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* AP…
Colorado’s top federal prosecutor said his office won’t alter its approach to enforcing marijuana crimes after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions withdrew a policy Thursday that allowed pot markets to emerge in states that legalized the drug.
The statement by U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer came amid bipartisan outrage over Sessions’ decision to end the so-called Cole memorandum, which sharply limited what charges prosecutors could pursue in legal pot states. He will allow federal prosecutors to decide how aggressively to enforce longstanding federal law banning pot.
Troyer said his office will continue to focus on “identifying and prosecuting those who create the greatest safety threats to our communities around the state.” That approach is consistent with Sessions’ guidance, he said.
“Today the Attorney General rescinded the Cole Memo on marijuana prosecutions, and directed that federal marijuana prosecution decisions be governed by the same principles that have long governed all of our prosecution decisions,” Troyer said.
I asked spokespersons for US Attorney John Lausch in Chicago and US Attorney John Childress in central Illinois earlier today what their bosses plan to do and haven’t yet heard back. I’ll let you know if they respond.
*** UPDATE *** US Attorney John Childress…
“For citizens of central Illinois, the Justice Department memo issued today on marijuana enforcement does not change long-established prosecutorial principles to enforce federal law,” stated U.S. Attorney John Childress. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners, to promote the safety and interests of our local communities.”
* From Nancy Rotering’s attorney general campaign…
Following U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ rescindment of former President Obama Administration’s directives discouraging enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states that had legalized the substance, Illinois Attorney General Candidate Mayor Nancy Rotering released the following statement:
“Jeff Sessions and Donald Trump think they’re still fighting the Drug Wars of the 1980s. Instead of working to address the opioid crisis ravaging our country, Sessions and Trump are attacking Americans seeking medical care in the form of clinically-approved cannabis. Illinois, along with 28 other states, passed legislation creating a medical cannabis program permitting patients with debilitating medical conditions to register with the state in order to access marijuana for medical use. As Illinois’ Attorney General, I would defend the state against any federal intrusion, and work to ensure that patients with medical conditions - including people with cancer, those who live with seizures, or veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - can continue to access the care they need.”
* Pritzker campaign…
Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the planned repeal of a commonsense reform that discourages prosecutors from bringing cases involving marijuana in states that legalized the use and sale of it. In response, JB Pritzker released the following statement:
“Marijuana should be legalized in a safe way, and it’s time we do that in Illinois,” said JB Pritzker. “Legalizing marijuana is a key component of reforming our criminal justice system and ending the era of mass incarceration. Instead of modernizing our approach to sentencing and moving our country forward, today’s announcement by the Trump administration directly attacks the black and brown communities most disparately affected by our broken system. As governor, I will stand up to Donald Trump’s attacks on Illinois communities, legalize marijuana, and modernize sentencing guidelines to create a criminal justice system that gives all Illinoisans a chance to reach their full potential.”
…Adding… Biss…
Hey Jeff Sessions, stop trying to drag us back into the 1980's—the War on Drugs was a failed and backwards policy. It's time to stop clinging to antiquated thinking and allow states to legalize marijuana: https://t.co/CbvdNrTUVr
— Daniel Biss (@danielbiss) January 4, 2018
* Related…
* As legalized pot proposals grow, business stakes out its claims, concerns
* Medical marijuana in Illinois sees slow growth
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:00 pm
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Changing federal law shouldnt be any harder than….say changing a states constitution. There. Two problems solved.
Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:04 pm
= Changing federal law shouldnt be any harder than….say changing a states constitution. There. Two problems solved. =
Could you please explain? I don’t understand the point you are trying to make.
Comment by cover Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:11 pm
Ahh yes, the true party of State’s rights
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:12 pm
Cover. My point is this. Everything is doable. If the Will is there.
Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:16 pm
Wow Blue Dog, you managed to channel Tony Robbins, Yoda and Richard Simmons in one line. Major props. Major props.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:22 pm
Odd decision considering how much the GOP claims to support state’s rights. And be pro-business.
This is kinda similar to the approach the Guv has taken where he tries to avoid taking a strong position on the topic. But by passively not doing much of anything to support the program, and actively rejecting additional maladies that would warrant a prescription - he will allow the market forces to kill off med mar in Illinois.
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:32 pm
At the very least, Dems should campaign on changing federal law to allow states to set their own marijuana policies.
Marijuana policy in this country is so out of whack with actual public sentiment.
And now that this has happened can someone ask Erika Harold how she would handle this state’s medical marijuana program?
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:34 pm
@Henry Francis - Who says the decision is anti-business? Businesses like for-profit prisons and pharmaceutical companies benefit from marijuana crackdowns.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:36 pm
Use the language of the 21st Amendment that repealed prohibition as a template. Substitute recreational drugs for alcohol. Add language emphasising that the state can totally control importation, distribution, and advertising.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:39 pm
I do not believe States which have passed recreational Cannabis with little problems being created, and tens of millions in tax revenue coming in monthly are going to step back. Republican need to get on the bus or at least out of the way because they will be run over come November. It has now been 80 years of prohibition failure and as the Seattle Times editorial board said last month in a headline, “The era of Prohibition is Over”.
Comment by Al Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:54 pm
This is simply blowback from CA starting adult use sales this week.
This toothpaste ain’t getting back in the tube man…
Comment by frisbee Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 3:59 pm
Good on Pritzker. The war on weed has been one of the biggest policy disasters in our history. So much wasted money and resources and so many damaged lives for something that can’t be stopped and is less dangerous than alcohol and legal pills.
Many on the right have no problem with rampant gun sales and gun ownership, including high-powered weapons and high-capacity clips, but they oppose something so much less deadly. Many hate “overregulating” firearms and ammo, but they want to stop lawful consumption of marijuana.
How dare these people tell me I can’t responsibly use something less harmful than alcohol and firearms?
I hope Americans of different political stripes rise up and defeat this, in court and at the polls. Many support marijuana legalization, no matter what their political orientation.
I hope Illinois takes a stand against this.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:00 pm
Republicans deadset on being hardliners about this can probably say goodbye to a federal seat in the Pacific Northwest, California or Colorado for awhile.
Comment by ILDemVoter Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:01 pm
It’s a great day for America.
Comment by Saluki Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:06 pm
@ildemvoter don’t forget the millenials they’re alienating.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:23 pm
Pot is illegal under federal law. The Cole memo only allowed discretionary enforcement. There was an attempt to reclassify pot at the federal level but he growers opposed it? Why? If pot is reclassified at the federal level it will be still classified as a drug subject to FDA regulation. Can you say testing? Can you say big pharma? By being illegal the FDA has not required testing like any other drug. Many of the states require testing for mold and other contaminants. What will the FDA require? Be careful what you wish for. If you get it legalized at federal level you will also have to get an exemption from FDA approvals. Unlikely. At look at what tobacco manufacturers have to go through.
Comment by rw Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:24 pm
The State med mar program doubled in size in 2017. Small numbers doesn’t mean slow growth.
Comment by Illinoisian Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:25 pm
Many true conservatives have been at the vanguard of marijuana legalization for a very long time.
Phony “cultural conservatives” who are averse to facts and reason and are a-scared of any kind of change are reactionaries, nostalgic for a time that never existed.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:31 pm
Glad all of our Dems are potheads- there is a huge difference between doctor prescribed pot and recreational
Comment by Sue Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:39 pm
–Glad all of our Dems are potheads- there is a huge difference between doctor prescribed pot and recreational –
How so, under federal law?
Are you seeing things that aren’t there? Trippy.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:43 pm
Rotering sounds like an AG.
Comment by lake county voter Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:45 pm
I suspect Sessions dropped this today to try to take some heat off the boss during this news cycle. Dude must be stoned.
More than 80% of Americans support medical marijuana and about half recreational use. The trend is obvious.
The train has left the station. I don’t think many GOP lawmakers are going to stand with Sessions to get run over by it.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/apr/18/83-percent-americans-favor-legalizing-medical-weed/
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:53 pm
–“For citizens of central Illinois, the Justice Department memo issued today on marijuana enforcement does not change long-established prosecutorial principles to enforce federal law,” stated U.S. Attorney John Childress. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners, to promote the safety and interests of our local communities.” –
In other words, just ignore what Sessions said.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 4:55 pm
=Rotering sounds like an AG.=
Agreed.
Comment by m Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 5:04 pm
Wordslinger - correctomundo- George freakin Schultz said decades ago, the War on Drugs was a waste.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 5:25 pm
Jeff you are taking the one thing away that most people need to get threw your one term. I can’t listen to you speak without being high
Comment by Ses Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 5:47 pm
I think wordslinger is spot on. This is all about deflection today. The announcement couldn’t be more benign and Childress all but confirmed that.
I see we’re also back to talking about the NFL today as well. I’m sure that’s just a coincidence.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 5:47 pm
So much for the traditional Republican position on states rights
Comment by c230 Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 6:05 pm
–So much for the traditional Republican position on states rights–
Actually the first traditional Illinois Republicans — Lincoln and Grant — took some pretty strong actions in regards to claims of states rights.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 6:09 pm
July 1 Cannabis becomes legal in all of Canada. It will be legal in Illinois within a year of a new Governor’s administration. Too many tourist are taking vacation to herb friendly locals.
Comment by Al Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 6:17 pm
Trump might want to set his AG straight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOpgIDMV07o
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 6:30 pm
Another Obama job-killing regulation gone.
Oh, wait…
Comment by Not It Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 7:21 pm
Nothing is going to change. More states (including ours when rauner is voted out) will legalize. New Jersey will legalize soon. Medical cannot be touched. Prosecutions against recreational providers following state law will be met with major blowback and will not be politically feasible.
Comment by Illinois resident Thursday, Jan 4, 18 @ 10:01 pm
sound like addicted asset forfeiture partners, can’t stop themselves
Comment by Rabid Friday, Jan 5, 18 @ 3:50 am
Every Republican should be concerned because Trump and Sessions are not making your next election any easier.
Also, Props on Pritzker seems like the only one who will stand up strong to Trump.
Comment by Anon Friday, Jan 5, 18 @ 6:56 am
Vermont will be legalizing next week. Given the tear Cannabis stocks have been on, I can imagine Trump’s cabinet of terrorists, cough I meant Goldman Sak investment cough bankers just wanted something to rattle the market for their trading purposes. These wars are just an excuse to profit on misery.
Comment by Al Friday, Jan 5, 18 @ 8:56 am