Congresswoman Barbara Lee Seeks to End Harassment of Cannabis Dispensaries Leads Letter to U.S. Attorney Haag
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2013
Contact: Carrie Adams (202) 225-2661
Washington, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, joined by Reps. George Miller, Sam Farr, and Eric Swalwell, released excerpts of a letter sent to Melinda Haag, U.S. Attorney for Northern District of California regarding the ongoing “hostility toward dispensaries.” The letter was sent following a string of actions against medical marijuana dispensaries.
The letter reads in part:
It is counterproductive and economically prohibitive to continue a path of hostility toward dispensaries. Moreover, it appears to directly counter the spirit of Deputy Attorney General Cole’s memo, and is in direct opposition to the evolving view toward medical marijuana, the will of the people and, by now, common sense. Additionally, the State of California has also received legislative direction and guidelines from California Attorney General Kamala Harris on responsibly delivering medical marijuana.
It is our view that the intent of the Justice Department is to not enforce its anti-marijuana laws in conflict with the laws of states that have chosen to decriminalize marijuana for medical and recreational uses. California understands the urgency toward putting together a statewide regulatory system, and we can all be helpful in that regard, but some municipalities, including Oakland, have already done an extraordinary job regulating medical marijuana. California is moving in the correct direction in a measured manner, and should be given the opportunity to do so.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee said, “It is far past time for commonsense and economic sense to prevail in policies and actions related to medical cannabis dispensaries that serve the patients in our communities. This harassment and constant threat of prosecution should end.”
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