What would be illegal about a state's decision not to make something illegal under their own laws? The state cannot impede the federal government from enforcing federal law but they do not have to assist.
States are absolutely bound by federal treaties.
Choosing not to punish someone does not equal supporting it and they are certainly not doing anything illegal by doing so. I agree that marijuana should be at a minimum rescheduled though. I wish all drugs were legalized though.
I confess I was having you on a bit. We had some good ones. My frustration is the tendencies of Presidents, not just Obama, to ignore the laws they personally do not like and enforce what they do. That they have the right doesn't make them right so to speak. I would much rather use mechanisms which exist, like the Executive right under law and treaty to put MJ on whatever is felt appropriate. Certainly the grounds for Schedule I status was never there, but anyone going back to Nixon could have mitigated MJ's inclusion.
Anyway, my more serious point about the treaty is that it allows changes, but not delisting entirely. Since Colorado has decided to act independently of federal statute inherently linked to the treaty, Colorado is in violation and therefore it seems as a nation we are too.
Do I really care? Not much. It was a passing thought.
If I had my say in the matter I'd not want rescheduling, but withdraw from the treaty unless substantial changes reflecting modern scientific knowledge and culture. Naturally "but if we pull out then other's might" may be heard. That's possible, but we have the option of leaving and if it causes real problems, then so be it.
In either case the CSA is badly out of date, and again being tied to treaty that's unavoidable to a certain degree.
We need a more rational change in drug policy. I doubt either upcoming candidate will risk his or her neck. Ahh, if Bernie were here. Might have done nothing but it's not like the party could punish him for being outside the box.