Tell The Feds To Respect State Marijuana Laws
By Jasmine Tyler, Acting Director, Office of National Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance
Even as the drug policy reform movement celebrates our historic victories legalizing marijuana in Colorado and Washington, we still have to ensure that the states can implement their laws without federal interference.
Several U.S. representatives from Colorado recently introduced a bipartisan bill to help protect our victories by giving the states room to implement the new laws.
The Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act would affirm the ability for states to establish their own marijuana laws free from federal interference.
This bill’s primary sponsor, Democratic Congresswoman Diana Degette from Denver, was joined by her fellow Colorado Republican Congressman Mike Coffman — who voted against Amendment 64 but still wants to ensure that the federal government respects the will of voters.
Although Colorado and Washington voted to regulate and tax marijuana, these ballot initiatives are not going to implement themselves. We need to do everything we can to ensure the federal government plays a constructive — rather than destructive — role.
This is just the beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition. We have our work cut out for us. And we need your help!
