On Monday Deputy Attorney General David Ogden issued a memo to federal prosecutors in 14 states regarding the Obama Administration’s position on medical marijuana. The memo declared that prosecutors “should not focus federal resources in your states on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana.” Ogden’s directions went on to give federal agents the authority to go after those whose marijuana distribution actions go beyond what is allowed by the various state laws. In essence, the memo gave prosecutors wide discretion in determining which cases to pursue and which to ignore based on their interpretation if any state laws are being broken. On the surface, this seems like a compassionate gesture towards those suffering pain from maladies like cancer, glaucoma, and spasticity. However, upon closer inspection, the Administration simply didn’t go nearly far enough and its position is fraught with peril.
First of all, how can there be a law that the government doesn’t enforce. I realize there are a lot of old outdated laws on the books that governments do not enforce, but federal drug laws are a big deal. Now, don’t get me wrong I would like to see all substance laws repealed on the grounds that individuals have an absolute right to do to their bodies what they choose as long as it doesn’t violate the rights of others. Of course, being stoned, driving a car, and hurting another through those actions should still be illegal. But, if you want to smoke a joint in the privacy of your home it is your natural right to do so.
The problem with the Administration’s new position on medical marijuana is that instead of saying go ahead and break the law and we will look the other way the Justice Department should be petitioning Congress to repeal the law outright. What law will he decide not to enforce next – immigration laws? Oops, I forgot he doesn’t already. After all, isn’t the President nullifying an act of Congress because he is refusing to enforce its law? This is no different than when states nullify an act of Congress or when juries release defendants because they believe the law the accused is being tried for is unjust or unconstitutional. In both circumstances Uncle Sam gets snooty and cries fowl. Why is the President any different? Perhaps Congress should sue him at the Supreme Court to require him to enforce the law.
Article comments
1 - Concerned Parent
It's clear that the Constitution leaves many matters to be decided internally by each State, and there is not _really_ any Constitutional mandate for the Federal government to take any action related to marijuana, provided that the marijuana doesn't cross state lines. The President has made a good decision on the medical mj issue: let the States handle it as they see fit.
Be sure to write the President. Every politician in America is watching to see the public reaction to this one. It takes two minutes; here's the link:
www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
2 - Doug Hunter
Laws and regulation that are enforced unevenly are a major problem in modern society. I hope this does go to court on that count alone. We need to either enforce laws equally for everyone or remove them completely, personally I favor the latter. Too often laws are used selectively to discriminate and attack unpopular or unconnected individuals, businesses, and groups.
3 - Dr Dreadful
While agree with Kenn as to the desperate necessity of repealing all substance abuse laws, I really don't see what the fuss is about here.
Certainly Congress could compel the President to enforce the drug laws (and I wouldn't put it past them, frankly) but as far as the federal prosecutors go, what is the problem? Something seems to have given Kenn the idea that they will be enforcing state laws, when all they are actually being instructed to do is defer to them.
From a practical standpoint, enforcement under these circumstances should end up being a matter exclusively for state agencies anyway.
4 - Love Mary
Unfortunately it is easier to not enforce a law than to change it. We all know the speed limits on US highways are unrealistic - often low speeds such as 55 MPH are still in place on 70-80 MPH roads. Think about how much it will cost to change all those signs on the road!
5 - pablo
A great article Kenn.