In a statement attached to a large-scale funding bill he signed into law on Friday, President Trump said in effect that he reserves the right to ignore a congressionally approved provision that seeks to protect state medical cannabis laws from federal interference.
"Division B, section 531 of the Act provides that the Department of Justice may not use any funds made available under this Act to prevent implementation of medical cannabis laws by various States and territories," Trump wrote in a signing statement. "My Administration will treat this provision consistent with the President’s constitutional responsibility to faithfully execute the laws of the United States."
Although the vague language doesn't directly say he plans to ignore Congress's will to block Justice Department prosecution of medical cannabis patients and providers, presidents typically use signing statements such as this one to flag provisions of laws they are enacting which they believe could impede on their executive authorities. By calling out the medical cannabis rider, Trump is making clear that his administration believes it can broadly enforce federal drug laws against people complying with state medical marijuana laws even though Congress told him not to.
Read the full article at forbes.com
