: U.S. Atty. General Eric H. Holder Jr. speaks at a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. Credit: Getty Images

Read more:

Proposition 19: California's marijuana legalization debate

 

Comments

[mike]

So, it now appears the federal government is going to decide which laws it wants to enforce and which ones it will not. Mr, Holder should help Arizona with its border enforcement problem, before he tries to trample the rights of the voters in California. With elections coming up which party appointed him?

[jsa26]

Another good reason to vote for it

[Mitchell Young]

The US had its run, but its time for an amiable breakup. We can then have open borders pot smokers living in Cali, low immigration salt-of-the earth types in Arizona, birkenstock wearing Lesbian 'married' couples in Vermont, and bible-thumping robustly heterosexual Christians down in Georgia. Everyone could move once, into their society of choice, and then go through 'immigration' procedures if they wanted to change.

[bob]

This is a bunch of crap. California is trying to fix somthing he (Obama) cant and again he steps in the middle of it and trys to screw it all up. If the fed government cant run the country how the people want it then he needs to find a diffrent job. Obama is out for himself trying to see how many things he can say he fixed or is the first to do somthing. We dont need a trophy hunter but a person that will stand up for what the people want. Proabition is not working , how many inocent people are going to be thrown in jail for a bogus law. If pot is illegal why isnt tabaco and booze?

[Mary Jane]

I also smell a revolution. The feds are idiots. California is not going down without a fight.

[George Politico]

Drug gangsters have taken over large parts of Latin America and Asia with our money. They are rich enough to construct single-use submarines to get their products to the USA. We spend more money fighting them, and still more incarcerating non-violent drug criminals. Then, we wonder why we are broke.

Worst of all, we sacrifice too many brave, honest people whose legal duty is to fight the traffickers--but who are hopelessly outmatched. If they do their duty, fight the gangsters, and die as a consequence, their only victory is a moral one, because the person who takes their place will not be as brave and as foolish. It is HIDEOUSLY immoral to do this to the best citizens here and in other countries.

And the dopers whom all of this is intended to benefit do not even want society's help.

We should treat dangerous drugs the way we treat the AIDS virus. We should warn people of the dangers, and help them if they make the wrong choices and get sick as a consequence. But responsibility for doing the right thing should lie with each individual.

[dude]

Just the fact that this laughable clown "Felipe Calderon" can "chide" the Obama admin., in essence saying "JUMP!" and the Obama admin. quickly responding "HOW HIGH?", tells you how hypocritical these politicians are.

[Rob]

Of course they will. The lobbyists for Big Tobacco, Big Pharmaceutical, and Big Alcohol have paid big bucks to the lawmakers in Washington to keep Pot illegal. Do not think for a second they will let their investments in these people change how the Federals handle Prop. 19. So much money is at stake here as Pot would be a legal economic substitute for the other three, and we all know during recessions people will still buy their mind changers. You make Pot legal in California and the lobbyists will pressure the lawmakers to enforce Federal law. It is a travesty, a conspiracy, a moral crime, and a shame Pot can not become a legal substitute for the other three.

[Bob]

At a future time it may be illegal for police officers and other public safety employees to use marijuana.

[Lost Drug War]

This government picking and choosing the laws they "vigorously enforce." It's obvious they would rather have illegal immigrants smuggle the drug across the border than have someone grow it themselves.

[inbox1909]

Arrested for pot? Ask for a trial by jury. See if anyone will vote to convict. The drug war is a lie, and the days of the Federal Government having any moral authority, or even popular support, are dwindling daily. The very word "Drug Czar" sounds like a communist title right out of the soviet union.

Lets be honest. I don't want my kids doing drugs of any sort. Thats why I teach them right from wrong. But a grown man in the sanctity of his own home has the right to do as he pleases. Get the government out of the morality business.

[mocus1]

the guy's an affirmative action hire...what do you expect?

[David G. Moore]

States Rigths hmmmmmmmm didn't the people opposed to the Civil Rights Acts use the same argument. Notice how its States Rights when it an idea you support.
Also Federal Law trumps state law in such matters.

[Kim Greene]

LOL of course Eric Holder will enforce drug laws because he isn't doing diddley squat about illegal immigration - a real law being broken. He doesn't like states right..neither does Obamathon.

[Doug]

I cannot believe this announcement was made before Prop 19 was passed. This is yet another attack on voter’s choices and personal freedom. Don’t let this intimidation stand. Vote for freedom of choice. Yes on 19!

[Don Price]

Sounds to me like a bit of civil unrest may be in order.

[james]

i would like to see the feds take marijuana out of schedule 1 class drugs.
As for legalization, I disagree, let's keep california fat, prices up. Why do we need everyone growing pot in thier backyards, and smoking it freely in the streets and parks? Bad idea!

[Kathy M]

This article is a spin - not a report of facts. The facts are that Mexico's President wants 19 to pass and has publicly stated so to help his country overcome their criminal element. If American's just grow their own - like they do their vegetables - then the Cartel's who deal in pot will have to find something else to do. MANY law enforcement agencies are for it - Lee Baca has never made a smart decision or statement in his entire career. Conservatives who can read and write are for it. It makes sense, and I would suggest Mr. Holder check his little badge - I doubt it says "Do what you want, screw the President and the People." The man is looking for job security on a job he and all of his predecessors have failed miserably at. Yeah - let's follow his lead on this . . .

[Jrwkilleen]

I do not use, nor intend to ever use, marijuana. I do not like it. That's my choice. If you want to use it, go ahead. It's your choice. But, Mr. President, KEEP OUT OF THE CHOICE THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA MAKES!

[Oscar]

The only reason why the FEDs want to enforce their stupid law is because THEY WON"T GET TO COLLECT TAXES FROM THIS. Otherwise it'll be passing with flying colors.

BTW where are you going to get the money to enforce this law in California????? Worry about the Cartels bringing in Meth and Coke. What a bunch of D-Bags

[Tim]

To the guy who quoted Reagan while supporting Prop 19 -- The Gipper started & fueled the massive increase of drug interdiction. And don't be too surprised when, faced with a shortage of manpower, the DEA & FBI deputize local law-enforcement.

[Brett]

I wonder how many of the people here chanting about "States' Rights" were also cheering when the Federal Court invalidated Proposition 8.

[rose]

i believe alcohol is a much more dangerous and violent drug thats out there when your comparing it to marijauna. most people who smoke seem to be less aggressive than people who drink alcohol.

[jon mooney]

I think this is hilarious!! If some judge can invalidate my will in throwing out Proposition 8, then the Federal government can sure invalidate Prop 19. I love it.
I love it. I love it.

[Kathy M]

Oh, and when Mr. Holder puts his beer down - I will respect his position. Until then - he is a hypocrite just like Baca who has no problem pumping himself full of booze, but rests on the "it's illegal" to deny me my choice. Well, we are trying to make it "legal" here . . . What you have to ask yourselves is who is the bigger threat to society: the drunk who drives, fights in bars, beats his wife; or the guy who just smoked the dubie and is watching t.v. with his Cheetos after a hard day's work? Do the research and then make up your mind. If you can't make up your own mind based on the facts - don't vote. Seems pretty simple.