Senator To Holder: 'More Serious Things Than Minor Possession Of Marijuana'

WASHINGTON, DC (CBS4)- U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said how the U.S. Justice Department will enforce federal laws about marijuana is still up in the air.

Holder continued his testimony with the Senate Committee on Wednesday where he briefly addressed how the Justice Department would enforce federal law in regards to Colorado and Washington passing laws that legalize recreational use of marijuana.

"Now, last November voters in Colorado and Washington choose to legalize personal use up to one ounce of marijuana, to enact licensing, plans for culitivation, distribution of the drug. Last year I asked Director Gil Kerlikowske of the office of National Drug Policy how the administration would prioritize resources, determine policies in light of the choices made by voters in colorado and washington, knowing that there's going to be other states that are going to do the same thing," said Holder.

However the Justice Department is still not ready to announce their policy.

"I have had the opportunity to meet with the leadership from Colorado and from Washington, the governors. We had a good, I think, communication. We are in the administration at this point considering what the federal government's repsonse to those new statuees will be. I expect will have an ability to what our policy is going to be realatively soon," said Holder.

That's when Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the committee and a Democrat representing Vermont stated, "I would think, this is simply an editorial comment, but if you are going to have to be because of budget cuts, prioritizing matters, I would suggest there are more more serious things than minor possession of marijuana. But that's personal view."