WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, along with a bipartisan group of 17 senators, this week sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MI) and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), urging them to respect states’ laws regarding the regulation of marijuana when finalizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations.
Tag Archives: Attorney General
Rohrabacher Signs Bipartisan Letter to President For Marijuana States Rights
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-CA, today joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers requesting that President Trump urge Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reinstate the Cole Memorandum.
Warren, Polis, Colleagues Lead Bipartisan Letter to President Trump Urging Action to Protect State Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Representative Jared Polis (D-Colo.), and 52 of their Senate and House colleagues sent a bipartisan letter today to President Trump requesting he urge Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reinstate the Cole Memorandum.
DeGette Signs Bipartisan Letter to President Trump Urging Action to Protect State Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip, and 53 House and Senate colleagues sent a bipartisan letter today to President Donald J. Trump requesting that he urge Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reinstate the Cole Memorandum. Doing so would create a pathway to a more comprehensive marijuana policy that respects state interests.
AG Ferguson Wants to Know Sessions’ Effects on Washington Cannabis Industry
Since United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions first criticized the Washington cannabis industry in July 2017, Gov. Jay Inslee and Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson have defended the industry; however, Sessions’ memo on Jan. 4, 2018, announcing a reversal of federal cannabis enforcement policy, may have prompted the state to bolster its position.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott Signs Marijuana Legalization Bill Into Law
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed legislation today allowing adults 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and to cultivate up to two mature and four immature cannabis plants. Vermont joins eight other U.S. states – Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington State – as well as Washington, D.C., that have ended the prohibition of marijuana.
Curbelo: Attorney General’s Marijuana Witch Hunt Favors Those Operating Illegally, Hurts Legal Businesses’ Ability to Compete
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Last night, Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), the sponsor of legislation to provide tax parity to legally operating marijuana businesses, joined a bipartisan group of House colleagues on the House Floor to discuss Attorney General Jeff Session’s recent decision to crack down on legally operating marijuana businesses.
Attorney General Becerra Urges Congress to Incorporate $6.7 Billion Cannabis Industry into Banking System
SACRAMENTO, Jan. 16, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today joined a bipartisan group of 18 state attorneys general in urging Congress to advance legislation that will enable the cannabis industry to participate in the banking system in states that have legalized medicinal or adult use of cannabis. The recent decision by the Trump Department of Justice to rescind prior federal guidance rolled back critical protections for the legal cannabis industry.
Canadian Securities Regulators Issue Statement Following Rescission of the Cole Memorandum
TORONTO, Ontario, Jan. 16, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – On October 16, 2017, the CSA published Staff Notice 51-352 Issuers with U.S. Marijuana-Related Activities.
AG Coffman Urges Congress to Update Banking Laws Regarding Legally Operating Marijuana Businesses
DENVER, Jan. 16, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today, Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman joined a bipartisan group of Attorneys General in sending a letter to Congress urging them to take the necessary legislative actions to allow legal marijuana businesses access to banking services.
American Mayors Send Letter to Sessions Criticizing Cannabis Policy Change
The outrage over United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ reversal of federal cannabis policy continues to grow, with a group of American mayors the latest to join the clarion call.
North Dakota Medical Marijuana Rules Poised for Approval
North Dakota’s State Health Council is poised to sign off on administrative rules for medical marijuana amid uncertainty over whether the federal government might crack down on state marijuana operations.
Maine Federal Prosecutor Says Pot Users Are Not a Priority
Maine’s top federal prosecutor says his office will not make prosecuting marijuana users a priority.
U.S. Justice Department Blindsided Banking Agency on Pot Policy Flip
When the U.S. Justice Department said last week it was reversing policy on the $7 billion marijuana business, it failed to first notify federal officials who advise banks in states where the drug is legal, sources in Congress said.
Thursday: Following Votes on Legalizing Marijuana in NH and VT, New York State Legislators Hold Public Hearing on Regulating and Taxing Marijuana for Adult Use
NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — On January 11, 2018, the New York State Assembly Standing Committees on Codes, Health, and Alcohol and Drug Abuse will convene a public hearing to discuss the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA, S.3040A/A.3506A), a bill that would legalize the production, distribution, and use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21.
Colorado’s Senator Cory Gardner to Confront AG Jeff Sessions on Marijuana
Colorado U.S. Senator Cory Gardner will meet with Attorney General Jeff Sessions to discuss marijuana enforcement policy.
Payment Provider Pulls Out of Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Only a week into the New Year and it’s already been a rollercoaster ride for medical marijuana in the United States. Though some states have overcome regulatory hurdles, it seems like Massachusetts medical marijuana dispensaries are running into new banking issues.
Pelican State Asks Trump to Protect Louisiana Medical Marijuana
When United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo on Jan. 4, 2018, announcing the reversal of federal marijuana enforcement policy, politicians across the country were outraged, and now the Pelican State has joined in and asked President Donald Trump to protect Louisiana medical marijuana.
Gardner Statement on Meeting with Attorney General Sessions
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today released the below statement following his meeting with Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Polis, Coffman, DeGette, Perlmutter ask Sessions to Leave states That have Legalized Marijuana Alone
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Members of the Colorado Congressional Delegation; led by Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo.; sent a bipartisan letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking him to reverse his decision on the Cole Memorandum.
What’s Next for Marijuana Industry After Recent Crackdown?
The national movement to legalize marijuana took a big step forward this week – and a big step back. California became the largest state in the nation to permit recreational pot use, but on Thursday Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded Obama-era guidelines meant to limit federal prosecutions. Atlantic senior editor Derek Thompson joins “CBS This Morning: Saturday” to discuss why this situation is so confusing and what this means for business owners in the burgeoning marijuana industry.
Pew Survey: Majority Still Support American Marijuana Legalization
While United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions has reversed federal marijuana enforcement policy, it appears his stance on American marijuana legalization isn’t representative of the country’s politicians or its people.
Jimmy Kimmel Live: Why Jeff Sessions Hates Marijuana
Jimmy Kimmel has an interesting theory about why Attorney General Jeff Sessions wants to get rid of a policy from the Obama administration that discouraged federal prosecutors from pursuing charges against the sale of marijuana in states where the sale of marijuana is legal.
Vermont House Approves Bill Legalizing Recreational Cannabis
On Jan. 4, 2018, the Vermont House of Representatives voted to approved H. 511, a bill legalizing recreational cannabis in the state.
Cannabis Cultural Association Responds to Jeff Sessions Rescinding of Cole Memo
NEW YORK, Jan 5., 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Cannabis Cultural Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in New York which helps marginalized and underrepresented communities engage in the legal cannabis industry, emphasizing criminal justice reform, access to medical cannabis, and adult use legalization issued the following statement on Jeff Sessions decision to rescind the long-standing Cole Memorandum.
Sessions’ Rescinding of the Cole Memo to Have Chilling Effect on Cannabis Public Markets
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that he will rescind “the Cole Memo,” a policy put in place during the Obama Administration which gave guidance to federal prosecutors operating in states where cannabis had been legalized for medical or adult use. New Frontier Data, the authority in business intelligence for the cannabis industry, forecasts this decision will have a chilling effect on the industry.
Heck Calls DOJ Withdrawal of Cole Memorandum ‘Reckless and Irresponsible’
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Following the announcement that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will withdraw Cole Memorandum guidance regarding enforcement of federal law regarding marijuana use and distribution, U.S. Representative Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement.
Cantwell Statement on Department of Justice Rollback of Cole Memorandum
SEATTLE, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced his decision to rescind the Cole Memorandum, which changes federal enforcement policies regarding marijuana laws.
Congressmen Cohen Condemns Sessions’ Marijuana Decision
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) on Thursday condemned Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to crack down on states whose voters have authorized the medical or recreational use of marijuana. He released the following statement.
Legal Cannabis Industry Responds to AG Sessions
SEATTLE, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today the Washington CannaBusiness Association (WACA), representing Washington’s regulated cannabis producers, processors and retailers, released the following statement in response to news stories regarding Attorney General Sessions’ assertions on the Cole Memorandum.
Senator Murray Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions Ending Common Sense Approach to Legalized Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he rescinded the Cole Memorandum, an Obama Administration directive that allowed states such as Washington to decide how to regulate the use of marijuana.
Attorney General Rescinds Department of Justice Policy Regarding Federal Marijuana Enforcement
WASHINGTON, Jan. 04, 2018 /Weed Wire/ —Attorney General Jeff Sessions has rescinded the Department of Justice policy that directed federal law enforcement not to target individuals or businesses that are in compliance with state law.
Politicians Outraged by Reversal of Federal Marijuana Enforcement Policy
On Jan. 4, 2018, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo to announce a reversal of federal marijuana enforcement policy, rescinding five Obama-era memos that guided U.S attorneys to take a hands-off approach in regards to investigating and prosecuting state-legal marijuana businesses complying with state law.
Gardner Defends States’ Rights on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the reported action being taken by the Justice Department on marijuana legalization enforcement.
Sessions’ Actions Against Cole Memo Triggers Call to Action from Medical Cannabis Advocates
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — As first reported by the Associated Press, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is planning on rescinding the 2013 memo created by then Deputy Attorney General James Cole.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Denounces Attorney General Sessions’ Escalation of Failed War on Drugs
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Following an announcement from Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinding the Obama-era, non-interference policy and targeting states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana use, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today denounced his decision and called on Congress to pass H.R.1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, which removes marijuana from the federal controlled substances list.
U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer Issues Statement Regarding Marijuana Prosecutions in Colorado
DENVER, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer of the District of Colorado has issued the following statement regarding marijuana prosecutions.
Polis, leader of Congressional Cannabis Caucus, Condemns Attorney General’s Decision on Marijuana
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., gave the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he would reverse the Cole Memo, and target states – like Colorado – that have legalized marijuana.
Gillibrand Statement on Reports That Attorney General Sessions Will Rescind Current Federal Marijuana Policy
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today released the following statement regarding news reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind current policy and allow federal prosecutors to decide how aggressively to enforce marijuana laws.
Congressman Blumenauer Statement on Reports that AG Sessions to End Policy on State Marijuana Laws
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, today released the following statement on reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind the “Cole Memo”—guidance established by the Obama Administration in 2013 to allow states to implement responsible marijuana laws without federal interference.
Congressman Matt Gaetz Issues Statement Opposing AG Sessions Decision to End Policy on State Medical Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) issued the following statement today in response on reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind the “Cole Memorandum” — guidance established by the previous Administration in 2013 that allowed states to implement responsible medical marijuana laws without federal interference.
Perlmutter Statement on AG Sessions’ Decision to Rescind DOJ Guidance for Marijuana Activity
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) released the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced his decision to rescind the “Cole memo”, a document from the U.S. Department of Justice which provided guidance for federal enforcement of marijuana activity.
Statement from Inslee regarding reports that USDOJ will rescind Cole Memo
OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Gov. Jay Inslee issued the following statement today upon news that the U.S. Department of Justice would announce its decision to rescind the Cole Memorandum that has allowed Washington and other states to implement common-sense marijuana laws.
Statement from Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman on Potential Changes to Federal Policies Regarding Marijuana
DENVER, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Below is a statement from Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman on Potential Changes to Federal Policies Regarding Marijuana:
Governor Kate Brown’s Statement on Reports A.G. Sessions Will Rescind Federal Marijuana Policy
SALEM, Ore., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Governor Kate Brown today released the following statement regarding reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind current federal marijuana policy.
Justice Department Issues Memo on Marijuana Enforcement
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — The Department of Justice today issued a memo on federal marijuana enforcement policy announcing a return to the rule of law and the rescission of previous guidance documents. Since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in 1970, Congress has generally prohibited the cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana.
The New Jersey CannaBusiness Association Denounces AG Jeff Sessions’ Shift on Cannabis Policy
TRENTON, NJ, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – The New Jersey CannaBusiness Association (NJCBA), the state’s leading business advocacy group for expanding access to medical cannabis and responsible adult-use of cannabis, denounces Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ policy shift.
US to End Policy That Let Legal Pot Flourish
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Jeff Sessions is rescinding the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states across the country, two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.
Former California Attorney General Bill Lockyer Launches Cannabis Distribution Company
After spending the bulk of his professional career enforcing federal cannabis law, former California Attorney General Bill Lockyer is cashing in on the state’s legal cannabis industry by co-founding his own cannabis distribution firm.
Ohio Officials Defend Medical Marijuana License Selection Process
Ohio officials are defending the way in which they chose the state’s 24 medical marijuana cultivators after a series of scandals have brought the integrity of the department’s selection process into question.