California Remains Defiant in Face of New Federal “Get Tough” Stance on Marijuana

On New Year’s Day, recreational marijuana became legal in California. Just 4 days later, the Trump administration sought to throw a wrench in the new law when Attorney General Jeff Sessions sent out a memo to the Justice Department which stated that “marijuana activity is a serious crime.” Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and is classified as a Schedule I drug. That designation means, according to the feds, that it has no accepted medical use. This despite the fact that dozens of states have already legalized medical marijuana. The message to be gleaned from the memo is clear: the feds intend to prosecute marijuana crimes, including possession that may be legal under state law. The oddsmakers are now discussing whether California will ultimately prevail on the issue.