Trump’s AG Could Pick Fight With Legal Marijuana

In November, eight states voted to legalize recreational or medical marijuana, bringing to 29 the number of states that have approved pot to be used at least for health reasons. Only six states have done nothing to end the prohibition on marijuana imposed by federal law. But President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Attorney General – Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) – has criticized FBI Director James Comey and Attorneys General Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch for not vigorously enforcing the federal prohibition. In a speech earlier this year, Sessions alleged that legal pot “is already causing a disturbance in the states that have made it legal.” If confirmed, Sessions could act quickly to disrupt what has become a $6.7 billion industry that has attracted investment from major Wall Street hedge funds. Politico details the history of marijuana enforcement within DOJ, and how Sessions may choose to act.