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Top policy battles of 2013: Marijuana

In November, Colorado and Washington legalized recreational pot use, putting them on a collision course with the federal government, which still bans marijuana
People light up near the Space Needle after the law legalizing the recreational use of marijuana went into effect in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: REUTERS/Cliff Despeaux)
People light up near the Space Needle after the law legalizing the recreational use of marijuana went into effect in Seattle, Washington.

In November, Colorado and Washington legalized recreational pot use, putting them on a collision course with the federal government, which still bans marijuana nationwide. That means the Obama administration will have to decide whether to enforce the law.

The early signs look good for those who want to toke in peace. President Obama said earlier this month that going after recreational users “does not make sense from a prioritization point of view,” and Senate Judiciary chair Pat Leahy plans to hold hearings, with an eye on possible legislation that could bridge the differences between state and federal law. But less clear is what might happen to people who grow or sale marijuana commercially. The Justice Department, which has closed down medical marijuana dispensaries in California and Colorado, has said it’ll offer policy guidance soon.

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