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Obama Addresses CO and WA Marijuana Laws

In an interview airing today with Barbara Walters, President Obama says his administration will not interfere with the recently passed marijuana laws in Colorado or Washington legalizing recreational marijuana use. Walters asks him if he supports marijuana legalization. His response:

"I wouldn't go that far," Obama replied. "But what I think is that, at this point, Washington and Colorado, you've seen the voters speak on this issue."

"... as it is, the federal government has a lot to do when it comes to criminal prosecutions," Obama said. "It does not make sense, from a prioritization point of view, for us to focus on recreational drug users in a state that has already said that under state law, that's legal."

This may be the most-watched Barbara Walters interview ever. It airs tonight on 20/20. You can watch Obama's answer here.

Does this mean DOJ will not challenge the laws' provisions on licensing and sales?

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Rep. Jared Polis To Seek Federal Marijuana Decriminalization

Colorado Representative Jared Polis says the feds should stay away from marijuana enforcement in states that allow its use.

He's going to introduce a bill to keep marijuana laws at the local level.

Under Polis' structure, marijuana laws would be extremely local — similar to states that have so-called dry, alcohol- free counties. "It's not in the federal government's realm," Polis said.

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