US Attorney Responds To Boulder DA On Marijuana

DENVER (AP) - Colorado-based U.S. Attorney John Walsh says enforcing federal laws against selling marijuana near schools is a legitimate use of his resources.

Walsh made the comments in a letter dated Tuesday to Boulder District Attorney Stan Garnett, who had sent Walsh a letter this month saying federal prosecutors should back away from enforcement actions against medical marijuana dispensaries that follow state and local laws.

Earlier this year, Walsh's office sent letters to 22 Colorado dispensaries within 1,000 feet of schools, telling them they needed to close or move. More letters could be coming.

Colorado law allows limited uses of marijuana for medical reason, but the drug is illegal under federal law.

Walsh told Garnett that enforcing federal laws to protect children from drug abuse is a core responsibility for his office.

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