If I'm understanding the news correctly, it would seem that the raids conducted by the DEA happened without the knowledge of the White House. In fact, they didn't even notify the LAPD of their intentions.

A Los Angeles police spokesperson said the department, which is normally notified of such operations, got no advance warning from DEA.
DEA Raids Westside Marijuana Dispensaries - KNBC-TV- msnbc.com

Much has been made of these raids, on these boards and a host of others. After all, it was just a short time ago that Barack Obama pledged tolerance, though not over support for Medical Marijuana:
If it's an issue of doctors prescribing medical marijuana as a treatment for glaucoma or as a cancer treatment, I think that should be appropriate because there really is no difference between that and a doctor prescribing morphine or anything else," he said in a March 2008 interview captured on a YouTube video clip.

He added that expanding access to medical marijuana would not be a priority of his administration, but "what I'm not going to be doing is using Justice Department resources to try to circumvent state laws on this issue."
Many have referenced it as proof positive that there will be no change in drug policy under Obama. Nothing but "politics as usual." And so it would appear, were it not for a White House press conference that took place on Wednesday:

White House spokesman Nick Shapiro on Wednesday reiterated Obama's stance that "federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws."

"And as he continues to appoint senior leadership to fill out the ranks of the federal government, he expects them to review their policies with that in mind," Shapiro said.
Medical pot backers say L.A. raids betray Obama vow | Reuters

It would seem to me that right out of the gate, the DEA decided to push this administration. Why this occurred is anyone's guess. The DEA claims there has been no change in how they enforce federal law, while activists such as Bill Piper of the Drug Policy Alliance in Washington have pointed out
The DEA shouldn't need a memo from the White House to know that undermining the will of California voters is a waste of taxpayer money.
Medical pot backers say L.A. raids betray Obama vow | Reuters

Unless I'm mistaken, it would seem that the Obama administration is indicating that it will honor it's campaign promise. Until then, both sides of the debate must anxiously await what change, if any, will be made to America's drug policy.


Medical pot backers say L.A. raids betray Obama vow | Reuters
Medical marijuana raid raises question: What's Obama policy? - Politics AP - MiamiHerald.com
RamblerGambler Reviewed by RamblerGambler on . White House Pushes Back Against DEA? If I'm understanding the news correctly, it would seem that the raids conducted by the DEA happened without the knowledge of the White House. In fact, they didn't even notify the LAPD of their intentions. DEA Raids Westside Marijuana Dispensaries - KNBC-TV- msnbc.com Much has been made of these raids, on these boards and a host of others. After all, it was just a short time ago that Barack Obama pledged tolerance, though not over support for Medical Marijuana: Many have referenced Rating: 5