Obama Says Marijuana Legalization Will Be Left Up To State Governments
In an unprecedented interview conducted and broadcast via YouTube, U.S. President Barack Obama was pressed to give the public some insight into how his administration plans to move forward with the legalization of marijuana.
His remarks were music to anyone involved in the industry’s ears as the President seemed positive on the direction the market has taken.
Federal Government Steps Back
Obama said he expects to see more states follow suit on legalizing recreational marijuana sales as both Colorado and Washington state have done. He also remarked that the federal government plans to keep its distance from decisions made at the state level.
State governments who decide to legalize the recreational or medicinal sale or use of the drug will not face scrutiny from the federal government, which still has laws classifying marijuana as an illegal substance.
Shifting Point Of View
The President went on to say that he thinks the government’s view of marijuana needs to shift from a criminal problem to one of public health.
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Obama compared marijuana use to that of tobacco or drunk driving, saying that the government should use its resources to treat the problem rather than criminalize it.
In an effort to do so, Obama said his administration was reviewing how non-violent drug offenders are treated and addressing concerns that drug laws have been detrimental to minority groups.
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