On Monday, September 13, former Administrators from the Drug Enforcement Administration, accompanied by over a dozen law enforcement, prevention, treatment and community and faith-based organizations, held a press conference relating to California Proposition 19.

The press conference was held at the request of all former DEA Administrators, who are seeking action from the Department of Justice on this matter. Several other organisations attended the press conference and addressed the issue of proposed legalization of marijuana (Proposition 19) in California from their own perspectives.

Individuals and organisations attending the press conference:
• Former Administrators of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
• National Sheriffs Association (NSA)
• National Organization of Black Lawn Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
• National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC)
• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
• Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF)
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)
• National Black Church Initiative (NBCI)
• Family Research Council (FRC)
• World Congress of Families
• Drug Watch International

Did this cause any reactions from the Administration? In words – yes; as for actions pertaining to Proposition 19 – no – at least not at the moment. A Justice Department press release Monday afternoon states, The federal government is committed to enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act and the department f Justice will continue to focus its enforcement resources on significant traffickers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, in all states. It is premature to speculate what steps we would take in the event that California passes its ballot measure.

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