Who's in charge in California?

Question

Californians have voted to legalize medical pot, only to have the American federal government arrest those people who think they are operating within the confines of our laws. If federal laws supercede the people's choice and local laws why don't we just send the guys in Sacramento home?

I think I need to ask.... if it was against federal law then why did our lawmakers put it on the ballot in the first place? It seems as though Sacramento set up a law just to be able to arrest people... doesn't make any sense to me... our prisons are overloaded already.

Coragryph, I can see why your a top contributor. Great answer.

Now if we can just get the fed's to clean their own house and leave California to the Californians.

Answer 1

Separate laws, because in the US both the states and the federal govt have separate legal authority.

Those who are violating California drug laws can be arrested by state/local police for those violations. But those who are following the medical marijuana laws cannot be arrested by state/local police, because their conduct is not illegal under state laws.

Those who are violating federal drug laws can be arrested by federal agents for those violations. That is independent of the state laws.

Two different sets of laws, two different law enforcement areas, two different sets of courts -- that's the way the US is structured.

And it was put on the ballot for two reasons. First, so state/local police would stop arresting people for it. And second, because it was unclear at the time whether the federal govt would respect the state's exercise if the state power to regulate medical practice.

As it turns out, the federal govt and Congress does not respect the state's right to regulate medical practice, in that or any other area.

Answer 2

The governator

Answer 3

Because it has to do with drugs, and at this time the Feds have the final say on drug issues...

Answer 4

Amazing
i dont care

Answer 5

Good for them!