New Memo on Medical Marijuana Policy

Michael Krasny

Jul 5, 2011 at

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(Kevork Djansezian/Getty)

The Department of Justice issued a new memo to federal prosecutors clarifying its medical marijuana policy. Calling marijuana “a dangerous drug,” the memo threatened enforcement actions against those in the business of cultivating and distributing pot. What does this mean for California?

The new memo contrasts a 2009 memo which said federal resources should not be used to prosecute those in “clear and unambiguous” compliance with state medical marijuana laws.

More: Republic of Cannabis – a series co-produced by KQED and the Center for Investigative Reporting
More: Justice Dept. Reminds States That Selling Pot Is Still a Federal Crime – from KQED’s News Fix blog

Guests:

Steve DeAngelo, founder and executive director of Harborside Health Center, a city-licensed medical cannabis dispensary in Oakland

Michael Montgomery, reporter for KQED and California Watch

McGregor Scott, former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of California during the George W. Bush administration and current partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe law firm in Sacramento

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