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Editor: I want to point out errors in newspapers regarding the federal government's recent guidelines on "medical marijuana" users.
No state "allows" a doctor to prescribe marijuana. People are getting a doctor's "recommendation." Simply pay the fee, no questions asked.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced that it would no longer be a "priority" to prosecute patients with serious illnesses. But that has never been a priority of federal law enforcement, which has been focused on people engaged in trafficking and drug-growing operations.
While irresponsibly encouraging prosecutors to defer to state and local laws on marijuana, Holder's memo also recognizes that federal "interest" can still allow the feds to step in and prosecute. In fact, federal law remains completely unchanged.
The memo specifically states that the new policy should not be interpreted to mean that medical marijuana has been legalized, and that it does not provide a legal defense against federal prosecution. Moreover, even if an individual complies with state laws, they still can be subject to federal prosecution.
The gap between newspaper headlines and the reality can only lead to further confusion.
LINDA TAYLOR
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