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20 Businesses Urge for Federal Enforcement on Pot Law

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Dec 11, 2012 at 8:26 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 11, 2012 at 8:26 PM MDT

MESA COUNTY, Colo. The law allowing Coloradans 21 and over to posses and use marijuana is black and white, but organizations across the state say they're concerned with the gray areas that come with the new law.

Diane Schwenke, president of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, said, "It's not anymore a question of whether or not it's legal or illegal within the state of Colorado, it is how are the feds going to deal with it, how is the federal government going to deal with that."

A letter signed by 20 organizations in the state, including the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, was sent to the Attorney General, asking that the federal government enforce the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). The CSA states that federal law preempts state law when there is a positive conflict between the two jurisdictions.

Schwenke said, "It is an attempt for the rest of the business community to get some clarity in terms of how we are going to deal in this new environment where we have conflicting laws at the state and the federal level."

Schwenke also said shes concerned for local businesses, "In terms of federal contracts, in terms of federal employment laws and in a lot of areas where we deal with the federal government ... and now in the state of Colorado, it is legal."

The Palisade Chamber of Commerce is taking a different stance.

Director of the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, Julianne Adams, said, "The town of Palisade's feeling is that we have to follow the law. The people of Colorado have spoken, they want the recreational marijuana, and it is now law."

Palisade has the only medical dispensary in town.

"We haven't had any problems at all in the town of Palisade with the dispensary. We have enjoyed a great business relationship with them, they've done a wonderful job here," Adams said.

Both Chambers agree this is only the beginning of working out the kinks with the new law.

"There's still going to be some things that need to be cleared up with legislation, but like I said, we are going to follow the law and as long as people follow the law we'll be ok," said Adams.

Those who sent the letter hope for a quick response from the Attorney General, and say right now they have far too many questions over answers.

It's important to note that the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce board decided to join in on the letter to the Attorney General. The decision is not necessarily the opinion of all the businesses who are a part of the chamber.

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Disgusted said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 12:10 AM

Again, it doesn't surprise me that the Chamber of No-Commerce acted in such a manner. The Chamber is bought and sold by the local Healthcare/Marxism complex and a cheap effective holistic medication would cut into the Healthcare/Marxism complexes profits from the sell of toxic poisons disguised as medications.

Summer said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 12:37 AM

Who is on the list? What are the 20 organizations?

Julia said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 12:56 AM

I bet you all the people who are complaining about marijuana drink alcohol. The Colorado people have spoken and they think its time to put this senseless prohibition behind us and regulate it like alcohol. Some people just want to tell the rest of us what to do with our bodies, You want smaller government, well here you go, states decide what's best for them.

eddei said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 7:12 AM

progress scares these people laws that conflict on the state and fed. level are nothing new and asking for the feds to"inforce the fed laws" and asking for clarity are two totally different things. i smell doo doo and it stinks grasp away losers

brian said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 9:11 AM

headline said 20 businesses urge for Federal enforcemet. well which are these 20 businesses at least put there names out. end the prohibition tax sale money its a win win in an age of gay marriages what so wrong with a little marijuana?

Get Real Grand Junction said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 12:56 PM

So what businesses will I be boycotting? I agree with Julia. Republicans want smaller government and more control at a state level, then contest state decisions and the will of the people. I am still baffled by Pete Hautzingers reaction on KREX news after the election. Are you not here to enforce the laws on the books, not to pick and choose which ones you support?

Tom said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 1:33 PM

Diane Schwenke needs to encourage and not be running her mouth about a law that was passed by voters in the state of Colorado. I plan on writing a letter to her boss complaining about her going against the voters of Colorado. If she does not like it then tell her to find a new place to live where the voters will see her point more. Please do list the names of the business so I can shop somewhere else.

Mike said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 1:35 PM

If the news station is going to make the comment that 20 business signed this letter then they need to back up the facts on what business signed it. If they are not willing or able to state which business then they do not need to be reporting on it. Lets deal with facts and not just running their mouths,

Sandy said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 1:37 PM

BOO-BOOO-BOO on Diane Schwenke. Diane go find a new job

Chamber Closed said on Wednesday, Dec 12 at 4:47 PM

First locals are saying "No more Federal Government involvement", now they are grouping together and asking for the need for "more Federal Government involvement". I say "Foul, you just want it YOUR way. This Nation is made up of more than JUST YOU!"

Kat said on Tuesday, Jan 1 at 7:46 PM

knock it off you idiots! The Chambers are NOT bought and sold by the local healthcare/marxism complex! Chambers are required to follow the letter of the law, and that's all that the director meant. The local dispensery is legal and is a member business of the Chamber. Quit picking on a valued entity and find someone else to vent your frustrations toward.

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