Federal Marijuana Decision Won't Impact Local Law Enforcement, Says Michigan Prosecutor

[bobandtorey]

The federal government may no longer bust marijuana users and sellers who follow state laws, but that won’t affect decisions on the local level, according to David Gilbert, prosecutor for Calhoun County, Mich.

 

Gilbert paid little stock to Attorney General Eric Holder’s Friday announcement that federal law enforcement agents would not challenge individual states’ decisions to legalize marijuana. Holder referred specifically to Colorado and Washington, who both recently voted to allow the drug for recreational use.

 

According to the Battle Creek Enquirer, Gilbert stated, “All I do is follow the law. Marijuana is a controlled substance with the exception of medical marijuana. And I really have no idea what (Holder’s announcement) means.”

 

“I don’t think there will be much effect,” responded Gilbert. “He is not really saying anything. And we are going to enforce the law.”

He added, “They can if they want to step in. And whoever the attorney general is can change their minds.”

 

Although medical marijuana is legal in Michigan, officials are still actively fighting distribution. In June, the Southwest Michigan Enforcement Team (SWET) raided three suspected marijuana dispensaries in Springfield, a city in Calhoun County. Gilbert is still waiting on warrant requests from these raids.

 

While local prosecutors like Gilbert may see few changes following Holder’s announcement, other law enforcement agents have protested the decision to stop cracking down on marijuana.

A coalition of narcotics officers, sheriffs and police chiefs issued a joint statement to the Attorney General, stating, “It is unacceptable that the Department of Justice did not consult our organizations -- whose members will be directly impacted -- for meaningful input ahead of this important decision ... Simply 'checking the box' by alerting law enforcement officials right before a decision is announced is not enough and certainly does not show an understanding of the value the Federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partnerships bring to the Department of Justice and the public safety discussion."

 

 

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/drug-law/federal-marijuana-decision-wont-impact-local-law-enforcement-says-michigan?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+opposingviews%2Fmain+(Opposing+Views+-+Issues%2C+Experts%2C+Answers)#

[solabeirtan]

However they are concerned about their future which currently concerns Detroits' Bankruptcy and Joakland Cos' success with their current Municipal Bond rollout.

 

Seems MI paper is not so popular these days, mpo it's another conspiracy working its mojo on our current bottom line. -more-On that...

[greenbuddha]

Things is gettin' tight all over.

 

Take away a man's power and income and he can get pretty strange about it.

 

But that 'change' is coming.

[solabeirtan]

You've noticed? I'm surprized, from your lofty perch, on the Isla Suenos.  You must have cable there, ehh 

 

Real men get resourcefull. Learn how to grow things and stuff.

 

Change ? change? you've got some change? what kinda 'change' might that be, Isla hombre?   You gonna drop somma that sugar on us.

[Wild Bill]

 

According to the Battle Creek Enquirer, Gilbert stated, “All I do is follow the law. Marijuana is a controlled substance with the exception of medical marijuana. And I really have no idea what (Holder’s announcement) means.” Oh! Another gray area!

 

“I don’t think there will be much effect,” responded Gilbert. Of course not, the State law hasn't had much effect so why should Federal change make any difference.

[Dr. Bob]

The DOJ announcement does not mean anything on the local level.  It is a strategic shift that will have effect on future legislation in Michigan, but there is nothing in the memo that changes anything under the MMMA.

 

Dr. Bob

[pic book]

The effect of such 'loosening talk' will sweep away some fear from home growers who would otherwise procure in a manner other than growing their own.  And Holder's words will be used as a cudgel on some wives who feel reluctant to live in a grow.

[greenbuddha]

You've noticed? I'm surprized, from your lofty perch, on the Isla Suenos.  You must have cable there, ehh 

 

Real men get resourcefull. Learn how to grow things and stuff.

 

Change ? change? you've got some change? what kinda 'change' might that be, Isla hombre?   You gonna drop somma that sugar on us.

 

 

Kitty Cat's sand box must be full... touchy about a few things... are we???

[solabeirtan]

No, I have my maid change it daily, gracias. Easy living Gato-Grande style!

 

Where's the "change",  Sr Mantiquilla Verde   ?

[bobandtorey]

The DOJ announcement does not mean anything on the local level.  It is a strategic shift that will have effect on future legislation in Michigan, but there is nothing in the memo that changes anything under the MMMA.

 

Dr. Bob

I agree and the only change i would like to see here in Mich. and to the MMMA is the right to have a jury once that happens we can move on from there

[greenbuddha]

No, I have my maid change it daily, gracias. Easy living Gato-Grande style!

 

Where's the "change",  Sr Mantiquilla Verde   ?

 

Jah love, Brother.

 

Nothin' gonna harsh me island mellow.

 

The change be coming.

[Dr. Bob]

I agree and the only change i would like to see here in Mich. and to the MMMA is the right to have a jury once that happens we can move on from there

Already have it.

 

This nice thing about this ruling is that it overcomes potential objections.

 

Dr. Bob

[1lluminated1]

No, I have my maid change it daily, gracias. Easy living Gato-Grande style!

 

Where's the "change",  Sr Mantiquilla Verde   ?

 

Yeah I wanna know where the change is too?  I'm sIck of these traitorous thug prosecuters spending OUR time and money throwing us in prison for a plant that can heal!  Local beaurocracy only follows what is convenient for them and makes them money.  Have they forgotten they work for US?