Brown's Statement on Attorney General Rescinded Marijuana Policy

Governor Kate Brown's Statement on Reports A.G. Sessions Will Rescind Federal Marijuana Policy

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today released the following statement regarding reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind current federal marijuana policy:

"Reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will roll back federal marijuana policy are deeply concerning and disruptive to our state's economy. Over 19,000 jobs have been created by the market Oregon worked carefully to build in good faith and in accordance with the Cole Memorandum. The federal government must keep its promise to states that relied on its guidance. 

"States are the laboratories of democracy, where progressive policies are developed and implemented for the benefit of their people. Voters in Oregon were clear when they chose for Oregon to legalize the sale of marijuana and the federal government should not stand in the way of the will of Oregonians. 

"My staff and state agencies are working to evaluate reports of the Attorney General's decision and will fight to continue Oregon's commitment to a safe and prosperous recreational marijuana market."

Governor Kate Brown and Oregon State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton in August sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, explaining in detail the state policies in place that are aimed at the safety and security of Oregon's marijuana market.

Both Governor Brown and Superintendent Hampton demonstrated in detail how Oregon is working proactively to comply with the Cole Memorandum by protecting public health, protecting minors, preventing diversion, and suppressing organized and violent crime.