Governor Hickenlooper Releases Statement Regarding Altered Federal Viewpoint of Sales of Recreational Marijuana

DENVER — Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 — Gov. John Hickenlooper released this statement today in response to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement regarding marijuana laws in Colorado and Washington:

“We recognize how difficult this issue has been for the Department of Justice and we appreciate the thoughtful approach it has taken. Amendment 64 put Colorado in conflict with federal law. Today’s announcement shows the federal government is respecting the will of Colorado voters. 

“We share with the federal government its priorities going forward. We are working to improve education and prevention efforts directed at young people and on enforcement tools to prevent access to marijuana by those under 21 years of age. We are also determined to keep marijuana businesses from being fronts for criminal enterprises or other illegal activity, and we are committed to preventing the exportation of marijuana out of Colorado while also enhancing efforts to keep state roads safer from impaired drivers.” 

MSN.Com reported earlier today: 

Washington — In a dramatic change in drug policy, the Justice Department said Thursday that it won’t sue to stop the states of Colorado and Washington from allowing recreational marijuana use as it issued a sweeping national policy statement that outlines its top priorities for pot enforcement.

The action, welcomed by supporters of legalization, could set the stage for more states to legalize marijuana. Alaska is scheduled to vote on legalizing recreational use of marijuana next year, and a few other states plan similar votes in 2016.