If you think legalized marijuana dispensaries are prosecution-proof, think again! The government has released a clear and confirmatory message that medical marijuana dispensaries are not exempted from prosecution and that they are not excused from existing laws in the country.
Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole stated in writing that those “who are in the business of cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana, and those who knowingly facilitate such activities” are still in violation of federal laws even in states that have legalized medical marijuana. The people behind these dispensaries will be subjected to lawful procedures, possible prosecution included.
The latest development is seen as the answer of the Obama Administration with regards to the legalization of marijuana businesses. Two years earlier, Deputy Attorney General David Ogden issued a memo discouraging authorities and federal law agents in going after people who are in compliance with their respective state’s medical marijuana laws.
The new advisory shows that the government is not in favor of giving marijuana dispensaries the right to a legal shelter. It also serves as a clear instruction for officials to prosecute marijuana sellers regardless of location and existing state laws.
In a report from the Denver Post, the memo does not apply to cancer patients who are benefitting from the medical marijuana program. It instead will go after those who are cultivating, commercializing, and distributing marijuana without proper regulation taking advantage of the legalization of medical marijuana dispensaries.
In Colorado, Attorney General John Suthers says that despite having the most comprehensive system of approving and regulating medical marijuana dispensaries, the new legislation will be considered by the state.
Medical marijuana advocates are reported to have filed a case against the state in connection with the new rules; they say it’s against patient’s rights and are not in accordance with Colorado’s established medical marijuana guidelines.
Tags: growing marijuana, marijuana dispensary, marijuana legalization, medical marijuana
