Today, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Department of Justice has rescinded the “Cole Memo” and two additional memos related to marijuana enforcement policy.
In a memorandum, Sessions directed all U.S. Attorneys to enforce the laws enacted by Congress and to follow well-established principles when pursuing prosecutions related to marijuana activities.
“It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission,” said Sessions in press release.
“Therefore, today’s memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country.”
Congressman Matt Gaetz called the decision “disappointing and cruel” and “a huge step backward for states’ rights, for common-sense reform, and for the American people.”
In a statement issued minutes ago, he said, “I have seen children, in my district and nationwide, who have been helped by medical marijuana when all other treatments have failed.Has AG Sessions seen a child with juvenile epilepsy? Has he seen a child have a seizure? I have. I’ve seen tears stream down a mother’s face as she cradled her daughter in her arms, watching her little girl’s eyes roll back in her head, her skin turning blue from lack of oxygen. I’ve also seen this same little girl smiling and laughing, playing sports and having friends — her epilepsy made manageable by medical marijuana. Attorney General Sessions thinks she’s a felon. I think she’s a hero.”
Gaetz said, “(Sessions) should focus his energies on prosecuting criminals, not patients.â€
Congressman Gaetz will be my guest on “Pensacola Speaks” today at 5:10 p.m.