Federal marijuana response awaited in Colorado

The marijuana measure passed by Colorado voters this week is in direct violation of federal law and Colorado’s governor expects to hear what the federal government plans to do about it Friday afternoon.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper plan an afternoon conference call to talk about the constitutional amendment passed by Colorado voters Tuesday. The amendment would allow adults over 21 to possess small amounts of marijuana.

Hickenlooper has said the federal government probably won’t allow large-scale commercial marijuana sales. The Justice Department has issued statements saying federal law bans marijuana and that the marijuana measures passed in Colorado and Washington are under review.

Hickenlooper announced no plans to address the public Friday after his call with Holder.