POT LAWS A BUST

Sure, passing three pro-marijuana initiatives may seem hip and edgy,
but for the city of Hailey, they are turning into a major headache
that may cost one city councilor her seat.

According to the Mountain Express, all three of the initiatives are in
direct conflict with state and federal laws, and it could mean the
loss of federal funding for the Hailey police. The initiatives include
one that legalizes the use of medical marijuana, another legalizes the
use of hemp and the third makes the enforcement of marijuana laws the
city's lowest priority. A fourth initiative that would have required
the city to tax marijuana sales, and regulate its use, was not passed.

City officials released a statement earlier this week outlining the
conflicts of the new initiatives with state and federal laws and the
repercussions they may bring.

Among the most pressing is the fact that city council member Carol
Brown is a federal employee. As such, she is prohibited from lobbying
for drug law reforms--which she would have to do for the city if the
initiatives stand.

"Council member Brown may have to resign from the Hailey City
Council," the council is quoted in the Express.

The fate of the three initiatives has yet to be decided, since similar
legislation has been shot down by the courts in the past. According to
the Express story, litigation is likely on the way.