CBS News/ November 7, 2012
Justice Department: Drug laws "remain unchanged" following passage of marijuana ballot initiatives
The federal government said Wednesday that its enforcement of drug laws "remains unchanged" following voters' approval of ballot initiatives in two states allowing recreational marijuana use.Wa. legalizes recreational use of marijuana
In response, Justice Department spokeswoman Nanda Chitre said in a statement: "The department's enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act remains unchanged. In enacting the Controlled Substances Act, Congress determined that marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance. We are reviewing the ballot initiatives and have no additional comment at this time."
The Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. attorneys in Denver and Seattle issued identical statements.
Earlier, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, who opposed the initiative in his state, also indicated that legalization was far from a reality.
"Federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug," he said, according to The Associated Press, "so don't break out the Cheetos or Goldfish too quickly."
Oregon voters also considered a legalization initiative but rejected it.
The federal government said Wednesday that its enforcement of drug laws "remains unchanged" following voters' approval of ballot initiatives in two states allowing recreational marijuana use.
Voters in Colorado and Washington passed similar initiatives on Election Day legalizing marijuana as well as regulating and taxing it. In response, Justice Department spokeswoman Nanda Chitre said in a statement: "The department's enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act remains unchanged. In enacting the Controlled Substances Act, Congress determined that marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance. We are reviewing the ballot initiatives and have no additional comment at this time."
The Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. attorneys in Denver and Seattle issued identical statements.
Earlier, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, who opposed the initiative in his state, also indicated that legalization was far from a reality. "Federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug," he said, according to The Associated Press, "so don't break out the Cheetos or Goldfish too quickly."
Oregon voters also considered a legalization initiative but rejected it.
2012 State Ballot Initiatives
Arkansas
•Arkansas
“medical” Marijuana Question – sought to legalize marijuana under the
guise of medicine and allow for the establishment of marijuana
dispensaries licensed by the state. The question was sponsored by
Arkansans for Compassionate Care. Defeated – 52 percent opposed 48
percent supported.
Oregon
•Measure
80, Int. 9 Oregon Cannabis Tax Act Initiative - sought to legalize and
regulate the cultivation, possession and sale of unlimited amounts of
marijuana. The measure would also prohibit regulation and fees to grow
hemp. Defeated – 56 percent opposed 44 percent supported.
Montana
•Initiative
Referendum 124 - sought to reaffirm legislation passed in 2011 that
replaced the state’s current ““medical”” marijuana law and replaced it
with a more restrictive program. Passed – 66 percent voted to keep
legislative changes to the “medical” marijuana program.
Colorado
•Amendment
64 allows those 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of
marijuana and cultivate six marijuana plants. The initiative also
allows for over-the-counter sale of marijuana, reduces penalties for
larger possession charges and legalizes hemp farming. Passed- 55 percent
supported 45 percent opposed.
Massachusetts
•Question
Three– legalizes marijuana under the guise of medicine and allows for
the establishment of marijuana dispensaries. Passed – 63 percent
supported 37 percent opposed.
Washington
•Initiative
502 – allows adults 21 and over to purchase marijuana from
state-licensed and state-regulated businesses. Creates a regulatory
system, much like the liquor control system, in which a board oversees
licensing of marijuana producers, processors and retailers, and imposes
an excise tax of 25 percent at each step. Passed – 56 percent supported
44 percent opposed.
Cheryl DePaolo
Director of the Ulster Prevention Council
Cheryl DePaolo
Director of the Ulster Prevention Council
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