Justice Department Marijuana Guidelines
Enforcement of Federal and State Narcotics Laws
In October 2009 and June 2011, the [U.S.]Department [of Justice] issued guidance to Federal prosecutors concerning marijuana enforcement under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This memorandum updates that guidance in light of State ballot initiatives that legalize under State law the possession of small amounts of marijuana and provide for the regulation of marijuana production, processing, and sale. The guidance set forth herein applies to all Federal enforcement activity, including civil enforcement and criminal investigations and prosecutions, concerning marijuana in all States. As the Department noted in its previous guidance, Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that…
