Department of Justice to Allow Colorado and Washington's Marijuana Laws to Take Action

The war on drugs is going up in smoke.

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In other marijuana-related news, the U.S. has changed its stance on the drug, deciding that it will allow states such as Washington and Colorado where people have voted in favor of its legalization to proceed with their laws, but states must adhere to rules regarding marijuana distribution. This is kind of like a big deal for the waste of t—er, war on drugs.

Deputy Attorney General James M. Colesent a memo to each of the 50 states explaining the Obama administration's new position, while making it clear that federal law still prohibits marijuana. Instead of harassing individual smokers, the memo targets eight very specific areas. The distribution of marijuana to minors, sale to gangs and cartels, sale to states where marijuana is illegal under state law and growth of marijuana on public lands are among these areas. 

While Attorney General Eric Holder reportedly called the governors of Colorado and Washington to deliver the news this afternoon, an official from the Department of Justice said that federal prosecutors will monitor how both states regulate their laws closely. Last fall, both Washington and Colorado agreed to decriminalize the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

Aug. 29, 2013 will be remembered as one of the better days in history of marijuana enthusiasts. 

[via Washington Post

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