#1

DEA operations chief decries legalization of marijuana at state level

in Marijuana in the News Thu Jan 16, 2014 2:03 pm
by 7greeneyes | 469 Posts | 1830 Points

url: hMPp://www.washingtoost.com/national/dea-operations-chief-decries-legalization-of-marijuana-at-state-level/2014/01/15/17af548a-7e38-11e3-9556-4a4bf7bcbd84_story.html




The chief of operations at the Drug Enforcement Administration on Wednesday called the legalization of marijuana at the state level “reckless and irresponsible,” warning that the movement to decriminalize the sale of pot in the United States will have severe consequences.

“It scares us,” James L. Capra said, responding to a question from a senator during a hearing focused on drug cultivation in Afghanistan. “Every part of the world where this has been tried, it has failed time and time again.”

Capra’s comments marked the DEA’s most public and pointed criticism of the movement toward decriminalization in several states, where local officials see it as an opportunity to generate tax revenue and boost tourism.

The Justice Department decided last summer it would not challenge state laws passed in Colorado and Washington after voters supported proposals to decriminalize the sale of marijuana for recreational use. The sale and use of marijuana remains unlawful under federal law, but the Obama administration has indicated that it will not prosecute ordinary recreational users in states where consumption is legal.

Sales began in Colorado this month and will soon start in Washington. Officials in several other states are contemplating similar changes to their laws.

Capra said agents have watched the early days of legal marijuana sales in Colorado with dismay.

“There are more dispensaries in Denver than there are Starbucks,” he said. “The idea somehow people in our country have that this is somehow good for us as a nation is wrong. It’s a bad thing.”

Capra said that senior DEA officials have faced uncomfortable questions from law enforcement partners abroad. During a recent global summit on counter-narcotics in Moscow, he said, he and the head of the DEA were at a loss to explain the loosening drug laws.

“Almost everyone looked at us and said: Why are you doing this [while] pointing a finger to us as a source state?” he said. “I don’t have an answer for them.”

Officials in the District are among those contemplating changes to local codes that could lead to the legalization of marijuana. The D.C. Council’s public safety committee on Wednesday approved a proposal that makes possession of a small quantity of marijuana a minor offense, punishable with a citation similar to a parking ticket.

Support for legalization among District residents has increased markedly in recent years. A new Washington Post poll shows that nearly 63 percent of residents support decriminalizing pot. Four years ago, residents were evenly split on the issue.

Capra said he worries about the long-term consequences of the national mood on marijuana, which law enforcement experts call a gateway to more dangerous drugs.

“This is a bad experiment,” he said. “It’s going to cost us in terms of social costs.”


BHC# 711

"When injustice becomes law, then resistance becomes duty."
Thomas Jefferson

“I am not the lifestyle police.”- (my new hero) Pitkin County, CO Sheriff Joe DiSalvo

Last edited Thu Jan 16, 2014 2:04 pm | Scroll up

#2

RE: DEA operations chief decries legalization of marijuana at state level

in Marijuana in the News Thu Jan 16, 2014 2:21 pm
by Cubby | 1.267 Posts | 4795 Points

They're afraid legalisation will hamper their forfitures and reduce their budgets and bonus program.


MarP Class of 2007

BHC #6 7/8
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#3

RE: DEA operations chief decries legalization of marijuana at state level

in Marijuana in the News Thu Jan 16, 2014 2:58 pm
by 420benny | 189 Posts | 599 Points

I agree


BennyLand Fine Seeds, colorful dank grown organically with love and laughter
RIP POPS...The Dirty Dozen Crew.
.

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#4

RE: DEA operations chief decries legalization of marijuana at state level

in Marijuana in the News Thu Jan 16, 2014 3:01 pm
by Weedhopper | 1.210 Posts | 4031 Points

Hes afraid he wont be able to get his Jollies anymore by busting PPL for weed. These guys get off on this .


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#5

RE: DEA operations chief decries legalization of marijuana at state level

in Marijuana in the News Thu Jan 16, 2014 3:53 pm
by Hamster Lewis | 37 Posts | 183 Points

Of course they are crying the blues....their Golden Goose is being killed. Them and the Prison Industry will never be fore legalization of anything that cuts into their profits.


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#6

RE: DEA operations chief decries legalization of marijuana at state level

in Marijuana in the News Thu Jan 16, 2014 5:10 pm
by 7greeneyes | 469 Posts | 1830 Points

and heaven forbid they actually go Fight the drug war by stopping the heroin manufacturers over in the 'istans as well as South of the border. I read and posted (somewhere...lol...) how the DEA actually gave the Sinaloa cartel free reign as long as they traded info...what a bunch of 2faced life ruining money grabbers....!


BHC# 711

"When injustice becomes law, then resistance becomes duty."
Thomas Jefferson

“I am not the lifestyle police.”- (my new hero) Pitkin County, CO Sheriff Joe DiSalvo

Last edited Thu Jan 16, 2014 5:10 pm | Scroll up


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