Submitted by Fox First at Ten on November 16th
SEATTLE (AP) - A group of lawmakers is urging the Justice Department to respect recent votes in Colorado and Washington state allowing the recreational use of marijuana, and some have introduced a bill to ensure that happens. Democratic U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado says her bill would bar the federal government from blocking state marijuana laws. Several other lawmakers have signed on, including Republican Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado. Coffman says he opposes his state's measure, but he's obligated to respect the will of the voters. So far, no Washington lawmakers have signed on. Washington and Colorado each voted to set up state-licensed stores where pot will be sold and taxed to adults over 21. That could conflict with federal pot prohibition, and the DOJ could sue to block the licensing schemes. The DOJ hasn't said how it will respond.(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
