President Barack Obama says he won't go after Washington state and Colorado for legalizing marijuana.

President Obama interviewed by Barbara Walters
President Obama interviewed by Barbara Walters (White House)
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In a Barbara Walters interview airing Friday on ABC, Obama is asked whether he supports making pot legal. He says — quote — "I wouldn't go that far."

But the president won't pursue the issue in the states where voters legalized the use of marijuana in the November elections. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

Obama says — quote — "It does not make sense from a prioritization point of view" to focus on drug use in states where it is now legal.

Marijuana officially became legal in Washington state and Colorado earlier this month.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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