State officials voted on a measure that could prevent law enforcement from assisting federal agents targeting marijuana.
It is unclear if the anti-marijuana statements coming from the White House and Attorney General Jeff Sessions is simply rhetoric or foreshadowing. Colorado lawmakers may not want to wait to find out.
The state house approved a measure prohibiting police from working with federal authorities in “arresting a Colorado citizen for committing an act that is a Colorado constitutional right.” The proposal was passed by a 56-7 margin.
While the bill does not mention marijuana directly, the sponsors of the measure have been motivated by the tough tone the Trump White House has taken toward legalized marijuana. Jeff Sessions has been hinting at a potential crackdown since being confirmed.
This is not the first state to consider such action. Earlier in the month, we reported on a similar plan in California to prevent state authorities from coordinating with the federal government to target marijuana businesses and patients.
Federal raids typically rely on assistance from local law enforcement. While these laws may not totally prevent federal interference, it likely federal authorities would not have the resources to pursue a nationwide crackdown on marijuana on their own.
Colorado is also considering another measure that would allow growers to classify all marijuana as medical. This could spare plants from being confiscated under possible federal plans to target the recreational market.
