Nevada was one of four states to legalize recreational marijuana in November — bringing that total to eight states. There are also 28 states that allow marijuana for medical use. In spite of this overwhelming support sweeping the nation in favor of legal cannabis, the federal government, acting on behalf of the police state and big pharma, have continued to ruthlessly attack those who use it.

When news of this year's cannabis cup being held just outside of Las Vegas at the Moapa Paiute Indian Reservation began spreading, cannabis users were ecstatic considering the fact that pot is now legal in the state. However, thanks to the federal government's renewed push for the war on drugs, that excitement turned to bitter resentment after U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden took a hard line in a letter, saying that federal law applies and pot smokers could be prosecuted.

As the Cannabist reports, the letter references the 2013 Cole Memo, an Obama-era directive that gave federal prosecutors and law enforcement guidance in states where marijuana has been legalized, on how to best prioritize their efforts regarding enforcement of federal marijuana laws. Bogden writes:

I am informed that the tribal council is moving forward with the planned marijuana event referred to as the 2017 High Times Cannabis Cup because it is under the impression that the so-called 'Cole Memorandum' and subsequent memoranda from the Department of Justice permit marijuana use, possession and distribution on tribal lands when the state law also permits it. Unfortunately, this is an incorrect interpretation of the Department's position on this issue.

Bodgen also referred to a 2014 Justice Department policy statement known as the Guidance Memorandum that focused on marijuana laws passed by tribes: