Jeff Sessions rescinds the Cole memo, which protected States’ legal cannabis from feds. Read more in this post from Leafly about how the state cannabis laws have been rendered toothless.
Massachusetts’ top federal prosecutor said Thursday that his office will “aggressively” pursue serious marijuana crimes but isn’t directly addressing the state’s adult-use cannabis law.
US Attorney Andrew Lelling, who took office last month after being nominated by President Donald Trump, issued a statement late Thursday in which he said his office would “aggressively investigate and prosecute” cases involving the bulk cultivation and trafficking of marijuana. His statement makes no reference to the state’s voter-approved law, but does say his office would use “prosecutorial discretion” in enforcing federal law.
NEW (kinda): Andrew Lelling, US Attorney for Massachusetts, sent this email to municipal police chiefs in the state last night about Sessions/Cole Memo news. He’s striking a more ominous tone than some other federal prosecutors who have moved to reassure marijuana industry. pic.twitter.com/ANJjqrCXGN
— Dan Adams (@Dan_Adams86) January 5, 2018
The state’s Cannabis Control Commission, in charge of regulating recreational and medical marijuana, said it would press ahead with implementing the state law despite the Sessions announcement. The first adult-use cannabis shops in Massachusetts are slated to open later this year.
Source: Sessions Rescinds Cole Memo, Which Protected State-Legal Cannabis From Feds | Leafly