The Evergreen State in more than one way.
OLYMPIA, Aug. 29.—The feds have broken their silence on marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado, and it looks like they’re giving the big thumbs-up. A great big green thumb.
In a statement released in advance of a press conference this morning, Gov. Jay Inslee and state Attorney General Bob Ferguson say they have been informed that the U.S. Department of Justice will stand aside when Washington opens the door to legal marijuana sales early next year. Though marijuana was legalized by Washington voters last fall with Initiative 502, it remains an illegal drug under federal law.
Big questions remain to be resolved, of course – such as conflicts with federal law regarding banking statutes that apparently make it impossible for marijuana merchants to bank the money they receive from sales of marijuana, or for the state to deposit tax-revenue proceeds in its account at the Bank of America. But the joint statement from Ferguson and Inslee appears to settle the biggest question – will the new green world ever begin?
Here is the text of the statement:
Joint Statement From Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson Regarding Update From Attorney General Eric Holder on Implementation of Washington’s Voter-Approved Marijuana Law
August 29, 2013
“Today we received confirmation Washington’s voter-approved marijuana law will be implemented. We received good news this morning when Attorney General Eric Holder told the governor the federal government would not pre-empt Washington and Colorado as the states implement a highly regulated legalized market for marijuana. Attorney General Holder made it clear the federal government will continue to enforce the federal Controlled Substance Act by focusing its enforcement on eight specific concerns, including the prevention of distribution to minors and the importance of keeping Washington-grown marijuana within our state’s borders. We share those concerns and are confident our state initiative will be implemented as planned.
“We want to thank the Attorney General for working with the states on this and for finding a way that allows our initiative to move forward while maintaining a commitment to fighting illegal drugs. This reflects a balanced approach by the federal government that respects the states’ interests in implementing these laws and recognizes the federal government’s role in fighting illegal drugs and criminal activity.
“Attorney General Holder also expressed a willingness to work with the states on a financial structure that would not run afoul of federal law. The news today is an affirmation of good work by the state Liquor Control Board as it has devised a responsible system of implementing our voter-approved law. We can assure the Attorney General that Washington state will remain vigilant in enforcing laws against the illicit marijuana market. Since voters approved Initiative 502 last year, the state has been working to implement it. Today’s announcement from Attorney General Holder is a confirmation that the process can continue to move forward as planned. We appreciate that the federal government will allow the voice of Washingtonians to be heard on this issue.”
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