US Attorneys Told to Go after Pot Traffickers, Not Patients

Marijuana is illegal under federal law, but 15 states, including California, have legalized it for medicinal use. Today US Attorney General Eric Holder reversed national policy and ordered federal authorities not to arrest or charge suppliers or users who conform to state laws. Los Angeles has more marijuana dispensaries than any place else, between 800 and 1000 — more than there are public schools. District Attorney Steve Cooley, who's up for re-election next year, says "about 100 percent…are operating illegally." That's because, he insists, they are making money. Cooley declined to appear tonight on WWLA?, as did City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, who agrees with Cooley's conclusion.