On Tuesday, November 12, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution supporting the legalization of marijuana (both for use medicinally and recreationally) and asked the federal government to ease its enforcement of laws concerning pot.
In a letter to board members, County Administrator Susan S. Muranishi wrote:
“Supervisor Keith Carson is requesting adoption of a resolution to ask President Obama to end federal interference on the municipal and state laws governing medical marijuana, to allow the states of Colorado and Washington to continue implementing laws that legalize the recreational use of marijuana, and respectfully request that President Obama begin a discussion about the potential benefits of reforming federal laws on marijuana use in all forms, including medicinal and recreational uses.”
The resolution came in light of the fact that Oakland—Alameda County’s largest city and county seat—may soon get its seventh medical marijuana dispensary.
In September, a pro-legalization group received the green light from Secretary of State Debra Bowen to begin collecting signatures to place a voter initiative on the November 2014 to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Entitled California Cannabis Hemp Initiative 2014, the group will have until February 24 to collect over half a million signatures in support.
A similar proposition failed in 2010. Proposition 19 was defeated, with 53.5% of California voters voting against and 46.5% voting in favor.
Alameda County leaders appear to be considered with both local rule and a disparity in the enforcement of laws pertaining to cannabis.
“The lack of parity between federal, state, and local legislation on marijuana use complicates the enforcement and regulation of marijuana laws,” states Muranishi’s letter.
View the Alameda County Board of Supervisors agenda item here.