White House Pushes Back Against DEA?

[RamblerGambler]

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 02-07-2009. 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

[frostymcfailure]

great write up dude but i have the feeling they are going to be "fund raising" & milking the marijuana prohibition as long & hard as they can, the puppet master stayed the same even though bush left:wtf:

[yokinazu]

what I'm not going to be doing is using Justice Department resources to try to circumvent state laws on this issue."

looks like some of that good ole political double speak to me. they wont be using the justice department to cicumvent state law, they NEVER have. they use the resources to enforce federal law. lets keep in mind who the justice department works for they work for the feds not the state. its not the state bustin these guys its the feds.

and lets see we issue a statement sayin this, the average joe (the plumber) may see this as now Barama is goin to let up on us pot heads some but he never said that. he never said i will not use justice department resources to arrest med marijuana patients. gotta read between the lines.

[the image reaper]

Yokinazu, you're spot-on ! ... I predict the DEA and it's cronies, will fight the White House on changes ... in fact, I have a feeling, they have enough of the 'small print', to block changes ... I hope we win, but I'll believe it, when it happens ... too much $$$ in pot being illegal, to let go easily ... the last thing Al Capone and others, wanted to see, was the Repeal of Prohibition ... :smokin:

[veggii]

I rest my case !!

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, is the legal foundation of the United States government's fight against the abuse of drugs and other substances. This law is a consolidation of numerous laws regulating the manufacture and distribution of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and chemicals used in the illicit production of controlled substances.

The CSA places all substances that are regulated under existing federal law into one of five schedules. This placement is based upon the substance's medicinal value, harmfulness, and potential for abuse or addiction. Schedule I is supposed to be reserved for the most dangerous drugs that have no recognized medical use, while Schedule V is the classification used for the least dangerous drugs. The act also provides a mechanism for substances to be controlled, added to a schedule, decontrolled, removed from control, rescheduled, or transferred from one schedule to another.

In 2003, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the CSA illegal as it applied to the use of medical marijuana in the case Raich v. Ashcroft. The case has currently been appealed to the Supreme Court by the federal government

I rest my case again! wtf? is really going on in the USA greed corruption

Now someone get overthere and arrest the dea! they are violating numerous laws! and constitional rights ! who will stand up for my rights ?
I thought Barrack Obama was going too Hopefully he just needs some time as his plate is very full !!!!

Bambooweb: Controlled Substances Act

[8182KSKUSH]

Boy, wonder why they didn't notify any local LEO, hmmm. I wonder lol!

[luciddreamer]

I rest my case !!

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, is the legal foundation of the United States government's fight against the abuse of drugs and other substances. This law is a consolidation of numerous laws regulating the manufacture and distribution of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and chemicals used in the illicit production of controlled substances.

The CSA places all substances that are regulated under existing federal law into one of five schedules. This placement is based upon the substance's medicinal value, harmfulness, and potential for abuse or addiction. Schedule I is supposed to be reserved for the most dangerous drugs that have no recognized medical use, while Schedule V is the classification used for the least dangerous drugs. The act also provides a mechanism for substances to be controlled, added to a schedule, decontrolled, removed from control, rescheduled, or transferred from one schedule to another.

In 2003, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the CSA illegal as it applied to the use of medical marijuana in the case Raich v. Ashcroft. The case has currently been appealed to the Supreme Court by the federal government

I rest my case again! wtf? is really going on in the USA greed corruption

Now someone get overthere and arrest the dea! they are violating numerous laws! and constitional rights ! who will stand up for my rights ?
I thought Barrack Obama was going too Hopefully he just needs some time as his plate is very full !!!!

Bambooweb: Controlled Substances Act

That's actually being battled in court? Awesome!
Got a story/transcript on it?
I thought that was only discussed on Cannabis boards lol.

[painretreat]

Our courts seem to be too busy worried about people that had steroids and enhancements when it was legal to do so!!!!

I don't see how athletes can take the pain of injury without steroids. I always assumed it was part of the plan. I figure the issue should be illegal use for sports enhancing. I get a ton every 3 months have pills all around of them, etc. due to injury.

If they spent as much time with mmj issues as they do with steroids, maybe we'd get somewhere!!!

I love sports, but not enough to tell kids they need to get brain cancer to be successful. They helped me mow my lawn, build a 500 ft fence and many things. Now, due to my abuse of taking them, overperforming---I can't do as much and some of them are dying. The Gov't is more worried of an ath. dying than a private citizen. So, greed---Gov't makes more taxes from them, I hope! But, doesn't pay for all the wasted time.

Steroid-take um, make millions and who cares about the hall of fame, they are rich anyway! Wasted time that could be used for our purpose of NEED!

Thanks I/R: was trying to think of it the other day and could only come up with Elliot Ness and Legends of the Fall! (too much TV)! But, it made me think of them running up to a house with 6 plants and a Tommy Gun! lol!

From Hope to Hopeless in less than first 100 days! If JFK were Pres. now, I could see him legalizing a lot of stuff, due to his own health issues. You have a much better understanding when it is you that is affected!

I think a lot of the mentality is like an 88 yr, old told me about 10 yrs ago. Took her to her Fave ice cream place. Parked legally in disability. She was discusted and said, "Why are you parking here, I am no cripple!"
I could see, 'Why does he need cannabis, he looks fine.' and is using it to have a life on chemo!

Guess people need to mind their own business and stop judging people! So many feel they are right, regardless of the truth. The mentality. Imagine having a stem cell to implant compassion!

Basically, if people can see your illness or feel your pain, you can walk, talk and chew gum--You are absolutely healthy! Since, Obam has played with it, I kinda doubt he really takes it as seriously as we. Just like our ole Arnie!

If it were a shotgun type of war, I suppose it would have a priority. People got wealthy off prohibition from alcohol and now cannabis! Almost wants you to drop your values and go rogue! I am not suggesting this. But, I have a lot of respect for the guerilla growers. Especially, since some of it is medical. Like in Canada.

Most of our male hippies went to Canada to avoid Viet Nam. Wonder if it is why they have looser standards. Kush, I wonder a lot too! P/R

[RamblerGambler]

I'm amazed. 3 weeks into the new administration and already it's being described by some as a failure. After 8 years of GWB and the Republican party running America into the ground, did you really expect immediate, earth shattering change?

The reality is that Obama has already kept several of his campaign promises--the Lily Ledbetter Act, the closing of Guantanamo, the ending of torture, the ordering of a withdrawal plan for Iraq, the extension of SCHIP, and the end of medical marijuana raids.

As we've seen, he continues to stand by his pledge to change the tone in Washington by fostering more bipartisanship, though I personally feel that the first stimulus vote in the House shows us exactly what republicans think of bipartisanship. Yet he continues to work with them, as he claimed he would.

As a modifier, there is the possibility that Obama might renege on some of his campaign promises. But rather than assuming the worst, I'll take his word until his actions prove otherwise.

[the image reaper]

no, I just want to see some of the CHANGE that got shoved in our faces the last few months ... CHANGE ?, you mean the tired, old Clinton Admin. hacks that got appointed to key positions ?, or do you mean the '3-in-a-row tax cheats' appointed, then withdrawn, from Obama's Cabinet positions ? ... hmmm, wasn't 'ETHICS' another word thrown about loosely by this phony, and his wet diaper followers ? ... bi-partisanship, are you kidding ? ... so many votes given to him, simply because he said he'd loosen up pot laws, it's disgraceful to think of the selfishness, that puts our nation at risk, for a damn joint ... well, you wanted him, you got him