USDA Sec Vilsack - Medical Marijuana Arrests to continue in National Forests

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Dear Sir or Madam:

Thank you for your e-mail dated March 09, 2009, to Agriculture Secretary Vilsak regarding the use of medical marijuana on National Forest System lands. Secretary Vilsak has asked the Forest Service to respond to you.

Pursuant to the National Forest Drug Control Act of 1986, Forest Service law enforcement personnel when in the performance of their duties shall have the authority to conduct within the exterior boundaries of the National Forest System, investigations of violations of and enforce section 401 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841) and criminal violations relating to marijuana and other controlled substances as identified in (21 U.S.C. 802(6)) that are manufactured, distributed, or dispensed on National Forest System lands, and to conduct such investigations and enforcement of such laws outside the exterior boundaries of the National Forest System lands for offenses committed within the National Forest System lands or which affect the administration of the National forest System lands.



Thank you for your interest in the management of your National Forests. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at xxx-xxxx.

Sincerely,

/s/
DAVID L. FERRELL
Acting Director
Law Enforcement and Investigations

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