The federal government will enforce marijuana laws in California even if the state becomes the first to legalize marijuana.
Attorney General Eric Holder said the federal government will enforce the federal Controlled Substance Act even if California's Proposition 19 is legalized, according to the Pioneer Press.
Holder said the legalization of marijuana would impede the government's efforts with state and local law enforcement, because drug traffickers usually distribute marijuana, as well as cocaine and other drugs, according to the Pioneer Press.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said in the Los Angeles Times, "You can't make a law in contradiction to federal law as a state."
The United States would violate international drug treaties if Californians approve the proposition, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Mexico's president, Felipe Calderon, called on the Obama administration last week to campaign against the initiative.
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