Colorado’s New Marijuana Law May Conflict with Federal Rules

With the passage of Amendment 64 in Colorado, voters approved the legalization of the use and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana for residents 21 years of age and older, giving the state the power to regulate and tax the drug. However, some experts are pointing out that legalization may not be smooth sailing.

Although Amendment 64 calls for legal marijuana use under specific circumstances, under federal law, any marijuana use or possession remains a crime. Marijuana is still a controlled substance under federal law, and federal laws and banking regulations still prohibit banks from lending to businesses that handle marijuana or from handling such a business’s payroll. Many financial activities that any business needs will be considered a violation of federal money-laundering laws, if the business in question sells a federally-prohibited controlled substance like marijuana.

The potential regulatory and legal problems that come from the conflict between Colorado’s Amendment 64 and federal drug laws could mean big trouble for those who want to use or sell marijuana in Colorado. The state may no longer prosecute use or possession of less than an ounce of the drug, but federal prosecutors might still choose to enforce federal drug laws within Colorado.

Drug charges can be difficult to face, but you don’t have to do it alone. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our experienced Colorado drug charge defense lawyers can help you build an aggressive defense and protect your legal rights. Call us today at (719) 475-2555 for a confidential consultation.