Federal agents raid marijuana dispensaries in Washington

[RainDog]

56. The Congressional Research Report disagrees with you

The CRR is the research arm of the federal Congress that takes in-depth looks at policy issues. In 2011, in response to the changes in laws and American opinion regarding legalization (52% in favor, 47% opposed), the CRR on cannabis law says that the Controlled Substances Act did not intend to take away the right of states to regulate their own drug laws.

The issue could be made into a "stand off" between Federal and State power in CO and WA, but, if the Obama administration chooses to do this, they're stupid. You can't blame Republicans, however, since the last two Democratic administrations have arrested more people for possession than their predecessors. I see it as a lack of courage on the part of federal Democrats because the political class, in general, is regressive rather than forward thinking. It takes politicians time to catch up to reality because their jobs are so dependent upon appeasing big money.

This was demonstrated, repeatedly, by a Marijuana Policy Project lobbyist who spoke to members of Congress, in the last decade, about public approval of medical marijuana. Congress people assumed only 30% of their constituents supported medical marijuana. The reality was the reverse because 70% of Americans have supported legal medical marijuana for more than a decade.

The recent total legalization polls indicate this issue is not going to go the way prohibitionists would like.

My concern, or question, is why would Holder make a deal with banks to face a slap on the wrist for laundering money for international drug cartels but raid local state medical marijuana facilities?

Holder has no ground to stand on regarding this issue, because of his actions. He looks entirely corrupt, whatever the reality may be.

If you want references for this, check the drug policy forum, where these various issues are discussed in individual posts. You can also read the Congressional Research Report regarding cannabis online. Google and ye shall find.