Eleven senators from eight states with some form of legalized marijuana have singed a letter urging new Attorney General Jeff Sessions to continue the Department of Justice’s current approach to law enforcement regarding the drug, the Associated Press reports. The letter comes a week after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said he expects “greater enforcement” of the federal law against recreational marijuana use.
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“It is essential that states that have implemented any type of practical, effective marijuana policy receive immediate assurance from the DOJ that it will respect the ability of states to enforce thoughtful, sensible drug policies in ways that do not threaten the public’s health and safety,” the letter reads. “This ensures that state infrastructure, including tax revenue, small businesses, and jobs, can be protected; DOJ resources can be used most effectively; and most importantly, that marijuana can be properly regulated to improve public health and safety. We hope that you solicit input from state and local officials to learn about their ongoing efforts and gain their perspectives on this matter.”
Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, and Lisa Murkowski are among those who signed the letter.
Under the Obama administration, the Department of Justice choose not to enforce federal laws against recreational marijuana in states that had voted to legalize it.
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