Panel included Robert Weisberg, Edwin E. Huddleston, Jr. Professor of Law and Director, Stanford Criminal Justice Center presented “Legalizing Marijuana: Overview of the Impact on the Criminal Justice System.” Emily Garcia Uhrig, Professor of Law, Pacific McGeorge presented “Cross Border Issues: Can Legalizing Marijuana Curtail Mexican Drug Cartels?” Susan F. Mandiberg, Professor of Law, Lewis & Clark Law School presented “Marijuana Prohibition and the Shrinking of the Fourth Amendment.” In 2011, 15 states had enacted laws legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. In 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder signaled that the Obama administration would take a softer approach to medical marijuana dispensaries than did the Bush administration. Encouraged by those developments, proponents of legalization have advanced legislation in the California legislature. They also qualified an initiative for the 2010 ballot but, the measure failed badly. Proponents of legalization have vowed to regroup and continue efforts to reform the law. Efforts continue in Oakland to expand the medical marijuana industry. For example, advocates associated with “Oaksterdam” University propose factory-styled growing facilities. They are moving forward despite the commitment of state and federal law enforcement agencies to crack down on the illegal marijuana trade, even if it is carried on under the guise of medical marijuana. These examples suggest the conflicting state and federal laws and …
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