Attorney General Jeff Sessions has indicated that the federal government may enforce laws against recreational marijuana, despite its legalisation in several US states. In his first major policy speech, Sessions expressed concern that marijuana could be a gateway to illegal drugs and crime, stating he is 'not sure we're going to be a better, healthier nation if we have marijuana sold at every corner grocery store'.
Sessions acknowledged that states can pass their own laws, but emphasised that distributing marijuana remains a violation of federal law across the United States. This stance contrasts with President Trump's campaign trail comments that marijuana legalisation should be left to the states. White House press secretary Sean Spicer recently suggested there would be 'greater enforcement' of federal laws against recreational use.
Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman urged Sessions to observe the state's regulated marijuana industry before imposing a crackdown, warning that federal intervention without understanding the framework would be 'precipitous'. Sessions also highlighted rising heroin epidemics and homicide rates, linking them to diminished respect for police and a reluctance among officers to enforce laws due to fears of being recorded on video.
The Justice Department under Sessions is expected to prioritise drug and violent crime, a shift from the previous administration's focus on cyberattacks and international bribery. Sessions announced plans to establish a violent crime task force, signalling a tough-on-crime approach that critics argue could undermine community policing efforts.
