How Long Can The Federal Government Ignore Marijuana Policy?

In a press tour earlier this year, President Obama reiterated his administration’s stance on marijuana legalization— that states were free to make their own decisions, but the drug would remain illegal in accordance with federal law. Obama’s hands-off policy has allowed for several states to begin legalizing recreational use, but disagreements over how the drug should be handled are likely to eventually push the federal government into action.

Colorado Policy Challenged

On Thursday, a Washington DC-based group called Safe Streets Alliance is expected to file a federal lawsuit that claims Colorado’s recreational use of marijuana violates federal law. The group has called on the state’s population for testimony from those whose lives have been hurt or disrupted in some way by the newly formed marijuana industry.

Not Colorado’s First Complaint

This is not the first time Colorado’s recreational marijuana laws have been called into question. Neighboring states Nebraska and Oklahoma also petitioned the Supreme Court asking that the state’s decision to legalize the drug be reversed. Both states said marijuana from Colorado was being smuggled across their borders and putting an unnecessary strain on law enforcement and local governments.

Is MJ Here To Stay?

Supporters of recreational marijuana say the lawsuits are trivial and that the industry will continue to grow. Most claim that the drug will be sold and smuggled whether or not the state allows it, but by regulating the industry Colorado is cutting down on drug-related violence and crime.