Like the neighbor to the North, New Jersey, the District of Columbia is still without a functioning medical marijuana program, despite passing the law over a year ago.
Now D.C. officials are expecting to roll out the program by the summer of 2012.
The District, like the other states with a medical marijuana law, have paid great attention to “The Justice Department Memo”. The memo offers no clear guidance to states wanting to protect its citizens, and its businesses.
…prosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law… is unlikely to be an efficient use of limited federal resources. On the other hand, prosecution of commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for profit continues to be an enforcement priority of the Department.
The Justice Department further alludes that state licensed dispensaries may be used to conceal illicit drug trafficking efforts, and a claim of compliance with state laws should not deter federal law enforcement officials.
D.C. officials are hopeful that they will be able to implement a program wherein the dispensaries that are critical to the program will be able to function legally, and without federal interference. There will be as many as 10 dispensaries under the D.C. law.