Administration, Citing “States’ Rights,” Opposes Amendment To Restrict Marijuana Legalization in District of Columbia

July 18th, 2014

The Administration’s policy statement, opposing an Amendment that would block funding for marijuana legalization in the District of Columbia, cites states’ rights:

 The Administration strongly opposes language in the bill that restricts D.C. from using its local funds for abortion services, undermining the principle of States’ rights and of District home rule. Longstanding Federal policy already prohibits Federal funds from being used for abortions, except in cases of rape or incest, or when the life of the woman would be endangered. Similarly, the Administration strongly opposes the language in the bill preventing the District from using its own local funds to carry out locally- passed marijuana policies, which again undermines the principles of States’ rights and of District home rule. Furthermore, the language poses legal challenges to the Metropolitan Police Department’s enforcement of all marijuana laws currently in force in the District.

Citing federalism to allow a federal enclave to enact local laws that are preempted by federal criminal laws. How John C. Calhoun! And yes, marijuana is still an illegal controlled substance, regardless of whether people think it should or should not be.