Washington state has successfully taken its first steps to ending marijuana prohibition with Initiative 502 making history. I-502 legalized marijuana for personal use in Washington. With 1 ounce of the substance, people will be able to walk the streets and not be penalized for using cannabis for recreational use. However, this does not mean the federal government cannot intervene with the implementation process of I-502.

With such risks involving the passing of I-502, something needs to be done before real negative responses from the federal government come about. That is why HR 1523, introduced by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, is needed for the better growth of the United States. HR 1523, or “Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2013,” stands for exactly what it says. It gives states that are implementing new marijuana laws protection from the actions of the federal government.

The people of Washington should not have to fear for legislation that the people voted through the state government only to be stopped at the federal level.

Tony Price

Spokane