Washington lawmakers want answer from feds on pot
Jun 18, 2013, 2:21 PM | Updated: 3:14 pm
Members of the Washington state congressional delegation are asking that the federal government take a hands-off approach to enforcement of marijuana laws in Washington. (AP Photo/file)
(AP Photo/file)
Members of the Washington state congressional delegation are asking that the federal government take a hands-off approach to enforcement of marijuana laws in Washington.
In a letter to the U.S. Justice Department, the democratic lawmakers are asking federal authorities to use discretion and respect the will of the voters of Washington, who approved the use of recreational marijuana.
The letter is signed by Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray and Representatives Adam Smith, Henny Heck, Suzan DelBene, Derek Kilmer and Jim McDermott.
The lawmakers are asking for clarity as state regulators establish rules for the cultivation, distribution and sales of recreational marijuana.
“As DOJ considers its response to Washington and Colorado laws, we hope that you will exercise your significant discretionary authority by choosing not to pursue preemption of these laws, or prosecute our residents and state employees acting in compliance with these laws,” the members of Congress wrote.
It has been seven months since the approval of Initiative 502 and the Justice Department has been silent about the enforcement of federal laws against the use of marijuana.
The letter urges the federal government to announce a decision soon to provide legal certainty.
