Jeff Sessions hasn't been shy about his dislike of cannabis...
And by rescinding a previous 2013 memo, the Cole Memorandum, which stipulated that the federal government wouldn't intervene with state efforts to legalize, he's made it clear that he wants to try and put a stop to the wave of legalization that's taken place over the past several years.
Fortunately, Sessions doesn't have much support from other lawmakers when it comes to his battle against the controversial plant.
A great deal of elected officials from around the country have already voiced their discontent with Sessions' statements.
Just a few days ago,...
a group of about 100+ lawmakers and various state officials that disagree with Sessions' anti-cannabis stance, had a collective letter published in the Washington Times.
The group consists of mayors, legislators, a sheriff, councilors, county commissioners, and other US state officials.
With Sessions' making the move to rescind that memo, it's not only caused frustration and confusion for lawmakers but for investors, small business owners, cannabis patients, and others.
With their letter, co-signed by 100+ officials from state officials nationwide, critics wanted to express the support that they have for states to determine their own path when it comes to how they want to deal with cannabis.
“.... Your decision also created uncertainty for our local governments by leaving federal enforcement decisions up to each individual U.S. Attorney, resulting in what could be selective and unfair enforcement. Of greatest concern, however, is the sheer confusion felt by local officials who now face governing in a chaotic environment. While it may have been the intention to spark uncertainty for legal cannabis license holders across the nation, it also created significant confusion for local governments in thirty-one states and territories where they have comprehensive programs regulating the licensing, land-use, enforcement, and taxation of this industry.”
The move by the AG to intervene with the decision of various states to move forward with their own legalization, is not only promoting confusion but it's also a move that legal scholars have suggested is unconstitutional.
For that reason, some have even suggested that Jeff Sessions should step down from his position because of the mess that he's made over this matter.
Many doctors and investors were already nervous about getting involved in the cannabis market and the announcement that Jeff Sessions made has not made things any easier. It's prompted confusion for many doctors who have been busy calling lawmakers in order to find out what this means for the future.
The move has prompted some doctors to even turn their back on taking part in supporting medical cannabis programs, because they fear that the federal government will start to crackdown and enforce the prohibition of cannabis despite any state legalization efforts. This means that their patients aren't going to get the freedom to be given the option of possibly utilizing cannabis as a potential treatment solution.
Despite a great deal of states who have already made moves to allow either recreational or medicinal cannabis legalization, many people around the US still have a fear of making any exchange in the cannabis market thanks to federal prohibition that remains. Jeff Sessions is said to have made a significant impact in destabilizing the cannabis industry.
In an effort to arrive at some sort of solution to the confusion, there is a national coalition which is referred to as Leaders for Reform,that's made up of elected officials who are looking to have Sessions establish a group that will try to solve the problem.
That group will be tasked with trying to align federal and state cannabis legislation, to try and erode some of the confusion. As well, state leaders have also asked for assistance from Congress, specifically in trying to make changes to current legislation that prohibits banks from doing exchanges with cannabis businesses.
In just a couple of weeks, there is also a court date coming up for the lawsuit involving Jeff Sessions, along with the DOJ and DEA. And those behind the legal challenge are looking to have the federal government's stance on cannabis, deeming it a Schedule 1 substance, to be deemed unconstitutional.
Despite the confusion that remains surrounding the legalization of cannabis, it's still an incredibly lucrative market and just in Colorado alone they've seen over $1 billion in recreational cannabis sales for 2017.
Many lawmakers have made it clear that they intend to fight Sessions on this one and that they are going to stand up for the right of state lawmakers to chart their own path. This includes the AG from Washington state, Bob Ferguson. He's already declared that his office will take legal action against the Justice Department if they try to intervene with Washington's legalization market.
Pics:
Yarygin/shutterstock via reset.me
giphy
dailydot.com
ohiocitizen.org
Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/06/jeff-sessions-war-on-pot-may-become-a-war-on-small-business.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/08/jeff-sessions-marijuana-crackdown-is-a-dangerous-step-backwards-commentary.html
https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/01/31/jeff-sessions-marijuana-state-officials-letter/97940/
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/307848
https://www.weednews.co/elected-officials-send-open-letter-to-jeff-sessions-about-marijuana-policy/
https://thefreshtoast.com/cannabis/ron-paul-believes-sessions-should-resign-over-marijuana-policies/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/many-doctors-are-wary-of-medical-marijuana-and-jeff-sessions-hasnt-helped/2018/02/02/45f4837a-02ef-11e8-8acf-ad2991367d9d_story.html?utm_term=.4af543c589fe
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/455170/jeff-sessions-marijuana-legalization-solution
https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/01/31/jeff-sessions-marijuana-state-officials-letter/97940/
http://southcarolinapublicradio.org/post/federal-crackdown-states-legal-marijuana-drives-private-investors-away
https://www.leafly.com/news/politics/washington-ag-were-prepared-for-legal-cannabis-fight-with-feds
hoping to actually legalize it here in ohio so any adult can grow and/or deal any amount with $0 licensing fees.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I live in Maryland we just had or first dispensary open and it's grown right here in my town. Wish I knew where.
LOL
I work in the healthcare industry though and until the state & federal can quit dicking aroubd I've got to be careful since I'm a licensed professional.
So dumb. It's a plant. No person "on marijuana" has ever came home & beat their spouse
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I have same opinion as @alexcote. Here in Europe, same thing is happening and there is a lot of activists, who want to legalize this plant by any means. But what will be different? We are buying and selling this plant to each other for decades. Before that, it was not even banned and it was growing everywhere. Today (as much as I know) every third person I know, grows his/her own plant at home.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Great information here sir.
My opinion will always be that this is a natural plant we are talking about here. Anyone should be allowed to grow it, eat it, smoke it, do whatever they want with it as long as they aren’t harming others.
Live free, fight the power.
Thanks for sharing.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I live in Colorado and while I personally do not partake in the Marijuana industry, it has been great for the state. Jeff Sessions went back on his word and is only creating confusion. He will not be able to stop the industry. The illegal nature of Marijuana came from Government propaganda in the first place. Reeffer madness!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
come to Aceh, Indonesia and you can find large amount of cannabis
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
dangerous country to be smoking weed...
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Legalization can only benefit the state cuz people will use cannabis anyway.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
good point of view .
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Humanity have been using drugs for thousands of years, there is no reason why it will change... Legalize all drugs and educate people.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hello@doitvoluntarily
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I love the post very much like you have posted an important post. I love reading your post. Thank you very much. Thank you very much a question: shared with us all
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I hope the reform and legal challenge goes through. After all it is a lucrative business and legalizing it would bring down the crime rate.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Here in Las Vegas state n fed making bank on taxe sale thats for sure @doitvoluntarily
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It is the next pharmaceutical mega giant.... that said I live in Massachusetts which recently lifted many old laws on amounts of legal possession and growing. I believe that the politicians will realize their laws to free it will not be as profitable as many individuals will grow it for free. So they will seek to again maintain it's legality, just not in the individuals hands.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Very interesting article Mainly talking about marijuana, a plant that is very easy to grow in the area where I live. Thanks for sharing @doitvoluntarily.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I wonder who Sessions is working for. He is either crazy insane, or has hidden agendas.
And since he has hidden agendas, he cannot be worked with or reasoned with. I hope that Sessions will be removed from office soon.
However, i do see this legislative move have a huge blow back. And maybe we will even see decriminalization of cannabis.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
good, stand up against Sessions on this. I generally agree with Sessions on a lot of things, but I could not be more opposed to him on this issue. It should be up the the residents of each state to decide, not someone who has a long life of believing propaganda about cannabis.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
marijuana is a very valuable thing. If the marijuana is valuable, then take it in quantity. You can see your mind
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I will never understand a move like that from Sessions, marijuana is a drug that has no overdoses, has medicinal properties AND has the ability to produce massive tax revenue for the entire country.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Then there's this guy:
https://steemit.com/marijuana/@lucidlight/reefer-madness-revived-by-racist-representative
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The article is very interesting, but in my area is very prohibited in its use, thanks for the information, good luck always for you friend @doitvoluntarily
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
in my area there are still so many people who grow cannabis for life, and they sell. the government also various ways to interfere with the perpetrators, even thrown into prison.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Steemit all the way.
Great post tnx for sharing I just upvoted.
Check out my new posts if you can plz
upvote resteem comment @gclipse
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
They'll never win this sloppily revived war. As history shows, something that benefits the society and that has its deep support, no matter how fiercely fought against, is gonna end up on the top... and then there's just too much money to be made on cannabis, and we're talking billions here. It's saving world's economy and has so many hidden benefits like carbon capturing potential, which is really only a start!
#legalalizeit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Cannabis is much liked by teenagers, thanks your sharing this information.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
marijuana is expensive because the government banned. if legal price is not expensive
)
(
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
"dont be scerd " -the stripper from how high when shes trying to get with their wutang loving asian roomate
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Its all about the money now...
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Educative and informing post
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I’ve been worried about since before the election last November. I think if he tries to do anything, the blowback will be severe and will not work out well in his favor, but I also wouldn’t put it past him. Logic is not his strongpoint.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Step down sessions! There would be blood in the streets if he came after legal cannabis!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
#fuckjeffsessions
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
cannabis is healing the nation .. follow me @neljoe
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The coast to coast legalization is inevitable if you ask me. It kind of seems like Sessions is intentionally creating drama by undoing the Cole Memo to create another distraction from the Russia investigation.
In 2018 there is so much information about the benefits of cannabis, (medical, financial, nutritional etc...) that anybody with half a brain can see that reefer madness needs to end and that what they told you about marijuana in school was propaganda that can be traced back to William Randolph Hearst and cotton.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you for the update! Doing our best to stay abreast, but daaayummm these kids is moody switching the game up constantly... I guess with all the huge shifts, not all that much is really changing... Still fear mongering, still misunderstanding. Hopefully we can grow past this! ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
🤖💬 This post has been Boosted with a 25.00 % upvote from @cannabiscurator Plugged in by @netgodbeerus
Help Grow the Steemit Cannabis Community with Automated Cannabis Curation - Send Steem/SBD to @Cannabiscurator with a link to your 420 Steemit post in the MEMO and watch the magic happen!
Help build a Rewarding Cannabis community!
-Upvote this comment
-Follow @Cannabiscurator
-Join our Cannabis Curation Team
🤖 Ai Cannabis Smoke Companion http://www.weedrobo.com
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Here in Ontario the government has decided to take a radically uninformed approach to legalization.
They refused to listen to cannabis advocates and experts, deciding to create a provincial monopoly on Cannabis (#BoycottCCBO) and effectively barring or kicking out the people who have built and sustained the industry for decades.
Regardless of what the poor infrastructure plan would cost to Canadians who have no interest in pot, the business model is so flawed that even I can poke holes in it.
^ Great article by the way, I'd love to hear more on what you think of the each Canadian provinces legalization plan, as they are all different from each other -_-
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Gread its Wonderful post Dear @doitvoluntarily.........
lovely post
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit