cannabisnews.com: Holder Says U.S. Would Enforce Ban on Pot in CA
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Holder Says U.S. Would Enforce Ban on Pot in CA
Posted by CN Staff on October 15, 2010 at 15:25:13 PT
By Adam Nagourney
Source: New York Times 
Los Angeles, CA -- The Department of Justice announced on Friday that it would aggressively prosecute marijuana laws in California even if state voters approve an initiative legalizing the drug. The announcement by Eric H. Holder Jr., the attorney general, was the latest reminder of how much of the establishment has lined up against a popular initiative: Dozens of editorial boards, public officials, candidates for office, and the governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.Still, despite this opposition — or perhaps, to some extent, because of it — Proposition 19 appears to have at least a decent chance of winning, so far drawing considerable support in polls from a coalition of Democrats, independents, younger voters and men as Election Day nears.
Should that happen, it could cement a cultural shift in this state, where medical marijuana has been legal since 1996 and where the drug has been celebrated in popular culture, here as much as any place else in the country, going back at least to the 1960s.But it could also plunge California into a murky and unsettling conflict with the federal government that opponents of the proposition said Friday should make California voters wary of supporting it. Washington has generally looked the other way as a burgeoning medical marijuana industry has prospered here and in 14 other states, as well as the District of Columbia, but Mr. Holder’s statement made clear that legalizing marijuana for recreational use would bring a whole new level of scrutiny from Washington.“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,” Mr. Holder said, referring to the Controlled Substances Act.The Los Angeles County Sheriff, Lee Baca, who has been one of the leading opponents of the measure, quickly embraced the Justice Department’s announcement. He said that the initiative was unconstitutional and vowed to continue enforcing marijuana laws, no matter what voters do in November.Supporters of the initiative have portrayed the vote here as another example of citizens in an anti-incumbent year turning against authorities. They argued that Mr. Holder’s announcement would have the effect of feeding that renegade spirit.“Bring on the establishment,” said Chris Lehane, a senior consultant to the Yes on 19 movement. “This campaign, and the energy driving it, is predicated on the common understanding that the establishment’s prohibition approach has been a complete and utter failure as proven by the point that today it is easier for a kid to get access to pot than it is to buy a beer or a cigarette.”But Roger Salazar, who has been directing the effort to defeat the initiative, said that Mr. Holder’s statement should, if anything, reinforce concerns about the drafting of the initiative that has led such newspapers as The Los Angeles Times to call for its defeat.“This is sort of a shot across the bow from the federal government: They’re saying that, ‘if this thing moves the way we think it is, we’re going to come after you guys,” he said. “That gives California voters one more reason to take a deep breath.”Ian Lovett contributed reporting.Source: New York Times (NY)Author:  Adam NagourneyPublished: October 15, 2010Copyright: 2010 The New York Times CompanyContact: letters nytimes.comWebsite: http://www.nytimes.com/URL: http://drugsense.org/url/Q18oSRZdCannabisNews  -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml 
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on October 18, 2010 at 12:24:08 PT
Dr Ganj 
We've come a long way. I look forward to when what is happening in CA will happen in many more states. 
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Comment #7 posted by Dr Ganj on October 18, 2010 at 12:17:34 PT:
Prop 19 And The Future Of Marijuana
The feds said the same thing about Prop 215. Look what happened. Sure, they busted a few clubs, but the lure of easy money was just too great, and now there are more than 1000 cannabis clubs in California.
Once Prop 19 passes (and it will) the dam will have burst, and we'll have thousands of farms, overnight delivery services (think www.overnightbuds.com ) seed sellers, clone shippers, and of course, ganja stores. People from all over the US will move here to enjoy the various opportnities legal marijuana will bring. The hemp industry will "take root" in the San Joaquin valley, and thousands of jobs will be created.
Sure, Prop 19 will be challenged in the courts, but it WILL be the law unless it is nullified. This of course, will take years before a final decision is rendered by the US supreme court, and by that time Colorado, and Washington states will most likely have also voted for legal marijuana and hemp. So, for all intents and purposes, get ready for legal marijuana in California! Get ready for a whole new industry to blossom and flourish in the Golden State. 
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Comment #6 posted by GentleGiant on October 16, 2010 at 06:27:33 PT:
Bring It On! We're Ready!
We want this fight. This a federalism question. State v. Feds. No where in the constitution does it say that the gov't has the power to deal with drugs. Since Nixon and his thugs enacted the CSA, no state has ever questioned its authority. Raich and the Oakland Cannabis Buyer's Club were entities v. the Feds. There's a reason why the gov't had to get an amendment to ban alcohol. That's because they didn't have the power enumerated in the constitution to ban alcohol (drug). This will be a state going to court for state rights. There will be states lining up behind California. We want this fight. Vote Yes on Prop 19!!!
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Comment #5 posted by museman on October 15, 2010 at 19:35:15 PT
we can disband the supreme court now...
because:"The Los Angeles County Sheriff, Lee Baca, who has been one of the leading opponents of the measure, quickly embraced the Justice Department’s announcement. He said that the initiative was unconstitutional and vowed to continue enforcing marijuana laws, no matter what voters do in November."Who needs lawyers when you got cops? After all they're "The Law!" Letting these corrupted donut lovers be the frontline spokesmen for prohibition was one of the best things the SQAK prohibitionists ever did for our movement. Their idiocy is so extreme and obvious, they dig the hole they are in and its only getting deeper.I think Americans should write a petition to make it illegal for lawyers to run for office -take out the exclusive club clause and let the people begin to actually govern themselves. -after we legalize pot, freedom is next on the agenda.LEGALIZE FREEDOM
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Comment #4 posted by MikeEEEEE on October 15, 2010 at 17:07:10 PT
credibility
I believe the govt, in the same way they said the great recession is over (ie: great depression part II). In the same way they said the 9/11 site was safe for rescue workers. And after that, they turned their backs on these heros. If they're still alive, they might get health benefits after 10 years of trying.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on October 15, 2010 at 16:42:19 PT
Maybe Our Time Has Come
This sounds like really bad news but if Prop 19 passes we will be energized. Prop 19 only affects California but because of the stand against Prop 19 if it passes it could bring change to the Federal Law quicker then anyone thinks is possible.
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Comment #2 posted by HempWorld on October 15, 2010 at 16:26:58 PT
Let the games begin ...
Mr. Holder, how do you think you can uphold the CSA in Cali, without hiring another 1 Million of new DEA agents?
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Comment #1 posted by MikeEEEEE on October 15, 2010 at 16:21:46 PT
ha ha 
I wish the feds luck. America is bankrupt, I doubt they can fill up the pri$on$. But then, most of them never really cared about spending our money.
[ Post Comment ]


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