Medical marijuana is now legal in 16 states and the District of Columbia. There are a number of states that have legislation pending that would legalize the herb for medical purposes, hopefully more states will pass legislation soon. My firm is active in two states currently assisting dispensary owners navigating the difficult maze of legal and administrative hurdles associated with dispensing medical marijuana.
Despite state legalization of medical marijuana, the federal government has not followed suit with its own program for legalized use of this beneficial drug. Instead the federal government has come up with guidelines for the states with a series of memos that can be difficult to interpret. Basically the Federal government has said if you are in strict compliance with state law and there are no perceived abuses the United States government will not use their resources or enforcement power. There has been enforcement by the federal government in California and Colorado . Both having to do with the location of dispensaries. In Colorado, the Feds forced dispensaries to move that where within a 1000 feet of a school despite state approvals to the contrary. And in California there have been issues with local authorities not being able to handle zoning issues so the Feds have used their power to help.
The path is generally moving towards more states legalizing medical marijuana. Medical marijuana legalization is in its infancy. As more states have success with their programs, other states will come on board. The more states that have Medical marijuana programs, the clearer the operating guidelines will become, ultimately making it easier for everyone who needs this medically beneficial drug to be able to use it.
Commentary by Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Yale Galanter
Yale Galanter, a Miami criminal defense lawyer, has over 30 years of experience providing discreet and aggressive legal counseling to both public figures and clients looking for precise and excellent legal defense. Yale Galanter is known for his personal representation and attention to your criminal matter.
Yale Galanter is a Miami drug defense attorney well versed in Florida drug laws, with experience in the following areas:
- State/Federal Drug Possession
- State/ Federal Conspiracy To Possess
- State/ Federal Trafficking Crimes
- Possession With Intent To Sell
- Simple Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession With Intent To Sell Within School Zone
- Drug Court
- Property Forfeiture Due To Related Drug Possession or Crimes
- Drug Programs When Charged With Possession Crimes
If you or someone you know is in need of legal representation for traffic crime offenses, drug possession, domestic violence, violent crimes, burglary, and/or theft, please contact Miami Criminal Defense lawyer Yale Galanter, at (305) 576-0244 or (954) 524-6600, or visit www.GalanterLaw.com.