burnin1
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From The Detroit News
U.S. Attorneys: Marijuana still prohibited under federal law in Michigan
Christine Ferretti, The Detroit News Published Nov. 8, 2018
State residents may have voted Tuesday in favor of legalizing marijuana but the U.S. Attorney's Offices in Michigan are making clear that the drug remains prohibited under federal law.
U.S. Attorneys Matthew Schneider and Andrew Birge in a Thursday statement stressed "we will continue to approach the investigation and prosecution of marijuana crimes as we do with any other crime."
"Because we have taken oaths to protect and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States, we will not unilaterally immunize anyone from prosecution for violating federal laws simply because of the passage of Proposal 1," the statement says. "We will consider the federal law enforcement priorities set by the United States Department of Justice, the seriousness of the crime, the deterrent effect of prosecution, and the cumulative impact of the crime on a community."
Michigan voters passed Proposal 1 with 57 percent approval on Tuesday, making the state the first in the Midwest to legalize recreational marijuana, according to unofficial results.
The initiative will allow adults over the age of 21 to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants per household. Michigan will become the 10th state to legalize marijuana possession and its use.
The initiative, from the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol, will prohibit marijuana consumption or smoking in a public place or private location where the owner forbids it. And it won’t override workplace drug policies.
The measure also allows for the licensing of businesses that grow, process, test, transport or sell marijuana with three classes of cultivator licenses.
With its passage, possession will become legal immediately after the state law goes into effect, which would be 10 days after the Nov. 6 election results are certified.
The U.S. Attorney's offices also noted Thursday that combating illegal drugs "is just one of our many priorities." The office also is focused on prosecuting terrorism, violent crime, gangs, corruption and fraud as well as combating the national opioid epidemic.
"Our offices have never focused on the prosecutor of marijuana users or low-level offenders, unless aggravating factors are present," the statement adds. "That will not change. Nevertheless, crimes involving marijuana can pose serious risks and harm to a community."
The office said it will continue to work closely with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to assess "every case as it comes in."
"When we act, we will act in the interests of public health and safety," the statement says.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/n...till-prohibited-under-federal-law/1930102002/
U.S. Attorneys: Marijuana still prohibited under federal law in Michigan
Christine Ferretti, The Detroit News Published Nov. 8, 2018
State residents may have voted Tuesday in favor of legalizing marijuana but the U.S. Attorney's Offices in Michigan are making clear that the drug remains prohibited under federal law.
U.S. Attorneys Matthew Schneider and Andrew Birge in a Thursday statement stressed "we will continue to approach the investigation and prosecution of marijuana crimes as we do with any other crime."
"Because we have taken oaths to protect and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States, we will not unilaterally immunize anyone from prosecution for violating federal laws simply because of the passage of Proposal 1," the statement says. "We will consider the federal law enforcement priorities set by the United States Department of Justice, the seriousness of the crime, the deterrent effect of prosecution, and the cumulative impact of the crime on a community."
Michigan voters passed Proposal 1 with 57 percent approval on Tuesday, making the state the first in the Midwest to legalize recreational marijuana, according to unofficial results.
The initiative will allow adults over the age of 21 to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants per household. Michigan will become the 10th state to legalize marijuana possession and its use.
The initiative, from the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol, will prohibit marijuana consumption or smoking in a public place or private location where the owner forbids it. And it won’t override workplace drug policies.
The measure also allows for the licensing of businesses that grow, process, test, transport or sell marijuana with three classes of cultivator licenses.
With its passage, possession will become legal immediately after the state law goes into effect, which would be 10 days after the Nov. 6 election results are certified.
The U.S. Attorney's offices also noted Thursday that combating illegal drugs "is just one of our many priorities." The office also is focused on prosecuting terrorism, violent crime, gangs, corruption and fraud as well as combating the national opioid epidemic.
"Our offices have never focused on the prosecutor of marijuana users or low-level offenders, unless aggravating factors are present," the statement adds. "That will not change. Nevertheless, crimes involving marijuana can pose serious risks and harm to a community."
The office said it will continue to work closely with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to assess "every case as it comes in."
"When we act, we will act in the interests of public health and safety," the statement says.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/n...till-prohibited-under-federal-law/1930102002/
