politicians on both sides of the aisle can agree on these days, particularly medical marijuana. It’s a time when cannabis is poised to go mainstream and become an accepted medical resource, cultural norm, and economic powerhouse. Yet, since the current administration entered Washington, D.C. and Jeff Sessions was asked to helm the Justice Department, the industry has faced uncertainty and instability.

That’s why states that strongly support marijuana legalization, including California, have requested a meeting with Sessions with the goal reconcile the stark contrast between state law and federal law, according to the Associated Press. The state treasurer from California was joined by Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Illinois in crafting a letter to open dialogue with Sessions about what banks and marijuana businesses can expect from the federal government in terms of enforcement moving forward. As our skilled lawyers can explain, the federal government is holding firm to marijuana’s Schedule I classification as part of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812. To receive this classification, a substance must not demonstrate medical benefits, be considered unsafe, and have a high potential for abuse. To make these claims about cannabis is absurd, and frankly, Sessions is standing on the wrong side of history on this one.

Most people agree, as evidenced by polls and votes reflecting rising swell of public support for legalization and decriminalization. Some form of cannabis is legal in 29 states, plus Washington, D.C., with many more considering ballot initiatives. To treat a majority of the states as criminals is absolutely preposterous and at least warrants a sincere and thorough examination of the biased and unscientific measures that led us down the path of pot prohibition in the first place.

Study after study has come out showing positive connections with cannabis and medical treatments, including cancer, anxiety, chronic pain, and glaucoma to name just few. To claim there is no effective treatment is an outright lie and a disservice to the thousands upon thousands of Americans who seek relief from medical marijuana.

Even Congress seems to be on the side of marijuana advocates, extending the bipartisan Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment in a federal spending bill that restricts the Justice Department’s ability to use federal funds to go after state-sanctioned medical marijuana operations. However, the department has already lifted Obama-era protections that also covered recreational operations, which partially prompted the letter. Without decisive action from Congress, these businesses have been left vulnerable.

Our experienced Los Angeles marijuana business attorneys know that even with these protections, the Schedule I classification is tying the hands of banks, who must answer to federal restrictions, from being able to work with cannabis businesses. They cannot knowingly manage accounts tied to “criminal activity.” The real crime is how these honest business owners are being treated when all evidence is contrary to the stubbornly held beliefs of a select few at the top. That is why we fight so hard for cannabis patients, marijuana business owners, and all of those who seek to enjoy marijuana in a safe and responsible way.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

States Where Marijuana is Legal Want Jeff Sessions to Reconsider His War on Weed, March 30, 2018, By Greg Price, Newsweek

More Blog Entries:

Federal Budget Protects State Medical Marijuana Businesses, For Now, Feb. 14, 2018. Los Angeles Marijuana Legalization Attorneys Blog

taking place in Nebraska. Despite efforts on two different fronts to get medical marijuana on the 2018 ballot, all efforts have been halted, at least for the time being.

A recent survey of Nebraska residents showed that 77 percent of respondents would vote yes on a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana in the state, according to an Omaha World-Herald report. The survey was conducted as part of research one state senator was conducting to support a resolution to make way for voters to decide on medical marijuana legalization. The resolution was dropped, though, when the senator determined she did not have enough support from her fellow legislators, despite the overwhelming support from voters.

Meanwhile the Marijuana Policy Project (which offered support for Proposition 64 when it was on the ballot in California) has been trying to organize a petition drive to get an initiative on the ballot as well. However, the group determined there was not enough time to rally for 2018 and are instead focusing their efforts on a big 2020 push.This is a massive disappointment for the good people of Nebraska who clearly want access to medical marijuana. Not only will they have to wait more than two years to vote, but assuming the initiative passes, it will take time to get the proper licensing systems and regulations in place to establish a medical marijuana infrastructure. That is unless legislators can get their act together before then and properly represent the view of their constituents.

And lest anyone try to turn this into a partisan issue, it should be noted that 58 percent of those who responded to the survey identified as Republicans. Democrats made up 29 percent, and Independents 13 percent, meaning support had to come from a bi-partisan cross-section. It’s obvious to our Los Angeles marijuana legalization attorneys that those who try to pit constituents against each other often try to paint cannabis as a liberal issue, pandering to old school conservative viewpoints rooted in the failed “War on Drugs.” But both parties are seeing through those games and are moving forward, whether naysayers like it or not. The loudest opponent, of course, has been Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has been trying to use his power to roll back protections for states who have passed marijuana laws that contradict the Schedule I classification under Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812. But the country is marching forward, with 29 states already legalizing medical marijuana and more eyeing ballot initiatives.

Those who harbor a bias against marijuana legalization often use their power to try to oppress rights and target cannabis users. If you find yourself the target of such irrational and unfair attacks, our experienced legal team has the wherewithal and knowledge to stand up for your rights. Our team includes attorneys who specialize in either criminal or legal cases, unlike some firms whose attorneys switch between the two. This allows us to hone our expertise and serve the people of Southern California better.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Medical Marijuana Backers Say They Won’t Make a Push for 2018 Nebraska Ballot, March 18, 2018, By Joe Duggan, Omaha World-Herald

More Blog Entries:

Two States Sue Colorado for Legalization of Marijuana, Jan. 3, 2015, Cannabis Law Group