White House gets tough on recreational marijuana

WASHINGTON, D. C.: The US Justice Department on Thursday (Friday that had tolerated the growing state-based movement to legalize marijuana sales, just three days after California formally permitted recreational use of the drug.

Announcing a “return to the rule of law,” Attorney General memos issued by the administration of president Barack Obama that discouraged enforcement of federal laws, which still classify marijuana as a dangerous narcotic like heroin.

That reversed the election campaign stance by President Donald Trump favoring state marijuana laws, and set up a potential clash with the six US states that have already moved ahead to legalize pot sales.

Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska and California have legalized sales, while Massachusetts is planning to do so this year, and legalization is under debate in Maine.

“It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission,” Sessions said in a statement.

Sessions did not order a new crackdown on pot sales and use, but told federal prosecutors they districts, leaving the course of implementation unclear.

Clash with states

He directed federal attorneys “to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country.”

Nevertheless, the move was seen as a signal that the government is likely to resist more legalization and decriminalization of cannabis, if not try to reverse the trend.

The pro-legalization Marijuana Policy Project said Sessions’ shift would only encourage the illegal drug trade and harm people using marijuana as a medicine, which 29 states have legalized.

“We really need Congress to take action so that Sessions no longer has the authority to decide whether or not the federal government should interfere in state level marijuana laws,” said Matt Schweich, MPP interim executive director.

Politicians and officials from several states lashed out at Sessions’ move, most indicating they will continue to back recreational pot sales.

“In California, we decided it was best to regulate, not criminalize, cannabis... After all, this is 2018 not the 20th century,” California state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said.

“At the California Department of Justice we intend to vigorously enforce our state’s laws and protect our state’s interests.”