Respect state laws on pot

The Justice Department indicated last week it won’t challenge state laws legalizing marijuana as long as they don’t interfere with federal priorities, such as preventing the distribution of pot to minors.

FEDERAL VS. STATE LAW

Attorney General Eric Holder is merely saying the feds won’t be aggressive in prosecuting marijuana offenses. He’s not changing federal law but ignoring it.

By not acting, the Obama administration is effectively kicking the can down the road until the next administration comes in and wipes out any perceived progress made on this issue.

Jim Backer

The federal government has no business in drug laws unless they deal with interstate commerce. The government should take the same approach when it comes to gun and marriage laws. Basically, the U. S. government needs to obey the Constitution and stop legislating areas that belong to the states.

Douglas Anderson

I am a conservative and favor states’ rights. If the people of some states want marijuana to be legal, I don’t see how anyone should have a problem with it. There was a referendum, and the majority supported legalization.

If a person can be a productive member of society, work and support his or her family while using marijuana, how is that any different from my having two glasses of wine after work?

Andy Hapka

SAFETY ISSUES

I have been in two horrific car accidents that were caused by stoned drivers. They could have just as easily been drunken drivers.

If pot were legal nationwide, how would people decide when a person could drive in relation to lighting up? Could you drive three hours after smoking it? There are a lot of issues that come with legalizing pot.

Craig Liebscher

I am concerned about any substance that is mood and behavior altering. I will respect an individual’s choice as long as it does not present potential harm to others.

Patricia Riley

BENEFITS OF LEGALIZATION

Members of Congress should change federal law to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana.

Stop sending people to prison for marijuana, and we would save much money on prisons. In addition, we would create a much needed source of revenues. It is a win- win.

Darwin Akbar