Feds warn Oakland that its marijuana law illegal

(02-03) 05:22 PST Oakland, Calif. (AP) --

Federal prosecutors have warned Oakland officials that the city's marijuana farm ordinance violates U.S. law.

In a letter Tuesday, the U.S. attorney's office says the pot cultivation law allowing industrial pot farms would put the farmers in criminal and civil jeopardy. The City Council approved the law in July.

The San Francisco Chronicle says California Northern District U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag's letter marks the first time federal authorities have sent a written warning on Oakland's ordinance.

Haag wrote that marijuana is a controlled substance and she says federal authorities do not pursue "seriously ill" people who use medicinal marijuana approved by state law.

But she warns that landlords, property owners, financiers and others could face prosecution and the loss of property for growing marijuana under Oakland's law.

___ Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, www.sfgate.com/chronicle