DOJ declares truce in war on pot

1. Smith, Jordan. (2013 Sept. 6) DOJ Declares Truce in War on Pot. The Austin Chronicle.
2. Category of problem: legalizing drugs 
3. Level of problem: national 
4. The federal government "for now" has decided to not challenge the laws in Colorado and Washington in legalizing and regulating sale of marijuana. This is a policy that has been enacted for now that affects individuals and families with the harm of drugs.
5. This issue affects families and individuals specifically in Washington and Colorado because there is no regulating of marijuana and it is taken as a light issue for those states. Marijuana is used in the health field for certain treatments but allowing it for recreational use for individuals can put many at risk. 
6. Honestly, I agree with the newspaper how they stated, "The feds have "a lot to do when it comes to criminal prosecutions," Obama told Walters, and going after recreational tokers in states that have "already determined that it's legal" for adults to use pot isn't exactly a top priority for federal law enforcers." I feel as if people make this an issue bigger than what it really is when there are several other things going on in this world that are way more important. If one state or two states make it legal, I don't see what's stopping other states from following that path as well. It is a drug that people use everyday illegally anyways, whether its using it or selling. It is happening all over the world. The only problem being is it is getting in the hands of people who do abuse it and can lead to many problems, even minors which is the common market with that drug. Kids in high school are finding ways to use the drug and that can affect their future at a young age. Drugs are addicting and can become habitual. If they want to crack down on legalizing the drug, they should consider the risks the drug can place in people's lives and that might open their eyes to shutting down the laws in these states that are regulating marijuana. They just don't care to give it the time of day when maybe they should. I kind of go both ways on this issue. 

http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2013-09-06/war-on-pot/