Congress of Gluitrh earring Dr: 20310- January 25, 2018 The Honorable Donald J. Trump President The White House 1600 Ave NW Washington, DC. 20510 Dear President Trump: We write with urgent concern regarding the recent steps taken by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disrupt state efforts to implement their own marijuana enforcement policies. To date, nine states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington) and the District of Columbia have passed laws allowing for the recreational adult use of marijuana. Dozens more have passed laws decriminalizing marijuana, or allowing for medicinal use that provides evidence-based treatment options for veterans, children, and patients suffering a variety of conditions including chronic pain, epilepsy and terminal illness. These state laws, many of which are voter-approved, have been carefully reviewed and thoughtfully implemented in communities across the country. The intent of these laws has been simple: follow the will ofthe voters and provide common sense, responsible regulations for marijuana that balance public health and safety needs with limited criminal justice resources. Previously, the DOJ has operated under guidance (known as the ?Cole Memorandum?) providing that in states with ?strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems,? marijuana enforcement would be managed at the state and local level.' The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution constrains the role federal government has in intrastate policy. Rescinding the Cole Memo upends the careful balance struck between the federal and state governments on marijuana enforcement. Earlier this month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the Cole Memorandum a move that puts jobs, small businesses, state infrastructure, consumers, minorities, and patients at risk. This action has the potential to unravel efforts to build sensible drug policies that encourage economic development as we are ?nally moving away from antiquated practices that have hurt disadvantaged communities. These new policies have instead helped eliminate the black market sale of marijuana and allowed law enforcement to focus on real threats to pubiic health and safety. Attorney General Sessions replaced the Cole Memorandum with a new memorandum that provides ?prosecutorial discretion? to US. Attorneys and states that ?marijuana activity is a serious crime?: This new guidance will have a chilling effect aeross the country in states that 3 I {122 I have worked tirelessly to implement voter-approved laws, creating legal and economic uncertainty. As a candidate, you stated: really believe we should leave [marijuana] up to the states?3 and that ?it?s got to be a state decision. "4 We trust that you still hold this belief, and we request that you urge the Attorney General to reinstate the Cole Memorandum. This step would create a pathway to a more comprehensive marijuana policy that respects state interests and prerogatives. On behalf of the communities we represent, we hOpe you appreciate the critical nature of this issue and take immediate action. Sincerely, zabeth Warren Wd Polls ited States Senator mber of Congress Earl Blumenauer Ann Young Member of Congress Member of gress mama?Joe;? Dana Rohrabacher Barbara Lee Member of Congress Member of Congress 3 I i 10 I :t Matt Gaetz Kirsten Gillibrand Member of Congress United States Senator 3 I 5! ization-decided- 4 MW Ron Wyden United States Senator ?g 29% rian Sehatz United States Senator 44g?. Jeffery A. Merkley United States Senator or}! A. Booker United States Senator Mat Tulsi Gabbard Member of Congress Peter DeFazio Member of Congress Eleanor Holmes Norton Member of Congress United State Sena or Catherine ortez asto United States SenatOr Maria Cantwell United States Senator (Past. My. Patty bit-array 1" United States Senator 2 Ed Per mutter Member of Congress . "Hank" Johnson, Jr. ames '15. McGo'vern Member of Congress arren Soto Member of Congress Rosen Member of Congress Ted W. Lieu Member of Congress ?r?g Member of Congress Jam? Seth Moulton Member of Congress Colleen Han?hbusa Member of Congress onald S. Beyer Jr. Member of Congress oott H. Peters Member of Congress W?w Brad Sherman Member of Congress Jerrold Nadler Member of Congress ie Raskin ember of Congress iana DeGette Member of Congress Mark Poeanu?J Carlos Curbelo Member of Congress Member of Congress P?ila Jayapal Niki Tsongas 63A Member of Congress Member of Congress cum dam Wm: (M Alan Lowenthal Michael E. Capuano Member of Congress Member of Congress Mem er of Congress Member of Congress 600.6% $4 Salud O. Carbajal J. Luis Correa Member of Congress Dina Titus Adam Smi Member of Congress Member of Congress emey Mark Takano Congress Member of Congress Ra?l Grijalva Member of Congress Adam Sc if?f Member of Congress Denny H?ck Member of Congress Zoe ofgren ber of gres