Update 11/08/20
Jeffery Session reign of terror is nearly over. His successor is a former college football player. He could directly benefit from Cannabis use and has likely heard professional football players stories of their Cannabis use for medical conditions caused by football. He’s also made some Cannabis-friendlier statements.
US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has rescinded several previous directives that discouraged enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states that had legalized the substance.
“It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission,” Sessions said in a statement. “Therefore, today’s memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country.”
Adult users in legal states could care less. But in states like Hawaii where Cannabis has not been decriminalized or rescheduled, it can create an excuse to avoid Cannabis recommendations to patients. Patients are advised to talk with doctors and nurses before choosing a doctor or nurse for medical care. This may be especially important for keiki and kupuna who are must receive healthcare through a caregiver. Does your doctor or nurse consider Cannabis use, child endangerment?
The Hawaii Patients Union has drafted an open letter to Hawaii State Governor, David Ige. Patients are protected from federal intervention due to the fact that Hawaii has already accepted the medical use of Cannabis. However, local law enforcement may step up patient arrests. The best advice we’ve heard is to “stay compliant or stay hidden.“
Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth says the responsibility to carry out Sessions’ directive does not rest with his office.
“That’s not me,” Roth told residents at a Saturday meeting in Pahoa. “That’s the federal prosecutors that decide. And the reason its the federal prosecutors deciding is because the federal prosecutors have control over the federal enforcement officers: the DEA, the FBI, and all those guys.”
Perhaps the Hawaii County Prosecutors office has made a secret policy change since this video was filmed in 2013?
“What we see in Puna are local police showing up to our neighbors, making compliance checks with federal agents including, DLNR, BLM, DEA, ATF and more.” -Anonymous
Here’s an older clip of Brian Schatz denouncing Jeff Sessions policies of Cannabis or “Marijuana” as politicians like to call Cannabis.