September 9, 2013
The Honorable Attorney General Eric Holder
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20530-0001
Dear Attorney General Holder:
We are shocked and dismayed with your decision to allow the states of Colorado and Washington to legalize the production and sale of marijuana for “recreational” use – this is in direct conflict with federal law and our international treaty obligations. We expressed our concern to you about state level efforts to legalize marijuana in August 2010 when California ballot initiative, Proposition 19 was being considered. On Oct 13, 2010 you responded, "let me state clearly that the Department of Justice strongly opposes Proposition 19. If passed, this legislation will greatly complicate federal drug enforcement efforts to the detriment of our citizens. Regardless of the passage of this or similar legislation, the Department of Justice will remain fully committed to enforcing the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in all states. We will vigorously enforce the CSA against those individuals and organizations that possess, manufacture or distribute marijuana for recreational use, even if such activities are permitted under state law."