{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/trump/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2422-markdown","title":"Trump Speaks About Medical Marijuana ","slug":"trump-speaks-about-medical-marijuana","content":"### The Cannabis Industry Holds Its Breath\n\nPresident Donald Trump has taken a public stand on cannabis for the first time since taking office. During his short time in office much of the cannabis industry has been holding their breath. On the campaign trail and in previous years, Trump expressed pro-medical marijuana sentiments, though he has come out against recreational marijuana. He has also packed his cabinet full of anti-marijuana crusaders like our new Attorney General Jeff Sessions. In addition Sean Spicer, the current White House Press Secretary, gave an impression that there may be a crackdown on recreational cannabis in the near future. All this said, there has actually been some positive news and some indication that a crackdown is not looming.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nIn the recent bill created to continue the funding of the government until the end of the fiscal year on September 30th, the government voted to extend the Rohrabacher - Farr bill in the form of the Rohrabacher - Blumenauer amendment. The Rohrabacher - Farr bill was originally introduced in 2014 by a bipartisan team of California legislators to end the allocation of funds to government entities for the prosecuting of medical marijuana companies in states where medical cannabis has become legal. \n\n### Federal Funds Not Used for Medical Crackdown\n\nPresident Donald Trump [issued a statement](http://www.businessinsider.com/medical-marijuana-trump-administration-2017-first-statement-2017-5) after the passing of the bill saying, \"Division B, section 537 provides that the Department of Justice may not use any funds to prevent implementation of medical marijuana laws by various States and territories. I will treat this provision consistently with my constitutional responsibility to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.\"\n\nRELATED: [WHAT WILL TRUMP MEAN FOR MARIJUANA INDUSTRY?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/582b8b323e8d130008865729/what-will-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-marijuana)\n\nThe continuation of the bill shows the support of the legislature for medical marijuana, though it does leave many holes and may leave some industry insiders scratching their heads. Though it is a positive step, and does protect the medical industries that are present in twenty nine states across the United States, many people in the cannabis industry are still trepidatious because of the early deadline which has been put on the bill. The bill only lasts through September 30th, so there is still a possibility of a looming crackdown on recreational and medical marijuana. The bill provides no protection for recreational cannabis industry which have become profitable in a number of states. \n\n### Non Confrontational... Yet Vague\n\nThe Trump administration has yet to take a strong, concrete step to deregulate cannabis from Schedule 1 as well as make cannabis federally legal. This recent move, however, has followed along the pattern that the Trump administration has established regarding cannabis. The administration has taken a relatively non-confrontational approach, but has overall kept the industry in suspense, some may say purposefully.  \n\nAttorney General Jeff Sessions recently met with Colorado governor John Hickenlooper, and other governors from states with legal recreational marijuana markets. In a closed meeting in April Sessions indicated that it was not a priority for the Justice Department to prosecute state sanctioned marijuana businesses. This uneasy peace shows an uncertain future for the industry. However, the Trump administration will be in a very difficult place if they attempt to go after state approved marijuana industries, because it would go against the opinions of the majority of Americans who voted for legal medical and or recreational access.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  \n\n[Photo Credit - Aboblist](http://aboblist.com/)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/14b42/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.jpg","srcSet":"/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/f836f/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.jpg 200w,\n/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/2244e/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.jpg 400w,\n/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/14b42/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.jpg 800w,\n/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/47498/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.jpg 1200w,\n/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/54ac5/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/58556/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/61e93/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.webp 200w,\n/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/1f5c5/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.webp 400w,\n/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/58556/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.webp 800w,\n/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/99238/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.webp 1200w,\n/static/832f89fd79f63f9a0c5f7fd0fd23de93/5e0b8/c5dba51c3af41261d62d7a068687df76.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2184-markdown","title":"Four Governors Stand Up For the Future of Cannabis","slug":"four-governors-stand-up-for-the-future-of-cannabis","content":"### The Governor's Letter\r\n \r\nThe Governors from Alaska, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon have sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin asking for the federal government to allow for the continuation of recreational cannabis industries in their respective states. The letter stated, “As Governors, we have committed to implementing the will of our citizens and have worked cooperatively with our legislatures to establish robust regulatory structures that prioritize public health and public safety, reduce inequitable incarceration and expand our economies.” The Governors’ letter reaffirms their strong stance the importance of the marijuana industries in their state, both as an act of upholding the will of their citizens, as well as providing their states with economic opportunity through additional tax revenue and job creation. \r\n\r\nThough the Trump Administration has not made any concrete moves against the cannabis industry, there is a constant air of unease by people in the industry who worry about the administration’s feelings towards cannabis. Trump himself has made it clear he sees the importance of medical marijuana, but has not looked too kindly upon recreational markets. Sessions, on the other hand, is a staunch anti-marijuana advocate, and his position as Attorney General has made many worry that he may attempt to revoke the Cole memos, which allow cannabis industries to continue unimpeded by the DEA in states where they have been legalized. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Possible Cannabis Crackdown\r\n\r\nSean Spicer, however, did hint to a possible crack down on legal recreational marijuana industries, which caused rising concern about the future of the industry. One of the few components that is believed to be protecting the cannabis industry is the Trump Administration’s strong commitment to the importance of states rights, which has shielded the industry from any federal action, in either direction, thus far. The Governors from Alaska, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon, however, want to get ahead of any possible national legislation.  \r\n\r\nIn the letter, the Governors highlighted the importance of the Cole Memos for allowing legal marijuana systems to be set up in states with a strong focus on public health and safety. They also warned of a possible increase in crime if the legal industries are disbanded and replaced by illegal vendors in the black market. The Governors included Treasury Secretary Mnuchin in the letter with the hope of providing cannabis companies access to the banking system. The Governors called for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which provides guidance to banks on such issues, to request that banks and investors provide services to companies in the marijuana industry in order to further grow the success of the flourishing industry. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [WILL CALFORNIA REGULATIONS BE READY FOR 2018?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/will-california-cannabis-regulations-be-ready-for-2018)\r\n\r\n### The Will of the People\r\n\r\nThe Governors even opened up about their understanding of the trepidation the administration may have in implementing new changes in regards to cannabis. All of the Governors admitted to being skeptical about marijuana legalization when it first occurred in their own states, but as Governors it is their duty to implement the will of their citizens. This echoes the words of Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who said he was willing to go head to head with the Trump Administration on the issue of cannabis, much like he did with the recent immigration order. Ferguson said that states were the labs of democracy and this now successful multi-state experiment should be embraced by the national government. He also made it clear that it would be very troubling if legal Washington grow operations were raided by the DEA. \r\n\r\nThe tone of the Governors’ letter was very non-confrontational and focused on creating a relationship with the Trump Administration regarding the issue of cannabis. The goal of the Governors was to engage in a conversation with the government and to open up a platform for future discussion. The Governors wrote, \"We look forward to working with you and your administration. We stand ready to have further discussion on how these important federal policies work in our states.” The letter has been widely praised by marijuana advocates for its straightforward but non-aggressive tone, which will hopefully serve to open up a dialogue about cannabis that will allow for input from the Governors in the future. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/14b42/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/f836f/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.jpg 200w,\n/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/2244e/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.jpg 400w,\n/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/14b42/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.jpg 800w,\n/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/47498/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/54ac5/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/58556/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/61e93/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.webp 200w,\n/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/1f5c5/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.webp 400w,\n/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/58556/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.webp 800w,\n/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/99238/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.webp 1200w,\n/static/0bbcf47435b84a28e5fc94f80fced1a5/5e0b8/ad8122a6a1eefb22e4870d7353e63b37.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2277-markdown","title":"Attorney General Sessions May Uphold States' Rights in Regards to Marijuana","slug":"attorney-general-sessions-may-uphold-states-rights-in-regards-to-marijuana","content":"### Imminent Cannabis Crackdown: Maybe Not\r\n\r\nJeff Sessions, vocal anti-marijuana advocate and current Attorney General of the United States, has recently reassured senators that there will be no imminent crack down on marijuana coming from the federal government. Press Secretary Sean Spicer recently hinted that the Trump Administration is planning to take down state-legalized recreational marijuana industries due to his unsubstantiated claims that recreational cannabis consumption leads to more people becoming addicted to opioids. Sessions, however, has privately reassured many different Republican Senators that his plan is to keep the Obama-era marijuana policies in place. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nThe Cole & Ogden memos were put into place by the Obama Administration to create a non-interference policy within state legalized cannabis markets. These memos protect recreational  and medical industries in states where they have been legalized from being prosecuted by the DEA. Sessions, despite his prior personal statements connecting cannabis with immorality, seemingly plans (for now) to keep these memos in place according to what he has been telling senators. \r\n\r\n### Private Conversations Confirmed by Senators\r\n\r\nSessions apparent conversations explaining he will keep the memos in place have been confirmed by two senators, Rand Paul and Cory Gardner. The senators, from Kentucky and Colorado respectively, have both tied the maintenance of these memos by Sessions to his staunch belief in states' rights and the importance he places on limiting federal governmental power. Gardner, who’s constituents in Colorado are currently benefiting greatly from medical and recreational marijuana legalization, has said he has gotten absolutely no impression from Sessions that there will be any policy changes. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA DOES NOT CAUSE OPIOID ADDICTION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/marijuana-does-not-cause-opioid-addiction)\r\n\r\nOther senators, however, are being proactive in their approach to Sessions’ potential marijuana policy changes. A handful of senators, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts and Senator Murkowski from Alaska, wrote a letter to Sessions pledging their support to the non-interference system set up by the Obama Administration, particularly in the recreational industries that appear to be the most vulnerable to change. \r\n\r\n### Upholding State's Rights\r\n\r\nIn the letter to Sessions, the senators stated, “We respectfully request that you uphold DOJ's existing policy regarding states that have implemented strong and effective regulations for recreational use. It is critical that states continue to implement these laws.” Most of the senators involved in writing the letter are from the eight states that have voted to legalize recreational marijuana and all of the senators, except for Murkowski, are Democrats. \r\n\r\nPotential changes are not only an issue for Senators with states which have legalized recreational or medical marijuana in their state, but also for Republican senators who believe staunchly in the importance of states’ rights. If Sessions changes his mind and decides to interfere in states that have legalized internal cannabis industries, it could greatly go against the core Republican ideals that Sessions, and other members of the administration, constantly aim to stay consistent with. \r\n\r\nSome crack downs against marijuana could still occur, however, in the form of more work by the DEA against illegal drug cartels. Only time will tell if attorney general Sessions will choose to stick to his word and allow for the continuation of medical and recreational markets without federal government interference, or if he will decide to change his approach.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/14b42/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/f836f/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 200w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/2244e/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 400w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/14b42/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 800w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/47498/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/3a12e/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.jpg 1375w","srcWebp":"/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/58556/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/61e93/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 200w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/1f5c5/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 400w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/58556/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 800w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/99238/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 1200w,\n/static/4e0193b938611f091d45e60ba0db3fcf/b5697/650c617aeeff3f95a8660d39b55abdde.webp 1375w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2274-markdown","title":"Keep Your Medicine Legal & Prevent a Crackdown on REC","slug":"keep-your-medicine-legal-and-prevent-a-crackdown-on-rec","content":"### A Looming Crackdown on REC?\r\n\r\nThe [Associate Press](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/sean-spicer-feds-expand-enforcement-marijuana-laws-article-1.2980814) reported on comments by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer this week:\r\n\r\n>The Justice Department will step up enforcement of federal laws against recreational marijuana, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Thursday.\r\n\r\n>This is the Trump administration’s strongest indication to date of a looming crackdown on the drug, even as a solid majority of Americans believe it should be legal.\r\n\r\n>“I do believe you’ll see greater enforcement of it,” Spicer said in response to a question during a news conference.\r\n\r\nYet we have no idea what that enforcement might be.\r\n\r\n### Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Medicine Legal\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, the line between recreational use and medical use is not as a black and white as everyone in government seems to think it is. If the federal government chooses to have \"greater enforcement\", this could be the demise of not only the entire industry but would most likely greatly impede your access to medicine and reengage and fuel the black markets.\r\n\r\nHere are some steps you can take:\r\n\r\n### 1. Write to Your Congressperson\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58b36f8e54073f000ff5aee8/embedded_images/58b36f9054073f000ff5aee9/Screen_Shot_2017-02-26_at_4.12.53_PM.png) \r\n[DPA](http://www.drugpolicy.org/?_ga=1.197700587.538648698.1488152403) helps fight against the renewal of a War on Drugs\r\n\r\nDrug Policy Alliance makes it simple to [write to your Congressperson](https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/end-federal-war-marijuana-2017). Just fill in the form and press send. \r\n\r\nIf you disagree with the War on Drugs, then also follow up and [fill in this form that speaks out against Attorney General Jeff Sessions](https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/end-federal-war-marijuana-2017) and his desire to reinvigorate the War on Drugs.\r\n\r\n### 2. Sign a White House Petition to Respect State's Laws on Marijuana\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58b36f8e54073f000ff5aee8/embedded_images/58b36f9154073f000ff5aeea/Screen_Shot_2017-02-26_at_4.14.48_PM.png)\r\nThe [White House petition](https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/keep-your-campaign-pledge-respect-state-marijuana-legalization-laws) is a good way for your voice to be heard. \r\n \r\n[Sign the petition to keep the DOJ out of states](https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/keep-your-campaign-pledge-respect-state-marijuana-legalization-laws) where citizens lawfully abide by those state's laws. As stated on the petition:\r\n\r\n>On February 23, Press Secretary Sean Spicer indicated the Department of Justice might begin \"greater enforcement\" of federal law in states that have legalized marijuana. But during the campaign President Trump repeatedly pledged that if elected the federal government would respect the rights of states to enact their own cannabis laws. That is a wise policy supported by a growing super-majority of voters. They know that state marijuana legalization laws hurt the cartels, fund our schools and roads, and protect public health and safety. Studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association and others have shown that states with legal and accessible medical and recreational marijuana see a significant reduction in opioid death rates. Please keep your promise to the American people.\r\n\r\n### 3. Stay Informed\r\n\r\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58b36f8e54073f000ff5aee8/embedded_images/58b3701f57cbb8000707590a/Screen_Shot_2017-02-26_at_4.15.21_PM.png)\r\nSubscribe to [Weedweek](https://www.weedweek.net/), the comprehensive news source on cannabis.\r\n\r\nDo you want to know what is happening week to week? Subscribe to [HelloMD's newsletter Advisor](https://www.hellomd.com/) by registering on our site. Also, receive [Alex Halperin's WeedWeek](https://www.weedweek.net/) which is the most comprehensive cannabis news source - anywhere. It comes every Saturday at 8am and is the highlight of my weekend.\r\n\r\n### 4. Stay Legal\r\n\r\nFollow the laws of your state. If your state offers a medical card, I would highly recommend continuing with this practice until we know exactly what is going on. This goes for personal consumption, but also on the flip side. If you run a business and medical cards are legally required, continue to require them until a REC law goes into full effect. Follow the law to the letter.\r\n\r\n[HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/14b42/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/f836f/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.jpg 200w,\n/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/2244e/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.jpg 400w,\n/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/14b42/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.jpg 800w,\n/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/47498/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/54ac5/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/58556/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/61e93/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.webp 200w,\n/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/1f5c5/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.webp 400w,\n/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/58556/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.webp 800w,\n/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/99238/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.webp 1200w,\n/static/8440e316fa73dee5e3f868a8b1d999fb/5e0b8/09206f756e140916679ede986b162500.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2323-markdown","title":"The Trump Administration & Marijuana ","slug":"the-trump-administration-and-marijuana","content":"### The Future of Marijuana in the US\n\nI am one of the 65 million United States citizens that live in states that have legalized marijuana in some form. Currently, half of all Americans have access to medical marijuana and almost all of the others have access to non-pyschoactive CBD forms of cannabis. Only six states have not legalized marijuana in any form. This follows the tide of pro-marijuana sentiment that has swept across the United States in recent years.\n\nIf you are someone involved in the marijuana industry, either as a patient, a grower, or a producer, you have probably experienced a certain level of fear following the most recent presidential election. I too have found myself often contemplating the future of the industry that has dramatically increased the quality of life for so many people, decreased the need for harsh and addictive pharmaceuticals, and provided a plethora of new jobs in states that have legalized marijuana. \n\nThe marijuana industry has flourished under the Obama administration and has been able to provide help to many people who needed it desperately. So much progress has been made that has changed the image of marijuana, which was once labeled as a dangerous gateway drug (which has since been disproven). With widespread support of the American population, cannabis has rightfully found its place as a beneficial and applicable medication in the United States. Yet, there is a chance that this widespread access could change and people may no longer be able to access their much needed medication, if the new administration so chooses.\n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION IS IN JEOPARDY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/583dbdca3a73fb0008647e42/marijuana-legalization-is-in-jeopardy)\n\n### President Obama’s Position\n\nPresident Obama recently reaffirmed his position on marijuana in his interview with [Rolling Stone magazine](http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a51145/obama-weed/?dom=fb_thril&src=social&mag=esq) by saying, “I do believe that treating [marijuana] as a public-health issue, the same way we do with cigarettes or alcohol, is a much smarter way to deal with it.” \n\nHe stressed in his interview, however, that cannabis related issues are not decided by the President but by laws and DEA policy. He expressed that the DEA might not always be on the “cutting edge” about marijuana related issues. This is consistent with President Obama’s previous remarks about how he believes that cannabis is less dangerous than alcohol for personal consumption. President Obama and his administration put the Cole memo in place to established a non-interference policy with marijuana in states where it has been legalized, allowing for the industry to expand un-impeded by marijuana’s title as a Schedule I substance. \n\n### The Trump Effect\n\nOur current President Elect, Donald Trump, does not have a record for being against the use of marijuana, specifically medical marijuana. Long before his time a politician, Trump expressed concerns about the War on Drugs because of the amount of money it has wasted and the amount of money it brought to drug cartels. Recently though, he has expressed trepidation about recreational marijuana, though he has stayed completely in support of medical marijuana. Many members who are beginning to be added to Trumps cabinet, however, have harsh anti-marijuana records that concern me greatly. \n\nJeff Sessions, Trump’s current nominee for Attorney General, is one of the most outspoken supporters of the War on Drugs in the United States congress. [He has referred](http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/12/jeff-sessions-coming-war-on-legal-marijuana-214501?utm_medium=email&utm_source=flipboard) to marijuana reform as a “tragic mistake” and thinks there has been widespread disturbances in states where it was legalized. \n\nSenator Sessions words completely disregard all of the obvious medicinal value of cannabis and instead promotes the use of a draconian drug policy. He has criticized Attorney Generals Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch, as well as Obama, for being soft on marijuana and allowing state legalization to occur under their watch. As someone involved in the industry, it is hard to watch someone who clearly knows nothing about the potential benefits of cannabis, say that marijuana has not helped thousands if not millions of people. Cannabis can prevent suffering from a plethora of conditions and is replacing extremely addictive and deadly drugs like opioids. \n\n### Reversal of Cannabis Protection\n\nIf Jeff Sessions is approved as Attorney General, he has the ability to reverse the years of progress in support of marijuana through just one signature. Sessions has the ability to revoke the Cole memo that essentially protects citizens in legal states. Reversing the memo would immediately allow the DEA to enter states and arrest growers, retailers, and patients at will.  \n\nThe current $6.7 billion industry could be completely wiped out against the favor of the majority of the American population. As Obama said, marijuana policy is far more dictated by people outside of the presidency, so even if Trump does not intend to wipe out the marijuana industry, members of his cabinet like Sessions could drive these decisions. \n\nSome members of Congress believe that Sessions would allow for the continuation of the marijuana industry due to his staunch belief in the protection of states rights. Unfortunately, I believe it is unlikely that an anti-marijuana crusader like Sessions would not take advantage of his position to push his agenda. \n\nUntil we know the stance our new administration will take on the future of cannabis in the United States, it is hard to project what unhindered progress will be made within the industry. The temporary memos side step formal federal laws, so sadly, they can be unraveled just as quickly as they were instated. If this happens, the short term future may be rather bleak. There are a lot of unknowns. My hope is that with 60% of the population in favor of recreational marijuana and 90% of the population in favor of medical, the will of the people will ultimately prevail. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/ee604/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png","srcSet":"/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/69585/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 200w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/497c6/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 400w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/ee604/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 800w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/f3583/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 1200w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/4cc43/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.png 1220w","srcWebp":"/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/58556/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/61e93/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 200w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/1f5c5/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 400w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/58556/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 800w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/99238/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 1200w,\n/static/e88dcfa71a2e011678e17309f1fdbdd0/5740f/ab028d859ae3d362c76ab15fb19ce1c8.webp 1220w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2338-markdown","title":"Marijuana Legalization is in Jeopardy","slug":"marijuana-legalization-is-in-jeopardy","content":"### Sessions: The New Attorney General\n\nJeff Sessions, who was recently recommended for the position of Attorney General under president elect Trump, could be the worst case scenario for the marijuana industry. The senator from Alabama is one of the most outspoken anti-marijuana advocates in the country and he represents a state with some of the harshest marijuana laws in the country. Sessions has spent his whole career speaking out against marijuana and its legalization and, in the position of Attorney General, he may have the power to do something about it. \n\nJeff Sessions has spoken to the Senate many times about his concerns related to marijuana. He has referred to it as “a very real danger” and has expressed concerns about it being legalized in various states. Similarly to gateway theorist Chris Christy, Sessions has called out President Obama for not doing enough to prevent marijuana from being legalized on the state level. \n\n### \"Good People Don't Smoke Marijuana.\"\n\nSessions believes that Obama should have never let legalization happen and has said, “You can’t have the President of the United States of America talking about marijuana … you are sending a message to young people that there is no danger in this process. It is false that marijuana use doesn’t lead people to more drug use. It is already causing a disturbance in the states that have made it legal.”. \n\nSessions has even gone as far as stating, “good people don’t smoke marijuana”. He believes that the American population and many legislators are widely under informed on the dangers of cannabis and that people should be paying much more attention to concerns like drivers who are driving under the influence of cannabis. \n\n### Strengthening a War on Drugs\n\nMarijuana’s “biggest opponent in the Senate” has even come out with a pro-war on drugs stance. Widely contrasting with Trump’s personal sentiment expressed towards the war on drugs, Sessions has said that the war on drugs has made tremendous positive progress since the 80s. Despite many widespread concerns related to the war on drugs, Sessions believes that this outdated crusade should be maintained or, “lives will be impacted, families will be broken up, children will be damaged.”\n\nRELATED: [ON OPEN LETTER TO JEFF SESSIONS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/583219913aebad000c886c17/an-open-letter-to-jeff-sessions)\n\n### Anti-Marijuana Policies?\n\nTrump’s personal opinions on marijuana may appear quite harmless and, in the case of medical marijuana, extremely supportive, but Sessions could serve to add to the anti-marijuana cabinet staff that Trump is starting to build. It is quite possible that Trump’s own personal opinions could be changed by Sessions, who could serve to halt the non-interference policy currently in place in states with legalized marijuana programs. \n\nSessions, if confirmed, could aggressively enforce the current laws in place under the Controlled Substances Act, which would make state marijuana industries completely illegal under federal law. The Cole memos, which currently protect the state run industries, could be quickly revoked if Session is able to gain Trump’s ear on the issue of marijuana. Only time will tell if Session will be confirmed to the position of Attorney General and if he will use his position of power as a platform to fuel his anti-cannabis crusade. \n\n_____________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/14b42/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/f836f/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 200w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/2244e/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 400w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/14b42/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 800w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/47498/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/54ac5/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/58556/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/61e93/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 200w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/1f5c5/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 400w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/58556/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 800w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/99238/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 1200w,\n/static/73cbbbf791b83031f3df8f9ed07636bd/5e0b8/cfa8279725af8555024027158555aa9e.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2160-markdown","title":"Have We Come Too Far Too Soon?","slug":"have-we-come-too-far-too-soon","content":"I have never been a fan of states getting [too far ahead](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/580e6623b3a976000a79dfa9/why-i-am-voting-no-on-prop-64) of the federal government on drug policy. \n\nYes, I want to push the legalization agenda forward and I believe all drugs (not just cannabis) should be legal. However, we live in a country with both state and federal laws, and federal agencies like the DEA have significant power over citizens everywhere.\n\nWith President Obama in office, and the expectation that President Hillary Clinton would be next, it was frustrating that the feds had not moved the ball forward on cannabis, but not too much of an issue since the states seemed to be doing their part. The [Cole]( https://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/resources/3052013829132756857467.pdf) and [Ogden]( https://www.justice.gov/opa/blog/memorandum-selected-united-state-attorneys-investigations-and-prosecutions-states) memos gave cannabis entrepreneurs some comfort that they at least would not be arrested (assuming they were following all local laws). That said, there were still exceptions to this with people getting [harassed by the DEA]( https://www.newcannabisventures.com/dea-and-local-law-enforcement-raid-care-by-design-cannabis-company/), sometimes seemingly without good cause or reason.\n\nMoreover, it did appear that at least on medical cannabis, there was a growing [sense of acknowledgement]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/08/11/what-congress-is-saying-about-the-deas-refusal-to-change-course-on-pot/) by members of congress, the [medical establishment]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/04/15/more-and-more-doctors-want-to-make-marijuana-legal/) and others of the plant's medicinal benefits. This summer the DEA even [considered]( http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/dea-considers-dropping-marijuana-dangerous-group-article-1.2591306) rescheduling cannabis from its ludicrous classification as a Schedule I drug, which states there are no benefits at all, medicinal or otherwise. Unfortunately, that [did not happen]( http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article94999837.html).\n\n[Proposition 64](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58099f9b6b40a8000bf0584e/about-prop-64-what-you-should-know) was passed with strong support from California voters, choosing to make it legal for anybody over the age of 21 to consume cannabis for recreational purposes. This brings the total to eight states that now have recreational cannabis laws passed, if not yet implemented. \n\n### How Things Have Changed\n\nIn just a few short weeks, the world looks very different as we sit in California looking east to Washington DC, wondering what might be coming our way.\n\nPresident Elect Trump, has stated that he [supports medical cannabis]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/10/29/trump-wants-marijuana-legalization-decided-at-the-state-level/) and believes it’s an issue for the states to decide, but his nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions has many in the industry reeling. The Senator’s opinion on cannabis seems more in line with that of the late Nancy Reagan than Mr. Trumps. He considers cannabis a gateway drug (which has widely been refuted now), and has [stated]( https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/11/18/trumps-pick-for-attorney-general-good-people-dont-smoke-marijuana/) as recently as April 2016 that “good people don’t smoke marijuana.”.\n\nWithout being alarmist before Mr. Trump has even taken office, it’s important to understand that - assuming his nomination is confirmed - Senator Sessions, as the country’s most senior law enforcement official will oversee the considerable resources of the DEA and have federal law on his side. If he were to follow his instincts, with nothing more than a simple instruction the DEA could begin arresting people across the nation at will and dragging them into federal court. This includes growers, retailers, delivery services, technology companies and anyone else involved in supporting the industry. Even investors, lawyers and accountants could be charged with aiding and abetting the illegal distribution and sale of a Schedule I controlled substance, in some cases putting their professional licenses at risk. \n\n### How Likely is This to Happen?\n\nThe frustrating answer to this is, nobody has any idea at the moment. All we have to go on is what these two gentlemen have stated publicly.  Since Mr. Trump will be President, one would hope that his opinions on medical and states’ rights would determine policy, and he does appear to be somewhat of an autocratic leader. Additionally, there are a lot of policy proposals he must deliver on, and cracking down on the cannabis industry would not seem to be one of them. So perhaps Trump and his Attorney General will be too busy with things like illegal immigration to spend any time on cannabis in the imminent future, at least for a time. \n\nOn the other hand, it’s not like the law needs to change, or resources appropriated to initiate a crackdown. The DEA makes it their business to go after drug offenders and I suspect that the ‘hands off’ approach of the Obama administration has been a period of frustration for them in this regard.\n\n### Medical vs. Recreational\n\nIf there is a compromise to be found between state lawmakers and the federal government, it’s likely in the distinction between medicinal and recreational use. While one can argue whether [all use is medicinal]( http://thefreethoughtproject.com/war-weed-quicker-realize-all-cannabis-medicinal/) (as some do), where states have passed specific laws billed as ‘recreational use’ it’s a distinction like to fall on deaf ears at the federal level. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5835e3743b6fb90008d8e5ab/embedded_images/5835e4dc74b2ca00084f3224/Screen_Shot_2016-11-23_at_10.48.29_AM.png)\n Senator Sessions is unlikely to like this guy.\n\nMore to the point, resistance is unlikely to be through the courts (since it's already illegal) but more likely to come from the DEA arresting people. One would assume that that the first targets on the list to be charged would be those oriented around recreational use rather than medicinal (nothing more than an assumption). At least in California we have 20 years of medicinal history to point to, whereas recreational cannabis has yet to be implemented.  \n\nStates with strong medical programs, product manufacturers with medically oriented positioning, and retailers focused on the needs of legitimate medical patients are likely in a better position than those clearly oriented to the needs of recreational users.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/5835e3743b6fb90008d8e5ab/embedded_images/5835e6d674b2ca000c4c20f9/Screen_Shot_2016-11-23_at_10.57.20_AM.png)\nA less offensive image for those at the DEA\n\nI would like to emphasize that this is nothing more than an assumption, since both medical and recreational use of cannabis are equally illegal in the eyes of the federal government. There is so much uncertainty now, it’s very difficult to predict what will transpire over the next four years. \n\nOthers may disagree, but my advice for those in the cannabis industry, is to consider taking a small pause on any plans for recreational cannabis use, allow the new administration to take office and see how things look after the first quarter of 2017. If there is no change in federal policy, there will be time before January 2018 (when California’s law takes effect) to deliver on plans for a recreational market. If on the other hand it becomes clear that the DEA is going to start reasserting itself, I would not want to be one of the most visible, recreational cannabis vendors for the DEA to make an example of. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/ee604/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png","srcSet":"/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/69585/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png 200w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/497c6/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png 400w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/ee604/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png 800w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/6c104/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.png 1167w","srcWebp":"/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/58556/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/61e93/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp 200w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/1f5c5/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp 400w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/58556/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp 800w,\n/static/e35a87614b537078d1e5cf5a99c1677a/be444/f7f07e6199392c8a659d010f8cc6b95e.webp 1167w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2004-markdown","title":"What Will a Trump Presidency Mean for Marijuana?","slug":"what-will-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-marijuana","content":"## Trump’s Opinions\r\n\r\nTrump has expressed many different opinions on cannabis during his time in the public spotlight, so what his marijuana policies will be as president are slightly unknown. In the 1990’s, Trump expressed that he believed the war on dugs was a failure and that, “You have to legalize drugs to win that war.” He expressed the importance of legalization in order to take profits away from drug cartels and proposed country-wide marijuana legalization. \r\n\r\nMore recently on the campaign trail, however, he has expressed more [trepidation](https://www.leafly.com/news/politics/what-would-a-trump-presidency-mean-for-cannabis) about full scale marijuana legalization. Though he does recognize states’ abilities to individually legalize marijuana, he also has articulated that he sees some problems within states like Colorado, where marijuana is recreationally legal. The one aspect of marijuana policy that Trump has held steady on is his support of medical marijuana. Trump believes in full legalization of medical marijuana and recognizes its benefits as an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. \r\n\r\n## Trump's Potential Cabinet\r\n\r\nThough Trump himself, based on past opinions, does not spell disaster for the marijuana industry in the country, there is more concern related to many of his top cabinet picks. Many of Trump’s inner circle, who are suspected to be up for top cabinet positions when the Trump administration takes office, have records that are completely anti-marijuana. Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, and, possibly most importantly, Mike Pence, have all created their political careers around a strong anti-marijuana stance. \r\n\r\nChris Christie was very clear during his personal presidential run that he believed in following federal drug laws above all else. He has [implied](http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/chris-christie-enforce-marijuana-illegal-2016-120769) in the past that President Obama is skirting some of his presidential duties by not enforcing marijuana laws in states where it has been recreationally legalized. Though Christie has allowed for medical marijuana in New Jersey, where he is the governor, he is very [clear](http://www.thecannabist.co/2016/09/15/new-jersey-medical-marijuana-christie-signs/63244/) that medical marijuana should only be used for very specific medical conditions, particularly when traditional pharmaceuticals have not worked. Christie is a staunch supporter of the gateway theory, which suggests that marijuana is a gateway drug to harder drug use, which has been widely disproved. \r\n\r\nRudy Giuliani was known for his crack-down on cannabis during his time as the [mayor](http://www.alternet.org/story/84515/nyc's_staggering_arrest_rate_for_pot_achieved_by_police_deception_and_scams) of New York City. His efforts experienced large amounts of backlash, though they are still in place in the city. As a result of his policies, which are considered by many to be racist, 400,000 people have been arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in the city in the last decade. \r\n\r\nMike Pence is known for rejecting multiple ballot measures in Indiana during his time as governor that would have decriminalized marijuana. Indiana is one of the few states where any amount of cannabis can land you in jail. Pence currently does not support medical marijuana in any capacity, though he has made comments that he could possibly support it in the future. \r\n\r\n## The Existing System & What Might Change?\r\n\r\nThe Obama administration has taken a non-interference stance on [cannabis](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/11/09/what-the-future-of-marijuana-legalization-could-look-like-under-president-trump/). Though cannabis technically falls under the Controlled Substances Act, the administration put memos into place in 2013 that state that the DEA should not inhibit the marijuana industry in states where it is legalized. The DEA is allowed to still interfere in state-legal industries when they involve particular problems like the minors, driving under the influence, or growing cannabis on federal land. These memos were put into place to allow state industries to run unimpeded and to focus DEA priorities onto major issues like the opioid epidemic. \r\n\r\nReversing the current policy, however, is extremely easy. Simply revoking the memo created by President Obama would render all non-interference policies void and allow for full intervention by the DEA. Maintaining the memos, and allowing for the continued expansion of the industry, is in the best interest of the Trump administration. According to a June Politico poll, 54% of Americans think that marijuana should be legalized in all capacities, while a whopping 89% of Americans are pro medical marijuana. \r\n\r\nThis idea has been driven home by the recent election, where all but one state with a marijuana proposition on the ballot passed it. Following the [election](http://www.livescience.com/56807-recreational-marijuana-california-massachusetts-nevada.html#infographic), 8 states have legalized recreational marijuana, 21 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 15 states have legalized limited medical marijuana, which mainly involves the allowance of only high CBD, low THC products. Going against marijuana legalization would be going against the majority of the population. \r\n\r\nNot only would going against marijuana legalization cause the Trump administration unnecessary trouble, it would ruin a great source of revenue for the government. The marijuana industry also serves to create many new jobs in many sectors, from labor to research to manufacturing. According the Harvard [economist](http://www.dailydot.com/via/marijuana-legalization-economic-argument/) Jeffrey Miron, there is $113 billion to be made from legalized marijuana, which could create $45 billion in tax revenue for the government. As an added bonus, marijuana legalization could majorly decrease the number of incarcerated people, cutting down on costs for the federal government to pay to keep people in prisons. Marijuana legalization will also cut down on the necessary budget for drug enforcement.\r\n\r\nIt is unknown exactly what stance the Trump administration will take on marijuana, but it is better for them, and the country as a whole, to at least maintain the industry as it is. Trying to cut down the current industry would be extremely costly, and cause major problems by going against the majority opinion of the country. Marijuana legalization is one of the few things the most of the country agreed on this election season, so it is in the best interest for Trump and his future administration to support, or at least not interfere with, the cannabis industry. \r\n______________________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/83057948@N07/27628453642/in/photolist-J6r3H1-9pXsuo-aaAdYC-2bcnZi-BCPJRr-58fvFr-3C3scH-iXFgGa-5U1TNS-7wQykM-HCnKry-KWS9-6TnEMn-JAs7ur-9ConY9-f654mJ-apZyru-JzshGB-dEcwwR-6yeac-nJm9Zs-9dnu6X-fcB6dX-9wibdH-5reEGc-jj7qp-9tXzTh-6UC3BR-jj7ow-4Ay7dq-jj7tv-6cVHqj-7asLyE-agyQRH-4K7hBj-6urpoT-DFPLEG-a5fHJb-jj7rB-6qANwX-5vBkto-BGpP5E-eb4LHi-nA1wNT-bYf4Eq-eb4LRt-2sMJpt-9oAUoh-eb4LFT-b4BjaK)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3245033112582782,"src":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/ee604/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png","srcSet":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/69585/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 200w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/497c6/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 400w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/ee604/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 800w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/0a5e0/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.png 1065w","srcWebp":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/58556/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/61e93/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 200w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/1f5c5/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 400w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/58556/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 800w,\n/static/bd2aa4a4160b586246ca4f44c05855d7/a71cf/c84e15b76346dc0aae13d72aeaa39c30.webp 1065w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2234-markdown","title":"Voters in California, Massachusetts and Nevada legalize REC.","slug":"voters-in-california-massachusetts-and-nevada-legalize-rec","content":"Alex Halperin writes a weekly newsletter called '[Weed Week](https://www.weedweek.net/)' which is a Saturday morning newsletter on America's fastest growing and most interesting industry. Leading cannabis executives and advocates appreciate its credibility and evenhanded perspective on the latest in cannabis politics, business, health, criminal justice and culture You can [subscribe to Weed Week here](https://www.weedweek.net/).   \r\n\r\n#### From this Week's Edition: \r\n\r\nVoters in California, Massachusetts and Nevada [legalized](http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/marijuana-legalization.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news) REC. About 25 percent of Americans now live in states that have legalized marijuana for adult use. \r\n\r\nThe results will put unprecedented pressure on the federal government to reform cannabis laws. As President Obama said in a recent interview with comedian Bill Maher, multiple states legalizing could make the federal prohibition “[untenable](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/11/08/medical-marijuana-sails-to-victory-in-florida/).”\r\n\r\nIn a night that was a stunning repudiation of the pollsters' art, the nine marijuana initiatives on state ballots performed more or less as predicted. So far, of the five states that voted on REC, only Arizona, which has a thriving MED market, [rejected it](http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/11/08/arizona-recreational-marijuana-proposition-205-election-results/92893564/), by about four points. As of this writing, with 94% of votes in, Maine’s REC initiative [appears to have the lead](http://www.pressherald.com/2016/11/08/mainers-consider-legalizing-recreational-marijuana/) in a very close race.\r\n\r\nAll four states voting on MED approved it. In Florida, voters [legalized MED](http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/florida-overwhelmingly-votes-to-legalize-medical-marijuana/2302028) with 71% in favor. In Arkansas, a MED initiative has a [comfortable lead](http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/nov/09/state-on-verge-of-approving-medical-pot/) with most precincts reporting. North Dakota’s MED initiative [passed](http://results.sos.nd.gov/resultsSW.aspx?text=BQ&type=SW&map=CTY) with about 64% of the vote and Montana’s Initiative to [expand MED](http://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/montana-ballot-measure-182-expand-medical-marijuana) access also passed comfortably. \r\n\r\nEach of the MED states also voted for [Donald Trump](http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-president.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=span-abc-region&region=span-abc-region&WT.nav=span-abc-region), who is now president-elect. \r\n\r\nTrump is a teetotaler who claims to have never drank or used drugs. He has been [consistent in his support](http://fortune.com/2016/07/12/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-marijuana/) for MED, and somewhat [less consistent](http://www.businessinsider.com/where-donald-trump-stands-on-weed-legalization-2016-11), in his support for states’ rights to regulate the plant as they choose.\r\n\r\nMost directly worrisome to the cannabis world is that Trump has surrounded himself with anti-drug hardliners, who are out of step with the country’s, and the Republican Party’s, gradual acceptance of the plant. \r\n\r\nVice-president elect Mike Pence has voted to escalate the war on drugs in Mexico and in 2014, called for [tougher sentences for possession](http://www.ibtimes.com/vice-presidential-debate-marijuana-reform-2016-where-do-tim-kaine-mike-pence-stand-2426351), “I think we need to focus on reducing crime, not reducing penalties,” he said. \r\n\r\nTrump’s closeness to Chris Christie, the New Jersey governor who was the only major Republican candidate to vocally endorse federal marijuana prohibition was also a source of alarm in the marijuana world. \r\n\r\nOf late, Christie has been sidelined due to the “[Bridgegate](http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2016/11/in-first-interview-after-bridgegate-convictions-christie-says-hes-not-finished-107150)” trial in which two of his former aides were convicted, and Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and prosecutor, has emerged as another candidate for attorney general. The last time Giuliani’s position on marijuana has been through much scrutiny was in [2007 during his short-lived presidential campaign](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/giuliani-medical-marijuana-unnecessary/). \"I believe the effort to try and make marijuana available for medical uses is really a way to legalize it,” he said at the time. “ There's no reason for it.\"\r\n\r\nThroughout the campaign, neither Donald Trump nor Hilary Clinton wanted to talk much about pot, but Trump’s election creates the possibility of tensions between a newly emboldened industry and an administration filled with anti-drug hawks. Whether this stand-off will transpire, and what forms it could take, is anyone’s guess.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3157894736842106,"src":"/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/14b42/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/f836f/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 200w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/2244e/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 400w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/14b42/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 800w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/47498/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/30294/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.jpg 1347w","srcWebp":"/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/58556/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/61e93/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 200w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/1f5c5/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 400w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/58556/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 800w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/99238/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 1200w,\n/static/728c9b8a4b582b111b9323b222573445/76870/65faf1f92087e390cd09e2d1ccae754f.webp 1347w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2229-markdown","title":"President Trump: Should Medical Marijuana Patients Be Wary?","slug":"president-trump-should-medical-marijuana-patients-be-wary","content":"As the year lurches closer and closer to November, Donald Trump's\r\ncampaign for the Republican nomination continues to gain steam. Trump\r\nhas a reputation as a political outsider who breaks from the GOP\r\nestablishment, and he's known for saying and doing unpredictable things.\r\n\r\nThere are plenty of issues where his stances are unclear. Particularly,\r\nTrump's opinions on medical marijuana have received little to no press,\r\nespecially compared with his outspoken positions on issues like\r\nimmigration and trade. With a Trump candidacy looking more likely with\r\neach primary, we should put some serious thought into what this wildcard\r\ncandidate's stance might be.\r\n\r\n**What Is Trump's Opinion on Medical Marijuana?**\r\n\r\nPart of the problem with predicting the position a Trump administration\r\nwould take regarding medical marijuana is that Trump himself has\r\nsubstantially changed his opinions on several issues over time. He has a\r\nreputation in the political press for [changing his\r\nmind](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/08/17/20-times-donald-trump-has-changed-his-mind-since-june/)\r\non issues as varied as abortion, ISIS and others.\r\n\r\nIn an\r\n[interview](https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19900414&id=eUoeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EHoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4675,4533445&hl=en)\r\nwith the Miami Herald in 1990, Donald Trump said he was in favor of\r\nlegalizing all drugs for adults. However, he announced at the 2015 [CPAC\r\nconference](http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4541840/donald-trump-marijuana)\r\nthat he opposes the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes.\r\n\r\nBut regarding medical marijuana, he's been more uniformly positive. At\r\nthat same conference, he said he is \"100 percent\" in favor of medical\r\nmarijuana, and he also [reiterated\r\nthis](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/10/29/trump-wants-marijuana-legalization-decided-at-the-state-level/?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_daily202)\r\nat a 2015 political rally.\r\n\r\nDespite the mercurial nature of Trump's opinions, it appears that he's\r\nrelatively constant about the merits of medical marijuana and how to\r\nenforce federal laws surrounding it. Still, we should keep a close eye\r\non any opinions the candidate might voice, just in case.\r\n\r\n**Chris Christie as Attorney General?**\r\n\r\nWith former New Jersey governor Chris Christie's recent endorsement of\r\nDonald Trump, pundits have speculated that Christie is [jockeying for a\r\nplace](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/02/26/4-reasons-why-chris-christie-endorsed-donald-trump/)\r\nin a Trump administration. While it's possible that Christie's trying to\r\nbecome Trump's vice presidential pick, there's been ample speculation\r\nthat he's leaning toward a position as Attorney General - especially\r\ngiven his previous experience as US Attorney for New Jersey. Since the\r\nattorney general heads the Department of Justice and makes essential\r\ndecisions about prosecution and the federal government's legislative\r\nauthority, whom the president chooses as his attorney general has a\r\nmajor impact on how federal marijuana laws are enforced.\r\n\r\nChristie generally takes a [very strong\r\nstance](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/14/chris-christie-marijuana_n_7066636.html)\r\nagainst marijuana legalization on a state level. If he were to become\r\nPresident Trump's attorney general, it's likely that he'd seek to pursue\r\nstrict federal enforcement of existing marijuana laws. However, while\r\nthe attorney general is a powerful figure, the attorney general works\r\nfor the president, and carries out the administration's policies. Since\r\nTrump's position on medical marijuana is more moderate than Christie's,\r\nit's possible that Attorney General Christie could soften his stance on\r\nmarijuana, especially medical marijuana.\r\n\r\n**The Importance of States' Rights**\r\n\r\nPolitical conservatives in the United States have a strong record of\r\nsupporting the states' rights to decide policies about certain social\r\nissues, including abortion and gay marriage. The traditional\r\nconservative stance has been a strict construction of the 10th\r\nAmendment, saying that any powers that are not strictly enumerated by\r\nthe federal government are left to the states to decide.\\\r\n\r\nHowever, the legality of medical (and recreational) marijuana has\r\n[polarized](http://theweek.com/articles/569009/why-marijuana-legalization-rare-issue-that-divides-2016-republican-presidential-field)\r\nthe GOP field this election season. Some GOP candidates have expressed\r\ntheir support for states deciding and enforcing their own marijuana\r\npolicies, while others have said that various states' policies\r\nsurrounding marijuana are illegal vis-a-vis federal law, and that\r\nfederal law should be strictly enforced.\r\n\r\nBut further complicating the issue is the fact that a large part of\r\nTrump's appeal to voters is that he doesn't follow conservative\r\northodoxy. Trump leaves many of American politics' traditional\r\nleft-right distinctions behind. If Trump were to take office, would he\r\ntow the standard conservative line, and leave medical marijuana\r\ndecisions up to the states? Or would he follow suit with many of the GOP\r\ncandidates, and reject the legality of medical marijuana? Thus far, it\r\nappears that he generally sides with medical marijuana patients (and\r\nagainst recreational users), but only time may tell.\r\n\r\n**Conclusion**\r\n\r\nThis early in the race, it's difficult for us to say exactly how things\r\nwill pan out. It's not clear that Trump will become the Republican\r\nnominee. It's not clear who he'll choose as his attorney general, or\r\nwhere Chris Christie would fit into a Trump cabinet (if anywhere). And,\r\nof course, Trump's own positions are frustratingly vague to many\r\npolitical observers. On several major issues, he's regularly changed his\r\nstance, just during this election.\r\n\r\nGenerally, Trump seems to support medical marijuana prescription and\r\nusage. This is, tentatively, good news for medical marijuana patients,\r\nwho use cannabis for conditions as\r\n[diverse](https://www.hellomd.com/medical-marijuana-patient-survey) as\r\nglaucoma, chronic pain, migraines, anxiety and more.\r\n\r\nBut the tens of thousands of individuals in the US who rely upon this\r\ndrug shouldn't rest easy. With so much uncertainty surrounding this\r\nelection -- and the positions of the GOP frontrunner -- it's important\r\nto stay on top of the issues. Patients, caretakers and advocates should\r\neducate themselves about candidates' stances on medical marijuana use,\r\nas well as the legalization, regulation and taxation of recreational\r\nmarijuana. The US political arena is rapidly changing, especially\r\nsurrounding drug legalization, and if we educate and mobilize voters and\r\nconcerned citizens, we can make a huge difference for good.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cornstalker/23975424301/in/photolist-CwCjmv-BGpGEq-CunnCo-BGpJm1-4mwzgP-Cuniqq-nA1rVe-9oAUqq-EsxmH-nwVj-BGwX76-6SWxYT-ebaoJu-C6q4TK-5T1Vx7-nUhD7B-9rTKRf-akkXc8-5HZc8c-zDKagq-9oAUoh-nAiF8N-kEGvd-bFa66k-9oAUn3-GwdGf-9CkAh7-eb4Lw8-9oAUkY-eb4Lx4-6nF17e-9oxQZV-rMrEv-bFPGXt-6cVHqj-6UC3BR-buUxhM-anfnqP-jj7rB-6qANwX-4Ay7dq-777Qgi-e4vqiJ-6LHCmp-63jb3b-7GxFMG-DArDY-CDVn7Z-BGwTMF-8sCfMT)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4814814814814814,"src":"/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/ee604/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png","srcSet":"/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/69585/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png 200w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/497c6/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png 400w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/ee604/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png 800w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/e781a/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.png 1143w","srcWebp":"/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/58556/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/61e93/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp 200w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/1f5c5/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp 400w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/58556/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp 800w,\n/static/09893442d62329cec659ce8f52ca954d/ece39/62102dfcaf57e23f5b7f47343873a184.webp 1143w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5863,"name":"Trump","slug":"trump","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}