Donald Trump administration drops Obama-era easing of marijuana prosecutions

The administration's action drew condemnation from marijuana legalization advocates and politicians in both parties in states where the drug has been legalized.

By: Reuters | Washington | Published: January 5, 2018 9:08 am

Donald Trump, Marijuana, Obama administration, Marijuana prosecution, United States pot, Indian Express

US President Donald Trump (Reuters/File)

The US Justice Department on Thursday rescinded an Obama administration policy that had eased enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states that legalized the drug, instead giving federal prosecutors wide latitude to pursue criminal charges. The action by Attorney General Jeff Sessions could have damaging consequences for the burgeoning marijuana industry in the six states including California and Colorado that have legalized the drug for recreational use, plus dozens of others that permit medicinal use.