Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has threatened to veto a medical marijuana bill if it makes its way to his desk. Citing a letter last month from U.S. Attorney Charles Oberly to Delaware Governor Jack Markell, it seems Governor O’Malley is worried about federal prosecutions in his state.

Of course federal intimidation has worked in several states, and is a way for the federal government to cripple medical marijuana without actually using any resources.

It is up to sate officials to call the government’s bluff. With extensive resources already combating California’s medical marijuana industry and a crackdown underway in Colorado, it’s unlikely the the feds can continue to stretch themselves.

The battle between states and the federal government on the issue of medical marijuana continues and so far the federal government has made quite a bit of progress against the states. Some have resisted U.S. Attorney pressure but will it be enough to keep medical marijuana viable in all the states where it is legal?

- Joe Klare