Federal Efforts to Relax, Just a Little Bit, About Marij(h)uana

Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions was famous for (among other things) his heavy opposition to marijuana legalization. His approach flew in the face of the dozens of states that have legalized medical and/or adult use marijuana, and seemed like it was leading toward a Wild West-style showdown. But Jeff Sessions is gone now, that excitement has dwindled for the time being, and Congress is even trying to take a baby step toward aligning federal law with legalization at the state level. 

The STATES (Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States) Act is old news at this point, but it could be important and this is a new blog, so I’m going to briefly write about it anyway. This bill, currently before Congress, states that enforcement of the federal prohibition on marijuana “shall not apply to any person acting in compliance with State law relating to manufacture, production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, or delivery of marihuana.” (Side note: What’s up with the feds spelling "marijuana" with an "h"? If you know, please tell us!) 

The STATES Act is bipartisan, with co-sponsors including Senator Cory Gardner (R – Colorado) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D – Massachusetts). And, in perhaps the most controversial moment of his short tenure as Attorney General, Bill Barr has offered at least tepid support for the legislation. So stay tuned.