The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reminded marijuana growers in Colorado and Washington State that they not allowed to use federal irrigation waters – consistent with the Federal stance against the marijuana industry.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation maintains dams, canals and power plants in the western states including Colorado, Washington and California.
Dan DuBray, chief of public affairs stated “As a federal agency, Reclamation is obligated to adhere to federal law in the conduct of its responsibilities to the American people,”, The bureau says it receives a number of inquiries about water usage for marijuana related operations.
“Reclamation will operate its facilities and administer its water-related contracts in a manner that is consistent with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, as amended. This includes locations where state law has decriminalized or authorized the cultivation of marijuana. Reclamation will refer any inconsistent uses of federal resources of which it becomes aware to the Department of Justice and coordinate with the proper enforcement authorities,” it said.
Some feel that the bureau won’t actually be enforcing the law but want to point out that it is the responsibility of local bureaus and state offices to approve and regulate the use federal irrigation. There was no discussion on what the penalty is for violating these rules.
The Justice Department spokeswoman Ellen Canale made a public statement, “The Department of Justice will continue to enforce the Controlled Substances Act and will focus federal resources on the most significant threats to our communities. Our efforts will be guided by the eight factors set forth in the August 29, 2013 guidance memorandum.”
Those eight factors (PDF) are: preventing the distribution of marijuana to minors; preventing its revenue from going to criminal enterprises; preventing diversion to states where it is illegal; preventing state-authorized marijuana activity from being used as a cover for other illegal drug activity; preventing violence and the use of firearms in the cultivation of marijuana; preventing drugged driving and other adverse public health consequences; preventing growing of marijuana on public lands; and preventing marijuana possession or use on federal property.
Most people involved in the legal marijuana industry saw the announcement as typical federal harassment – two steps forward one step back.