This should read: "whatever societal risks are presented by free citizens getting stoned, they pale in comparison with the political risks of yielding to federal authority in this area." Omissions like this are the main reason I don't like medical MJ initiatives: they brace their arguments on compassion for the sick vice justice for everyone.
Yet perhaps this controversy will show liberals have much to gain from federalism, particularly in states like California, with a history of bold social programs and experimentation.
I doubt it. Why would a real liberal give a whoot in hell about federalism? Their cash cow is the federal government.