Aggressive Federal Marijuana Action Would Undermine Rights and Jeopardize Industry, DeGette Says

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip, said if the Justice Department urges federal prosecutors to more aggressively enforce marijuana laws in states such as Colorado that have legalized sales of the drug, it will undermine people's rights and jeopardize an important industry.

"This step could drag us back to the days of raids on legal dispensaries and people living in fear of being jailed for using the medical marijuana they need," DeGette said. "It could create a chilling effect on an industry that employs thousands of people in Colorado alone, where sales now top $1 billion per year. The federal government shouldn't take punitive steps that undermine the will of our citizens expressed at the state level."

DeGette is the author of bipartisan legislation to ensure that the federal government does not pre-empt state laws on marijuana; it clarifies congressional intent and provides guidance for courts.