Politics
Cannabis prohibitionist Jeff Sessions (R), who Senators deemed too racist for a federal judgeship in 1986, was
confirmed as U.S. Attorney General. West Virginia’s Sen. Joe Manchin was the only Democrat to vote for confirmation.
Shortly after the confirmation President Trump
signed three executive orders, determined to crack down on crime, which is near historic lows. Sessions called recent small jumps in the crime rate a “
dangerous permanent trend” despite a lack of supporting evidence.
The Cannabist talked to expert John Hudak about
what Sessions might do on marijuana.
Speaking to an
audience, Hudak said:
Your industry is small by any metric of American capitalism. You are a speck of dust in a clutter of dirt of American capitalism… The president is planning to repeal the Affordable Care Act. If you think that hospitals, doctors and the pharmaceutical industry are small enough to be shaken down by the president, but the cannabis industry is too big to face the same challenge from the president, once again, you’re insane.
Many in the industry are
worried.
In USNews, D.C. cannabis activist Adam Eidinger
urges pressure on Sessions. “Sessions' positions on marijuana are outdated and misinformed and legitimately concerning,” he writes.
The National Cannabis Industry Association, which declined to oppose Sessions, said, “
We look forward to Attorney General Sessions maintaining the current federal policy of respect for legal, regulated cannabis programs in the states.”
Congress’s new bi-partisan “Cannabis Caucus” is
moving to counter the possible Sessions threat. A bi-partisan group of lawmakers introduced the self-explanatory “
Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2017.”
As Tom Angell pointed out, the Cole Memo, the document that
led the Justice Department to allow the state level industries, is still up on the department’s site.
During a pre-Super Bowl interview, Trump said he had
no opinion on NFL players using MED, but said that "When it comes up to the level of the presidency I’ll have an opinion."
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), a possible 2020 Presidential candidate, said he
opposes REC legalization. Cuomo has received longstanding support from the alcohol industry.
What’s holding up MED in Florida? “
Everything.” Including a
proposed 90-day waiting period between getting a recommendation and being able to access the drug. In Texas, where MED isn’t legal, the path is
even more convoluted.
Colleges and universities in Maine
aren’t rolling out the green carpet.
Los Angeles County
extended its ban on cannabis businesses in unincorporated areas.
North Dakota named its
MED director, a longtime state employee.
Eleven MED bills went before legislative committees in Arkansas. Tennessee is
trying to figure out what to do about Nashville’s decriminalization ordinance, which contradicts state law.
Social vaping could be possible in Denver, even if social smoking violates the clean air law. A pro-social use group is
suing the state to allow alcohol and weed consumption in the same space.
Those favoring
on-site dispensary use in Alaska keep hope alive.
Nevada is
moving fast to regulate REC. A bill in New Mexico would allow
all veterans to have MED access.
Vermont’s new governor Phil Scott (R),
opposes a legislative measure to legalize REC, but says he may consider REC bills in the future.
MED supporters may be making progress in
Wisconsin. There’s a “longshot” legislative effort to
legalize REC in Minnesota.
In the N.Y. Times, Former president of Colombia César Gaviria said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is “
repeating my mistakes.”
Peru could
legalize MED after a raid on a house in Lima where parents grew for their sick children. Zambia might
legalize MED.
Israel is moving forward with
plans to export MED. A New Zealand health official says some doctors in the country are
prejudiced against MED.
Rich, liberal Marin County (Calif.)
banned REC businesses.
The Boston Globe looks into the legality of
flying with weed.
