The Justice Department has announced that they will challenge the state laws for some of the genuine issues of the country. The focal point of the challenge will be marijuana legalization laws. In addition, the focus of federal enforcement will target serious trafficking, as well as keeping the drugs out of reach from children. However, Marijuana laws in Florida are very strict.
What happens to the current Marijuana Laws
According to CNN, Attorney General Eric Holder notified the governors of Colorado and Washington that the department, for now, will not seek to pre-empt those states’ laws, which followed the approval of voters for legalizing the use of marijuana.
What about Florida Marijuana Laws?
However, our Florida criminal defense team warns Floridians that marijuana is still illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. However, the latest law statements are focusing on eight(8) major issues. These issues involve the prevention of supplying marijuana to youngsters, prevention of driving while you are drunk, prevention of peddling drugs by cartels or gangs, and prevention of marijuana cultivation on local lands.
The way forward for States
The Washington and Colorado governors were informed by the attorney general that the Justice Department will collaborate with the states to work out regulations that align with the federal priorities. The department also holds the right to blocking the laws if repeated violations are found by the federal authorities.
The current federal money laundering rules will not be changed by the new guidelines, meaning that some large banks may still avoid doing business with marijuana producers and sellers.
A reminder for Floridians
We remind our clients that, just as we mentioned in a previous blog post, the possession and sale of marijuana is still illegal in Florida in all circumstances as Florida Marijuana laws are quite strict