US Attorney General Still No Decision on WA Pot Law - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

US Attorney General Still No Decision on WA Pot Law

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Kevin Shaub, News Anchor - bio | email

WASHINGTON, D.C. – US Attorney General Eric Holder says the Obama administration still hasn't decided on how the federal government will respond to the new legal-marijuana laws passed by voters in Washington and Colorado. 

Holder appeared Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

The attorney general reiterated that a policy decision will be announced "relatively soon." He also says he's had good conversations with elected leaders from Washington and Colorado. 

Under Initiative 502, Washington State will regulate licensed marijuana growers, processors and retail stores. But marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and state laws can be struck down if the "frustrate the purpose" of federal law.

The Justice Department could sue the states in an attempt to block the licensing schemes from taking effect.

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