Obama administration rules against medicinal marijuana

The Obama administration in 2009:

(Reuters) - In a sharp policy shift, the Obama administration told federal attorneys not to prosecute patients who use marijuana for medical reasons or dispensaries in states where it has been legalized.

A Justice Department official said the formal guidelines were issued Monday to reflect President Barack Obama's views. The Bush administration had said it could enforce the federal law against marijuana and that it trumped state laws.

The Obama administration in 2011:

The federal government ruled on Friday that marijuana has no accepted medical use and should remain in the same class of drugs as heroin.

The decision comes nearly nine years after marijuana supporters asked the government to reclassify the drug to take into account the growing body of research conducted across the globe that proves it's effective in treating certain diseases, reports The Los Angeles Times.

The paper spoke to advocates who criticized the ruling but are pleased that the government has finally responded, which allows them to appeal to the federal courts.

I find myself short on patience today, so a hearty “fuck you, Obama” and that’ll be all.

Tags: marijuana • medicinal marijuana • medical marijuana • pot • DEA • Barack Obama • Obama administration • Department of Justice • DoJ