Story highlights "I do believe you will see greater enforcement of it," Spicer saidHe was careful to distinguish between use of medical and recreational marijuanaWashington (CNN) The White House said Thursday it expects law enforcement agents to enforce federal marijuana laws when they come into conflict with states where recreational use of the drug is permitted. "I do believe you will see greater enforcement of it," White House press secretary Sean Spicer said regarding federal drug laws, which still list marijuana as an illegal substance. That guidance was issued after two states -- Colorado and Washington -- voted to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Most drug enforcement operations are carried out by state and local authorities, with little involvement by the federal government. Enforcing marijuana laws has been considered a lower priority for federal drug agents, who have remained focused on curbing narcotics trafficking and combating a nationwide epidemic of opioid abuse.

Source: CNN February 23, 2017 22:14 UTC