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AGs on Both Sides of The Aisle Tell Congress To Respect State Autonomy

State attorneys general on both sides of the aisle drafted and sent a letter to congress arguing that to federally legalize marijuana should be done in a manner that respects the autonomy of states while giving necessary resources so that cannabis can be effectively regulated.

Part of the letter reads: “It is imperative that legislation legalizing cannabis under federal law be accompanied by a post-legalization federal regulatory regime that respects federalism while working in concert with existing state regulation. In our view, it is now time for the federal government—in cooperation with States—to develop an efficient and effective regulatory framework, so that federal legalization, if and when it occurs, does not lead to a chaotic market where needed regulation is absent. Any regulatory framework must strike the right balance. It must avoid both under regulation and overregulation, allowing the development of a legal cannabis industry while implementing necessary public health and public safety oversight.”

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich (R), Connecticut Attorney General William Tong (D), North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem (R) and Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan (D) sent the letter last week in response to a request for feedback on a draft legalization bill that’s being finalized by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ).

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