Statement of U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan on Federal Marijuana Enforcement Policy Announcement

We have consistently focused on federal enforcement priorities in Western Washington, and have worked with our state and local partners to ensure the safety of our communities.  That will not change.  We will continue to enforce the Controlled Substances Act.  We will continue an aggressive focus on the promotion and sale of drugs to minors, violence and the use of firearms, and the trafficking of marijuana across state or international lines.  We will continue our work against organized criminal organizations and their underground economy, and against those who would use drug proceeds to fund other criminal activity.

The Department guidance is premised on the expectation that the state will implement strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems.  This also is what Washington voters were promised and we expect no less today.  I look forward to meeting with state leaders to hear how the promises of enhanced public safety will be met.

The continued operation and proliferation of unregulated, for-profit entities outside of the state's regulatory and licensing scheme is not tenable and violates both state and federal law.  While our resources are limited, we will continue to enforce federal law in this arena by focusing on the critical public and federal interests outlined in the Department memo today.

This is an important moment for Washington, and I remain committed to working with law enforcement partners to focus on our priorities and address threats to public safety.