The White House threw the entire marijuana industry into panic mode after announcing that there is likely to be "greater enforcement" of federal anti-cannabis laws under President Trump.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer stated that the Trump administration would not impose federal laws against marijuana users, partially because congress has already banned them from doing so. But he also made it clear that there is a distinction between medical and recreational marijuana use.
Spicer suggested later that the matter was less settled than he initially indicated and that the Justice Department should be contacted for further comments. According to USA Today the Justice Department has yet to respond to questions.
Spicer's statement came after the Quinnipiac University published a report that 71% of American's oppose enforcing marijuana laws in the 8 states that have already legalized it for recreational use.
On the campaign trail, President Trump clearly and repeatedly pledged that he would leave decisions on cannabis policy to the states. With a clear and growing majority of the country now supporting legalization, reneging on his promises would be a political disaster and huge distraction from the rest of the president’s agenda.”
“If the administration is looking for ways to become less popular, cracking down on voter-approved marijuana laws would be a great way to do it,” said Tom Angell, chairman of the pro-legalization Marijuana Majority. “On the campaign trail, President Trump clearly and repeatedly pledged that he would leave decisions on cannabis policy to the states. With a clear and growing majority of the country now supporting legalization, reneging on his promises would be a political disaster and huge distraction from the rest of the president’s agenda.”
States that have already legalized recreational marijuana argue that legalization for recreational use has already reduced black-market sales and ensures that marijuana business deals happen more safely and under the close eyes of tax collectors.