Marijuana Legalization in Colorado/Washington

[Sporadica]

Ok so as most of us know those 2 states legallized recreational use. Now what I'm wondering is in terms of state crimes and felonies and when people get out of prison and on parole, if they would be violating parole for having marijuana in their system? Would these people, who are on parole, be allowed to use marijuana? because legally speaking its to be treated the same as cigarettes and alcohol. You can show up drunk to your parole officer meeting and it's ok unless your parole specifically says you can't drink, as some do.

- thanks

[Manjusri]

You can show up drunk to your parole officer meeting and it's ok unless your parole specifically says you can't drink, as some do.

There's your answer right there.

It would depend on the requirements of the parole, just like anything else.

[Lyra Heartstrings]

ROTW :arrow: Drugs and Meds

[Kahn]

Unless stated otherwise, there is no restriction on what you can do. When on parole or probation, you will be explicitly told what is expected of you at the sentencing. Those on parole and probation are often required to take drug tests just to be cautionary. I don't know how that'd work in Colorado and Washington because state and federal laws conflict, so there's probably going to be some counties or districts that are more lenient on their criminals than others. A lot of questions like this have been raised since the Washington and Colorado passed their laws. There'll be no concrete solution until federal and state law match each other, unfortunately, so we're just gonna have to make do.

[Danny_boi 16]

Well marijuana in those states are only legal on a state level. Meaning that the Feds would still be able to detain people for having the drug on their person. And it would be up to a judge and or parole officer to decide whether or not a person is breaking parole.

[anyone50]

My cousin works for the division of parole and probation and it is true that the conditions of parole are clearly stated in writing at the time of sentencing on probation or release from prison on parole. I have no idea what Washington and Colorado terms are like but in California It's doubtful you would ever be permitted to consume alcohol let alone smoke a joint If it was legalized there (in CA you can have 28 grams and not face criminal prosecution) and I don't think it's too far fetched to assume this is true in most states. That being said it is still against Federal law to smoke marijuana so I don't think it would be a wise move for someone on probation or parole in any case

[VictoriaGotaSecret]

Unless stated otherwise, there is no restriction on what you can do. When on parole or probation, you will be explicitly told what is expected of you at the sentencing. Those on parole and probation are often required to take drug tests just to be cautionary. I don't know how that'd work in Colorado and Washington because state and federal laws conflict, so there's probably going to be some counties or districts that are more lenient on their criminals than others. A lot of questions like this have been raised since the Washington and Colorado passed their laws. There'll be no concrete solution until federal and state law match each other, unfortunately, so we're just gonna have to make do.

I read something yesterday that stated that recreational use is illegal in federal law but Obama said that they won't be focusing on it in those 2 states unless it crosses a border its illegal past then they will act on the individual

[Kahn]

I read something yesterday that stated that recreational use is illegal in federal law but Obama said that they won't be focusing on it in those 2 states unless it crosses a border its illegal past then they will act on the individual

This is true. Because states have the right to create their own laws, the federal government technically can't do anything about it, but that doesn't stop them from meddling in state affairs anyway.

[VictoriaGotaSecret]

This is true. Because states have the right to create their own laws, the federal government technically can't do anything about it, but that doesn't stop them from meddling in state affairs anyway.

Yes but they have said it very low priority for them and won't be really doing anything about it unless the individual crosses a border or Carries an amount over the legal limit

[somegirl]

It is still illegal to buy weed at this time and it is illegal if you are under 18. The only way to legally buy it will be at shops.

[Sporadica]

It is still illegal to buy weed at this time and it is illegal if you are under 18. The only way to legally buy it will be at shops.

It's actually 21.

Also thanks for the info guys. Also the idea that federal organizations would be able to detain people and arrest them for posession, yes it's possible but the DEA have bigger fish to fry than a 22 year old with 3 grams of pot. Now if he was trafficking in pounds of the stuff, thats a different story.

[somegirl]

It's actually 21.

Also thanks for the info guys. Also the idea that federal organizations would be able to detain people and arrest them for posession, yes it's possible but the DEA have bigger fish to fry than a 22 year old with 3 grams of pot. Now if he was trafficking in pounds of the stuff, thats a different story.

Well see, that's how much people here actually even know about it.