American Cannabis Company Inc (AMMJ)

[meowman]

No way Trump lets MJ overwhelm his agenda

http://abovethelaw.com/2016/11/icymi-trump-is-marijuanas-wildcard/

Christie’s chances of becoming attorney general, however, are hampered by the “Bridgegate” scandal and bad blood between him and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law (for having prosecuted Kushner’s father). Recent reports are that Christie has been pushed out of Trump’s inner circle. Christie as attorney general is a scary proposition, but it is looking less likely.

Even if Trump appoints an anti-marijuana zealot to the attorney general post, it isn’t clear we will see a change in federal policy. Public approval of marijuana is starting to really solidify. Marijuana laws were approved in 8/9 states, including heavily Republican states. A majority of Americans now live in places that have decriminalized or legalized medical or recreational marijuana. If Trump’s Department of Justice started going after marijuana businesses in legal states, the backlash would be swift and furious, and it would threaten to overwhelm the rest of his agenda.

Further, Congress still has a role here. In the past few federal spending bills, Congress has ruled that the Department of Justice could not use federal money to interfere with state marijuana laws. The Ninth Circuit has ruled that this budget rider prohibits the Department of Justice from spending money on prosecutions if the defendants are fully compliant with state cannabis laws. This budget rider does not protect recreational cannabis businesses, which adds complications for Washington and Colorado, both of which have at least partially merged their medical and recreational marijuana programs. Even if the Department of Justice wants to crack down on marijuana businesses, it’s not clear it has the legal right to do so.

At this point, there are no clear answers on how the Trump administration will deal with cannabis, but no matter what happens, it is vital that the legalization community stay involved and stay loud. Public opinion really does matter and public officials don’t like their agendas to be dragged down by single issues. Organized cannabis lobbying is more important than ever, so keep letting your elected officials know where you stand.

Let's keep this train a rollin' AMMJ!!!