Governor Brian Sandoval issued a statement saying, since Nevada voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2016, he has called for a well-regulated, restricted and respected industry. He says Nevada’s marijuana industry is a model for other states. The Governor says he and his staff and will review the memo released Thursday by Jeff Sessions, and the state’s options.
Nevada’s senate majority leader Aaron Ford says Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to rescind a policy that protects our state’s recreational marijuana industry from overzealous federal intrusion, could cost Nevada millions of dollars in revenue, kill jobs, and hurt our schools and local economy. This clear example of federal government overreach is nothing more than an attempt to infringe on our state’s sovereignty and is a direct insult to the Nevadans who voted in favor of a regulated marijuana industry.
Clark County Commission Chair Steve Sisolak says the people of Nevada have already spoken on legalized marijuana. Those in need of medicinal marijuana finally had access to relief. Entrepreneurs are now building businesses, hiring workers and paying taxes that will benefit the entire state. Now the Trump Administration wants to create a costly and confusing process to overrule the will of the voters and undo what has been a success so far. Sisolak, a democratic candidate for Governor says, “We cannot and will not stand for this or any threat by the Trump Administration to undo progress in Nevada.”
Republican Senate challenger Danny Tarkanian issued a statement in response to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to rescind the Obama-era “Cole Memo” that allowed states to implement marijuana laws without federal interference or penalty. Says Tark–“Regardless of how you personally feel about marijuana use, the citizens of Nevada have spoken. They voted to not just legalize medical marijuana, but recreational, as well. It’s a decision Nevadans made for the State of Nevada and the federal government needs to recognize and honor our 10th Amendment right to do so. In Tarkanian’s words,” It’s time for Big Brother to back off and I call on Sen. Dean Heller to deliver that message loudly and clearly to the Justice Department.”
Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada did not take a side on the marijuana crackdown announcement, but issued a statement encouraging the Department of Justice to work with congressional delegations in states where marijuana has been legalized.
Nevada Congressman Ruben Kihuen says Attorney general Jeff Sessions’ decision to crack down on legal marijuana clashes with the will of hundreds of thousands of Nevadans, and millions of Americans who have voted in favor of marijuana legalization. Kiheun says Sessions and the Department of Justice are reversing a years-long policy of respecting the rights of states, in order to take out a personal vendetta on an industry that has sold nearly $130 million worth of product in Nevada and brought in $20 million in tax revenue to the state since July.
Congresswoman Dina Titus says she will fight for businesses that are legally operating in states, contributing to tax bases and creating jobs. Titus says we must respect the voice of voters. Congresswoman and Senate Candidate Jacky Rosen says this federal overreach by President Trump’s Department of Justice will create uncertainty and confusion for Nevadans. These reported actions are an insult to Nevada voters, an affront to states’ rights, and a threat to our local economy. Rosen says Session’s actions put at risk thousands of new jobs, and countless medical benefits for Nevadans suffering from PTSD, cancer, and other illnesses.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto calls Jeff Sessions new marijuana policy “Misguided,” saying a Marijuana crackdown jeopardizes thousands of new jobs, and countless medical benefits for Nevadans.
Republican Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who opposed legalization in 2016, issued a statement that noted his office has defended the state’s marijuana industry against two lawsuits, and helped facilitate implementation of the law. But the statement didn’t reveal his feelings going forward.
