With Two States Legalizing Marijuana, Are the Drug Warriors in Washington in Freak-Out Mode?

[xchrom]

http://www.alternet.org/drugs/two-states-legalizing-marijuana-are-drug-warriors-washington-freak-out-mode

Voters in Colorado and Washington made history Tuesday night. The states’ marijuana legalization initiatives, I-502 in Washington and Amendment 64 in Colorado, brought what many marijuana advocates are calling the beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition in America. But the power of the people -- and the states -- have one big hurdle to clear before the ban on pot is lifted: The Feds. Only this time, the people may have built more than drug warrior's boots can stomp out.

On Tuesday night, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, who opposed Amendment 64, warned constituents of a long road ahead. “The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will. This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug so don’t break out the Cheetos or gold fish too quickly.” Unnecessary stoner stereotype jab -- but, moving on...

With more busts for medical pot than the Bush administration, the former pot-loving “Choom Gang” President Barack Obama has proven to be the marijuana warrior he promised not to become in 2008. Now, the Obama administration’s policies regarding medical pot have prompted speculation that full legalization may too face tough opposition from the feds. Still, with Colorado’s Amendment 64 garnering 50,000 more votes in the state than Obama, others say this election sends a message to politicians that attacking marijuana policy reform is politically toxic. But the Controlled Substances Act still holds marijuana in the most restricted class of drugs, Schedule I, defined as dangerous, addicting, and medically irrelevant.

“The Drug Enforcement Administration’s enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act remains unchanged," a DEA spokesperson told Reason.com , "In enacting the Controlled Substances Act, Congress determined that marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance. The Department of Justice is reviewing the ballot initiatives and we have no additional comment at this time."

[marmar]

1. Hickenlooper's an ass.

nt

[xchrom]

2. ...

[Scuba]

3. "...Colorado’s Amendment 64 garnering 50,000 more votes in the state than Obama..."

Interesting in that it suggests strong bi-partisan support for the initiative.

[Upton]

4. I-502 is currently outperforming Obama also..

though it's awfully close..55.35%-55.25%.. the WH might get a clue and realize the majority of pro I-502 voters also voted for the president.. we don't want to be let down.