Can Washington fight White House on two fronts? AG says ‘yes’
Feb 24, 2017, 9:35 AM | Updated: 9:55 am
When asked if Bob Ferguson was ready to fight the Trump administration over marijuana laws, he simply said, "yes." (AP)
(AP)
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson is ready to fight the federal government over legalized marijuana.
He calls suggestions of a federal crackdown by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Thursday disappointing, but something he’s ready for.
Related: Seattle pot shop ‘not losing sleep’ over White House warning
“It’s unfortunate the Federal Government is suggesting somehow they want to crack down on that,” Ferguson said.
“Somehow” is the keyword right now, as the Trump administration has offered no details about what additional enforcement of the federal law against marijuana will look like. Al Spicer said during a news conference was: “I do believe you’ll see greater enforcement of it.”
The Associated Press reports the Justice Department would have several options if there was “greater enforcement.” Those options include lawsuits on the ground that state laws regulating marijuana are unconstitutional, and “as simple as directing U.S. attorneys to send letters to recreational marijuana businesses letting them know they are breaking the law.”
Eight states and Washington, D.C. have legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Though specifics haven’t been released, Ferguson said he takes the threat seriously, just like he did with Trump’s first travel ban — which was halted in court.
Ferguson believes individual states should have the freedom to continue experimenting with new ideas. He called states the “laboratories of democracy.” These laboratories have helped the country move forward on things such as same-sex marriage and civil rights issues.
Ferguson says he had a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions ready to go, requesting a meeting regarding marijuana laws and future legislation. Ferguson’s office did something similar when Eric Holder became the U.S. attorney general. This letter, however, takes on “more urgency” given the recent comments.
As of Friday morning, Ferguson hadn’t heard back from Sessions. He plans to follow up soon.
Asked if he is ready to fight the Trump administration on two front, Ferguson simply said, “Yes.”
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