Colorado Governor Pushes Feds On Marijuana In State Of The State Speech

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) devoted a portion of his annual State of the State speech on Thursday to pushing back forcefully against a new Trump administration marijuana enforcement policy.

“We were the first state to legalize recreational marijuana,” he said. “But while doing so, we’ve helped create a roadmap for other states. And by the way, I don’t think any of us are wild about Washington telling us what’s good for us. We expect that the federal government will respect the will of Colorado voters.”

Colorado voters approved a marijuana legalization ballot measure in 2012.

Last week, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded Obama-era guidance that has generally allowed states to implement their own cannabis laws without federal interference. A large number of members of Congress and state officials have pushed back against the move, which is also deeply unpopular with voters.

On Marijuana, Voters Want Feds To Butt Out Of State Laws, Polls Find

Photo Courtesy of World Economic Forum.

Marijuana Moment is made possible with support from readers. If you rely on our cannabis advocacy journalism to stay informed, please consider a monthly Patreon pledge.