Press Release and Reflection

Press Release and Reflection Name Course number Instructor’s name Date  The Department of Justice Pledges Non-Interference in Washington’s Voter approved Law Upholding Adult Marijuana (Pot/ Weed/ Cannabis) Use  US Department of Justice Washington September 3, 2013 On Thursday 29th August 2013, the department made a declaration that it would not contest Washington’s populace decision to legalize marijuana use for recreational purposes. James Cole the deputy attorney general gave U.S attorneys a memorandum that clearly indicated the shift in the federal government’s war on harmful drugs and substances. The Federal government pledged to direct its resources on priority issues such as curbing access of marijuana to children as well as other drug occurrences such as trafficking through drug cartels, drug related crimes including driving under marijuana influence , using marijuana on property belonging to the federal government and farming marijuana on publicly owned farms (Kates, 2013). Eric Holder the attorney general advised governors in both Washington and Colorado that department would not interfere with state laws that uphold its use for recreation. However, the federal act on substances upholds the illegality of using marijuana. It also gives a directive for federal prosecutors to maintain tight measures in prosecuting marijuana cases. Prosecutors shall strictly prosecute its use in the two states by children, trafficking, use while driving and use or farming on public farms (Perez, 2013). Eric Holder indicated plans by the department to establish new regulations that would marry with states regulations to ensure compliance with the priority areas for the federal government. The deputy attorney general hopes that the states that have legalized marijuana for social purposes through approved voting will establish effective means to regulate its use. This is because the federal government still views the drug as a dangerous substance without any benefits including the purported health benefits for people with disabilities and certain health conditions such as cancer and glaucoma (Kates, 2013). There are concerns about the federal state interference in use of marijuana for medical purposes. The federal government indicated that it would not interfere in such issues if the dispensaries comply with the federal priorities liable for prosecution. This also applies to financial institutions and they are also encouraged to steer away from money laundering crimes (Perez, 2013). The department’s approval of uncensored adult use of marijuana in Washington and Colorado is appalling and many are skeptical about its implementation. This is because the federal government has not lifted marijuana’s status as a schedule 1 drug. Reflection The press release’s diverse group is composed of people from all the sociocultural groups both old and young in the US. This is because marijuana affects people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds such as Whites, African Americans and the Hispanic populat...