AG Sessions: US Will Continue to Enforce Federal Drug Laws Despite Trump Marijuana Deal with Colorado

Earlier this year, a deal between President Donald Trump and Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado made headlines, as Trump promised he would support legislation to protect the state’s burgeoning marijuana industry.

However, in recent remarks, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that despite the apparent deal, the federal government will continue to enforce the law as written while also respecting Colorado and its state laws. This comes days after Gardner and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts introduced a bill that would make marijuana legal under federal law. Trump said he would “probably end up supporting” the measure.

Sessions did mention he would follow the bill and other actions taken by congress in marijuana-related matters. However, he said that at the moment, the federal government cannot guarantee that anyone who uses or distributes marijuana will be protected from federal prosecution.

Rapidly changing attitudes on marijuana

Increasing numbers of states across the nation have been legalizing marijuana for recreational use in recent years, and it seems to be only a matter of time before the drug is legal on a national level. Despite shifting public opinion, Sessions is right in that the drug remains illegal per federal law. Anyone who uses or sells the drug bears at least some risk of being prosecuted.

Sessions has been particularly hawkish when it comes to drug crime during his tenure as attorney general. When it comes to marijuana-related offenses, he has encouraged prosecutors to seek the harshest-possible penalties for offenders.

If you have been charged with a marijuana-related drug offense, seek the assistance of a skilled Reading criminal defense attorney at David R. Eshelman: A Professional Corporation.