Several states — but not New Mexico — have received warnings from the Department of Justice over their medical marijuana programs, leading them to reassess their programs, according to the Associated Press . The “ominous-sounding letters” have gone to the states in recent weeks. The letters — sent to Colorado and Washington , among other states — are perhaps a signal that the federal government is further abandoning its stated hands-off approach to medical marijuana in the states.
“„The Department of Justice said two years ago that it would be an inefficient use of funds to target people who are in clear compliance with state law. But U.S. attorneys have said in their recent memos that they would consider civil or criminal penalties for those who run large-scale operations — even if they are acceptable under state law.