Obama Declares All-Out War on Medical Marijuana

[DiscoBiscuit]

I agree with you that President Obama's stated position before he was elected was less than ideal for us. In fact, it was pretty poor. He was consistent in saying that he didn't think that people should be able to grow their own. But, he also consistently said that the Justice Department wouldn't "waste their resources" with medical marijuana prosecutions.

More added context? Or did you subtract context? Judging from your rehash with little (""), you're no better than Somin.

Of course this is pretty weak assurance, basically saying "Well, I'd be busting you, but I've got better things to do.", I still believed him.

Obviously you believe ("") more than direct quotation.

It seemed like he thought the issue was a bothersome inconvenience, and that he would direct the Justice Department to let the states deal with it.

You'll have to work on verbatim context before you'll ever have a chance at analysis.

The first Holder memo that everyone thought was so great seemed to reinforce this "I've got better things to do" attitude. At that time, Professor Somin pointed out the shortcomings of this memo in this post. If you read the memo, it does seem to be long on "The Department of Justice is committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act in all States." and short on "As a general matter, pursuit of these priorities 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." I still thought it was a signal that he would basically defer to the states. The new memo showed that this was not the case:

What do you call that, in-depth analysis? You have to take everything in the context presented, including the verbatim statements you had to re-word to pad your made up rebuttal.

I guess if your point was that President Obama's position on Medical Marijuana always sucked, and that it sucks now, you are right. What stupid, whiny fucks Somin and I are for thinking otherwise.

Amazing you're defending a whacked rewrite instead of direct quote and context. Oh yeah, you're doing it yourself.

YouTube Video, Barack Obama, 2008: "not wanting to let people grow their own, or start setting up mom and pop shops" but
"what I'm not going to be doing is using Department of Justice resources to circumvent state laws on this issue"

I think you need to focus on the next statement, not the one you quoted. When your parents gave you an inch, did you typically expect a mile?

YouTube video, Barack Obama, 2007:

"I would not have the Justice Department prosecuting and raiding medical marijuana, its not a good use of our resources"

At least you're morphing into direct quotes between your little (""). Try listening to the whole thing.

Question from an Oregon newspaper, and Mr. Obama's answer:

Q:Would you stop the DEA's raids on Oregon medical marijuana growers?
A:I would because I think our federal agents have better things to do, like catching criminals and preventing terrorism.

We're all well-versed in cherry picking your info.

Attorney General Eric Holder, March 2009:

"The policy is to go after those people who violate both federal and state law, ...Given the limited resources that we have, our focus will be on people, organizations that are growing, cultivating substantial amounts of marijuana and doing so in a way that's inconsistent with federal and state law," -

I don't have any trouble adding all this together but you apparently had a reason for the quote. So what's the point, you don't likey? That's well established.

The Washington Times, 2009:

Drug Enforcement Administration agents this week raided four medical marijuana shops in California, contrary to President Obama’s campaign promises to stop the raids.

Even the Washington Times (lol) has trouble with verbatim context.

The White House said it expects those kinds of raids to end once Mr. Obama nominates someone to take charge of DEA, which is still run by Bush administration holdovers.

“The president believes that federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws, and as he continues to appoint senior leadership to fill out the ranks of the federal government, he expects them to review their policies with that in mind,” White House spokesman Nick Shapiro said.

Like I said, a third grader could decipher the context (so long as they're reading verbatim and not rehash.)

Like I said, make bank, break state law or break federal law, and all the re-translation in the world won't bolster your argument.

I love it when were 10 pages into an argument and somebody's still re-wording campaign comments.

 

[LouDog420]

those are not separate points. people in medical states should not be cultivating, selling and distributing. you're supposed to be giving care not turning a profit. you all fuck it up for yourselves with your greed.

Better shut down your grow if this is what you believe.

Without cultivation, how does anyone get green??

Without selling and distribution, how can any of the sick patients who are incapable of daily activities, much less maintaining a garden, find medicine??

I agree that greed is one thing and definitely not beneficial to the cause, but cultivation, distribution, and sales are completely necessary, and to say otherwise is ignorant...

 

[terminalc]

Thanks for the price support Obama

 

[bentom187]

Without selling and distribution, how can any of the sick patients who are incapable of daily activities, much less maintaining a garden, find medicine??

I agree that greed is one thing and definitely not beneficial to the cause, but cultivation, distribution, and sales are completely necessary, and to say otherwise is ignorant...

both these points make no sense.

1.you find them but for thesake of giving them what they need not to sell your wares to them.

2.cultivation yeah ,distrabution sure , sale for profit means that thats all you have as motivation.

it dosnt mean the rest of us are ignorant.

 

[JJScorpio]

Seems people have a hard time reading.

"A number of states have enacted some form of legislation relating to the medical use of marijuana. Accordingly,the Ogden Memo reiterated to you that prosecution of significant traffickers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, remains a core priority, but advised that it is likely not an efficient use of federal resources to focus enforcement efforts on individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or their caregivers. The term “caregiver” as used in the memorandum meant just that: individuals providing care to individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses, not commercial operations cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana".

Seems to me that means they are not going to prosecute MM users or caregivers......

I think a lot of you must also have very limited memory when it comes to past MM prosecution. Look at things now compared to the way bush attacked MM users. There's no comparison.

If you hate Obama because he's black or whatever reason, be a man and get it out. But don't sit here and lie and pretend things were so great with Bush. Anyone with half a brain can see things are better for MM now then they ever have been...... And I mean EVER....... Prove me wrong.......

 

[40AmpstoFreedom]

Anyone with half a brain can see things are better for MM now then they ever have been...... And I mean EVER....... Prove me wrong.......

Name one positive thing he has done or said about MMJ while holding his current position in office as you assert.

The reason MMJ is in better circumstances right now than it has ever been is because of grassroots movements pushing ballot initiatives. It has nothing to do with our federal government on any level including Obama. I don't think because people are bashing the current administration for their policies like all other administrations has anything to do with the race card.

I think the notion of Obama having done something positive for the MMJ community in any way, shape, or form is as absurd as the generalization you proffer that everyone is bashing him because he is black and they are racist. He is another government bureaucrat like all the others and could give a shit about the people unless your a union who will vote for him and in this case the police unions, trial lawyers, corporate drug companies, and other political parts of the apparatus hold far more voting power than any of us. So we shall dine on 'cake'.

 

[rives]

Anyone with half a brain can see things are better for MM now then they ever have been...... And I mean EVER....... Prove me wrong.......

The documentation that I have read shows that the raids under Obama have approximately doubled in frequency over the Bush years. There have been "well over 100 raids" in less than 2-1/2 years under the current administration vs. approximately 200 in the 8 years of the Bush administration. How do you reconcile this with your above statement?

 

[40AmpstoFreedom]

The documentation that I have read shows that the raids under Obama have approximately doubled in frequency over the Bush years. There have been "well over 100 raids" in less than 2-1/2 years under the current administration vs. approximately 200 in the 8 years of the Bush administration. How do you reconcile this with your above statement?

And this is indeed fact it has been common knowledge for awhile now got the printout of the article a long time ago.

 

[headband 707]

Obama Administration Issues New Threats Against Medical Marijuana
By Scott Morgan, Stop the Drug War - Saturday, July 2 2011
Tags:


US Department of Justice issues a formal statement disrespecting the states' rights to self determination on the medical marijuana issue.


After several ominous months, Obama's Dept. of Justice has issued a formal statement backing away from the President's pledge to respect state medical marijuana laws:

A number of states have enacted some form of legislation relating to the medical use of marijuana. Accordingly the Ogden memo reiterated to you that prosecution of significant traffickers in illegal drugs, including marijuana, remains a core priority, but advised that it is likely not an efficient use of federal resources to focus enforcement efforts on individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or their caregivers. The term “caregiver” as used in the memorandum meant just that: individuals providing care to individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses, not commercial operations cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana.

The Department’s view of the efficient use of limited federal resources as articulated in the Ogden Memorandum has not changed. There has, however, been an increase in the scope of commercial cultivation, sale, distribution and use of marijuana for purported medical purposes. For example, within the past 212 months, several jurisdictions have considered or enacted legislation to authorize multiple large-scale, privately-operated industrial marijuana cultivation centers. Some of these planned facilities have revenue projections of the millions of dollars based on the plant cultivation of tens of thousands of cannabis plants.

The Odgen Memorandum was never intended to shield such activities from federal enforcement action and prosecution, ever where those activities purport to comply with state law. Persons who are in the business of cultivating. selling, or distributing marijuana, and those who knowing facilitate such activities, are in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, regardless of state law. Consistent with the resource constraints and the discretion you may exercise in your district, such persons are subject to federal enforcement action, including potential prosecution. State laws or local ordinances are not a defense to civil enforcement of federal law with respect to such conduct, including enforcement of the CSA. Those who engage in transactions involving the proceeds of such activity may also be in violation of federal money laundering statutes and other federal financing laws.

AdvertisementThe Department of Justice is tasked with enforcement existing federal criminal laws in all states, and enforcement of the CSA has long been and remains or core priority.

So the Obama Administration's idea of "efficient use of limited federal resources…has not changed," except insofar as they didn't actually want anyone to think it was ok to provide medicine to sick people. How silly of us. Maybe when Obama said things like, "I will not be using justice department resources to try to circumvent state laws on this issue," he just meant that he wouldn't personally be running around in a kevlar vest and sticking an AR-15 in anyone's face. What the DEA does with its massive budget, however, appears to be another matter entirely.

Whatever one expected to come of Obama's medical marijuana promises, there is no denying that today's events constitute a disturbing departure even from the vague language of the '09 Holder Memo. Obama chose to present himself as a reformer on this issue, and he now richly deserves the inevitable condemnation that comes with opposing 80% of the American public on a basic human rights issue. The war on medical marijuana continues and so must the fight for justice.

You can begin by clicking here to send a note to the White House.

 

[stickey fingers]

i love this thred

i love this thred

Seems people have a hard time reading.

"A number of states have enacted some form of legislation relating to the medical use of marijuana. Accordingly,the Ogden Memo reiterated to you that prosecution of significant traffickers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, remains a core priority, but advised that it is likely not an efficient use of federal resources to focus enforcement efforts on individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or their caregivers. The term “caregiver” as used in the memorandum meant just that: individuals providing care to individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses, not commercial operations cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana".

Seems to me that means they are not going to prosecute MM users or caregivers......

I think a lot of you must also have very limited memory when it comes to past MM prosecution. Look at things now compared to the way bush attacked MM users. There's no comparison.

If you hate Obama because he's black or whatever reason, be a man and get it out. But don't sit here and lie and pretend things were so great with Bush. Anyone with half a brain can see things are better for MM now then they ever have been...... And I mean EVER....... Prove me wrong.......

i am assumeing you do not live in the US beacause you do not
have a clue, better yet you're not even in the ballpark !!!
RIP DR JAY

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

Remmeber all of you stupid Sheeple voted for the asshat Obama,
you all got suckered by his lies, and look at the US now, fucked in the ass worse
than with the RepCons.

Ah, the cerebral moment at it's zenith.

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

Name one positive thing he has done or said about MMJ while holding his current position in office as you assert.

First, you'd have to consider the context that was removed, ignore the context inserted and take a look at face value.

Unfortunately, face value never was that valuable. But it didn't stop venture capitalists from seeing dollar signs.

The reason MMJ is in better circumstances right now than it has ever been is because of grassroots movements pushing ballot initiatives.

It has nothing to do with our federal government on any level including Obama. I don't think because people are bashing the current administration for their policies like all other administrations has anything to do with the race card.

I don't see any problem applying credit where credit is cue. Medical states have taken the initiative and receive my applause. Contrary to your opinion, this president doesn't go after this from a single point of view like his predecessor.

Thanks for dismissing the race card, makes it easier to mention the next point. This isn't a black or white issue. You're ignoring aspects that turned a campaign hedge (yes, a hedge) into a bald faced promise. It may not be race but why are you narrow angling broad focus?

I think the notion of Obama having done something positive for the MMJ community in any way, shape, or form is as absurd as the generalization you proffer that everyone is bashing him because he is black and they are racist. He is another government bureaucrat like all the others and could give a shit about the people unless your a union who will vote for him and in this case the police unions, trial lawyers, corporate drug companies, and other political parts of the apparatus hold far more voting power than any of us. So we shall dine on 'cake'.

The generalizations are astounding but they demonstrate why you're unhappy. Somewhere along the line you stopped listening to what's being said and categorize everything for convenience. Analyzing the actual context might disrupt the hierarchical structure above. In other words, give me exactly what I want or you never did anything for me.

Don't know if anybody here was around when alcohol prohibition was first repealed. The way I hear it, Seagram and Dickle weren't dancing in the streets... yet. Only 3.2% beer and wine were legal and folks actually thought they couldn't get intoxicated on 3.2% It took a little longer to get all the drinky we enjoy today.

 

[vta]

Seems people have a hard time reading.

"A number of states have enacted some form of legislation relating to the medical use of marijuana. Accordingly,the Ogden Memo reiterated to you that prosecution of significant traffickers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, remains a core priority, but advised that it is likely not an efficient use of federal resources to focus enforcement efforts on individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or their caregivers. The term “caregiver” as used in the memorandum meant just that: individuals providing care to individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses, not commercial operations cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana".

Seems to me that means they are not going to prosecute MM users or caregivers......

I think a lot of you must also have very limited memory when it comes to past MM prosecution. Look at things now compared to the way bush attacked MM users. There's no comparison.

If you hate Obama because he's black or whatever reason, be a man and get it out. But don't sit here and lie and pretend things were so great with Bush. Anyone with half a brain can see things are better for MM now then they ever have been...... And I mean EVER....... Prove me wrong.......

Sorry JJ but this memo is the worst news we have had in a long time. This memo gives LEO a new weapon against the movement. This now gives the green light to raid EVERY club...EVERY club. If cash enters a cash register...then watch out.

This isn't about hating Obama because he's black...at least not for me it's not. I voted for the guy and now see my error....and I'm not just taking about cannabis reform but that's neither her nor there. This topic is about cannabis and the war against. And the against just got ballsier.

Enforcement against MMJ has only INCREASED under Obama. The numbers do not lie. The first two years under Obama saw half the amount of raids under the entire Bush administration. 2 years vs 8, half the raids already...need I say more? Years ago(2004 i think) he said marijuana should be decriminalized...now he doesn't feel that way...what what? What changed his mind?

The bottom line is Obama is not there for us...this memo proves that. And for that I will vote against him. He's not waiting for the 'next term' to help out us stoners...lmao. It would be foolish at this point to invest any faith in Obama and cannabis reform.

This memo has already got LEO salivating.

Here's an article showing the local LEO are going to ramp up enforcement.

Author: Ryan Sabalow


FEDS MORE STRICT ON MEDICAL POT

Medical Marijuana Legal in 16 States, D.C.

Federal prosecutors have tightened their stance on states' medical marijuana laws, saying lax enforcement has created an environment where "large-scale, privately operated industrial marijuana cultivation centers" are booming businesses worth millions of dollars.

The move was applauded Friday by local law enforcement officials.

"It's about time," said Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko.

In a memo sent Wednesday to federal law enforcement officials and prosecutors, Deputy U.S. Attorney General James M. Cole clarified the Justice Department's position on medical marijuana, saying federal prosecutors should still use discretion about prosecuting those labeled as "caregivers" under state medical marijuana laws, but it's OK to charge those involved in the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana. Cole says doing so is "a serious crime" that "provides a significant source of revenue to large scale criminal enterprises, gangs and cartels."

Marijuana is illegal under federal law, but 16 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws legalizing medical marijuana.

California voters legalized medical marijuana in 1996 when they passed Proposition 215.

In 2009, the Obama Administration's Deputy Attorney General David Ogden sent a memo to prosecutors telling them not to enforce marijuana laws if they ran counter to state laws that legalized the drug.

Cole said that since Ogden's memo was released, a number of U.S. attorneys and state and local law enforcement officials contacted his office for clarification about what to do about huge, for-profit marijuana operations that sprang up as a result.

"For example, within the past 12 months, several jurisdictions have considered or enacted legislation to authorize multiple large-scale, privately operated industrial marijuana cultivation centers," Cole said. "Some of these planned facilities have revenue projections of millions of dollars based on the planned cultivation of tens of thousands of cannabis plants. State laws or local ordinances are not a defense to civil or criminal enforcement of federal law with respect to such conduct."

Last fall, Redding city planners approved a zoning ordinance allowing for large commercial indoor medical marijuana growing. There are at least 17 pot collectives, co-ops and dispensaries in Redding. Shasta County has a moratorium on such centers.

Redding Police Capt. Roger Moore said the memo "very well could change things."

"We want to enforce federal guidelines and regulations," Moore said. "But we're kind of caught in the middle. As soon as we get some support and backing from the Feds, we will enforce their wishes."

Bosenko said he plans to hold conversations with local prosecutors about whether the memo might change how they prosecute his deputies' marijuana arrests.

"Marijuana still remains illegal under federal law and under state law," Bosenko said. "We'll continue to enforce the law."

Jess Brewer, the owner of Trusted Friends, a medical marijuana collective on Pine Street in Redding, said he doesn't expect legitimate nonprofit suppliers of medical cannabis like him will see any changes.

Brewer said his office already has received a letter from Redding Police Chief Peter Hansen advising him of the changes, which he said he supports, since they target illicit growers who sell marijuana for profit and instead of for purely medicinal use.

"I think they're going after illicit vendors, growers and clubs," he said. "If you're not doing it right, they're going to pop you."

 

[rives]

This memo gives LEO a new weapon against the movement. This now gives the green light to raid EVERY club...EVERY club. If cash enters a cash register...then watch out.

Pretty interesting, VTA. When I first started reading your response, I immediately flashed back to yesterday's Record Searchlight, and planned on quoting it to support your position. Then, voila! - here is Bosenko. I always find the Searchlight to be a good indicator of how the rural US is thinking, and sometimes it is a real eye-opener.

 

[Tripp Inmiasov]

Why argue? If you don't understand by now you never will. Attacking members for posting factual information about our current government only shows your ignorance or blindness... or both.

Remember, political and religious policies are carefully orchestrated to control people by playing to their fears, weaknesses and ignorance.

We would all be wise to keep our eyes, ears and minds wide open when any government is motivated by, and acts, in the interests of enriching themselves.

This administration has shown repeatedly that it will cast common sense to the wind and only act to placate their political cronies.

Don't try to bullshit a bullshitter!

 

[paladin420]

Here in Mich we fall under the health department. You don't see the state police Gettin all swatted up to raid a burger stand that violates a code. I go one over my numbers and out comes the Kevlar. They are useing the federal law to justify their criminal actions.
So About Obummer. Not Suprised! the only 'job' he ever had was politics. So he is a liar.You All Voted for him.. JJ? Color Don't matter. Piece of shit liar? Matters

 

[In~Plain~Site]

Ah, the cerebral moment at it's zenith.

But still a reasonable thought to a thinking man, what if...countermanding the decision.Not quite as advertised...

Sometimes the opposition is just too great and we concede...

A man is what?

As good as his word...however trite it may have become...I'm not trying to keep score or anything.

I just happen to know a few who have second guessed their own wisdom.

 

[VirginHarvester]

those are not separate points. people in medical states should not be cultivating, selling and distributing. you're supposed to be giving care not turning a profit. you all fuck it up for yourselves with your greed.

The Federal Government is a crime syndicate on its own. As for "us" fucking it up, you're silly. The only contention the government has is they aren't getting their share of people's money.

 

[merlin123]

Guys the the whole thing behind MJ raids is big pharma. There are 4, yes 4, lobbyists from big pharma for every memeber of congress. Isn't rocket science. They see all this money going into MJ dispensaries and caregiver grows. Here comes Sativex.

 

[wisco61]

Enforcement against MMJ has only INCREASED under Obama. The numbers do not lie. The first two years under Obama saw half the amount of raids under the entire Bush administration. 2 years vs 8, half the raids already...need I say more? Years ago(2004 i think) he said marijuana should be decriminalized...now he doesn't feel that way...what what? What changed his mind?

Or maybe there are waaaaaaaaaaay more dispenseraries now then there were back in the day because only the shady places are getting busted now. Before, anyone was fair game.

2 raids in MI I can think of off the top of my head were caused by people pushing their luck. One was importing lots of weed from Cali and got caught, and the other was selling coke and heroin out the back door and got caught.

All the other ones are going along just fine.