Holder: Feds Will Fight Pot In California, Despite Outcome Of Ballot Measure

The Department of Justice will continue to enforce federal laws prohibiting marijuana in California, regardless of the outcome of a state ballot measure aimed at legalizing pot, according to an AP report.

“We will vigorously enforce the [Controlled Substances Act] against those individuals and organizations that possess, manufacture or distribute marijuana for recreational use, even if such activities are permitted under state law,” Holder said in a letter to drug enforcement officials.

This is not the first time the Department of Justice has weighed in on state’s marijuana policies. Last year, the Justice Department announced that they would not prosecute individuals involved in the consumption and growth of medicinal marijuana in states that permit it.

The California measure, or Proposition 19, will be on the ballot this November.