From hemp legalization to Jeff Sessions leaving the Trump administration, it’s been a great year for the push towards pot legalization This year wasn’t necessarily revolutionary when it comes to marijuana in America, but it was a year marked by numerous states continuing to push the legalization efforts of their neighbors. But supporters still say […]
Attorney General Jeff Sessions
Jeff Sessions Rescinds Obama-Era Enforcement Guidance: Five Observations
On January 4, 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions formally rescinded enforcement guidance that had been issued by the Obama Administration DOJ as far back as 2009. To simplify somewhat, that guidance had urged United States Attorneys not to enforce the federal marijuana ban against individuals who comply with state law, unless those individuals implicated some […]
Cole Memo No More? Some Initial Thoughts
By Patrick Vo Earlier today, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions officially rescinded the federal cannabis guidance outlined in the Cole Memo. For those who don’t know, the Cole Memo basically states that as long as states employ effective tracking and regulatory frameworks to limit diversion and promote public safety within their state-recognized cannabis markets, then […]
Jeff Sessions Waives Sword of Damocles
By Steve Schain With Jeff Sessions threatening to singlehandedly crush $7.2 billion legalized marijuana industry spanning 30 states, generating millions in taxes and providing 10 of thousands of jobs, much confusion abounds. While unclear if merely a “knee jerk reaction” to California program’s launch breadth of coverage, unless and until the United States Department of […]
Sessions Hints at Shift in Federal Marijuana Enforcement
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday gave his strongest signal yet that the Justice Department’s more hands-off approach to marijuana enforcement may soon be changing. Sessions said that the department is looking “very hard right now” at a directive carried over from the Obama administration that effectively encourages federal prosecutors to generally defer to state […]
Banks Gaining Confidence, Opening Doors to Navigable Pathway for Cannabusinesses
Banking for the cannabis industry has been a challenge to say the least. That said, there exists a navigable pathway for existing cannabis markets and for new state markets to follow. In light of lingering concerns that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will crack down on marijuana, the industry continues to see increased support from banking institutions. […]
Despite Pushback from DOJ, GOP Wants More Medical Marijuana Research
Some Utah residents are working overtime to get medical marijuana on the state’s ballot next year. They seem to have just gotten a surprising new Republican ally in their effort – Senator Orrin Hatch. The state’s senior senator – an octogenarian who is third in line for the presidency – publicly broke ranks with Attorney […]
