The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL MARIJUANA INDUSTRY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H1489 on March 2, 2017.
The Department is one of the oldest in the US, focused primarily on law enforcement and the federal prison system. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, detailed wasteful expenses such as $16 muffins at conferences and board meetings.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL MARIJUANA INDUSTRY
(Ms. TITUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, Attorney General Sessions stated we won't be a better, healthier Nation if marijuana is sold at every corner grocery store. His Justice Department also signaled that it would raid a marijuana industry convention being held on tribal lands in my State of Nevada.
While it is pretty clear that the Attorney General has some other problems to worry about now, I would note that his statement and his department's actions demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of the legal marijuana industry.
The industry, which is highly regulated in States that have chosen to legalize marijuana, does, indeed, face challenges in banking, taxes, advertising, security, and working with veterans. These need to be addressed by Congress.
But in the meantime, I invite Mr. Sessions: Come to Nevada. Meet with members of the industry. Find out how it really works before you make rash decisions about enforcement that will counter the votes of many people across this country.
____________________
