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Paul Ryan Says Feds Shouldn't Interfere With Legalized Medical Pot

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS/AP) - Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan tells a Colorado television station that the federal government shouldn't interfere with states that have legalized medical marijuana.

Ryan told KRDO-TV in Colorado Springs that he personally doesn't approve of medical marijuana laws. But he said that states should have the right to choose whether to legalize the drug for medical purposes.

The interview was airing later Friday.

Ryan said the issue would not be a priority for a Mitt Romney administration.

Colorado is one of 17 states, plus the District of Columbia, that allow medical marijuana.

The Barack Obama administration initially signaled it would not interfere with states with medical marijuana. But federal prosecutors have since shut down medical marijuana dispensaries in California and Colorado.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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