Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jun 2013
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2013 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Kyung M. Song
Page: B2

DOJ URGED TO AVOID POT SHOWDOWN WITH STATE

7 in Congress Sign Letter

Protection Sought From Federal Prosecution

WASHINGTON - Seven congressional Democrats from Washington are
pressing the U.S. Department of Justice to honor the state's new
recreational-marijuana law - the delegation's first collective public
statement on the issue.

In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder released Tuesday, the
Democrats urged quick action by the agency to assure pot users and
sellers they won't be "penalized by the federal government for
activities legal under state law."

Initiative 502, which was approved by 56 percent of voters last
November, legalizes possession of small amounts of pot by adults. But
marijuana for any use, recreational or medical, remains illegal under
the federal Controlled Substances Act.

"We hope that you will exercise your significant discretionary
authority by choosing not to ... prosecute our residents and state
employees acting in compliance with these laws," the lawmakers wrote.

The letter also said state regulators were working to keep tight reins
on the pot market, including preventing marijuana exports and black
markets.

The letter was signed by Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and
Reps. Adam Smith of Bellevue, Jim McDermott of Seattle, Suzan DelBene
of Medina, Denny Heck of Olympia and Derek Kilmer of Gig Harbor.

Smith, McDermott, DelBene and Heck voted for I-502; Cantwell, Murray
and Kilmer did not.

Pot advocates in the state have become increasingly critical of what
they view as the delegation's lack of effort to reconcile the
state-federal legal conflict. Smith was the only member from
Washington to sign a similar letter to Holder last year.

The eighth Democrat, Everett's Rick Larsen, did not sign the new
letter. He also opposed I-502.

Larsen is at the Paris Air Show this week at the behest of Gov. Jay
Inslee. Larsen's spokesman, Bryan Thomas, said Larsen chose not to
sign because "the Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing
federal laws. Congressman Larsen believes the state must work with the
Department of Justice to determine a way forward."

The delegation's four House Republicans also opposed I-502: Dave
Reichert of Auburn, Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Spokane, Jaime Herrera
Beutler of Camas, and Doc Hastings of Pasco.

The state Liquor Control Board, the agency charged with creating a
legal marijuana system, is expected to issue draft rules for that
system July 3. Retail pot stores would open next year.
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MAP posted-by: Matt