Feds say pot users not its focus but drug still illegal

DETROIT (AP) — Federal prosecutors say no one should expect immunity under federal law simply because Michigan voters approved the legal use of marijuana.

Detroit U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider and Grand Rapids U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge released a statement last Thursday. They say they don’t prosecute marijuana users unless there are other serious circumstances. But they say crimes involving marijuana “can pose serious risks” to a community.

They cited the roles of gangs, the use of weapons and interstate trafficking.

Schneider and Birge say fighting drug crimes is just one of many priorities that must be considered with their limited resources. They say they are increasingly focused on the excessive distribution of life-threatening opioids.