[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 6 (Friday, January 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCTION OF SENSIBLE ENFORCEMENT OF CANNABIS ACT

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                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 11, 2019

  Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, more than a year ago, the U.S. Department 
of Justice rescinded the Cole Memorandum, a directive that provided a 
framework for states to pursue the reasonable regulation of cannabis 
within their borders. The Department's ill-conceived decision adversely 
affects California and other states that in ``good faith'' implemented 
regulatory frameworks that relied on the memo.
  In November 2016, the people of California spoke up and voted in 
favor of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational cannabis, joining 
the growing number of states in our nation that have legalized 
recreational cannabis.
  To date, ten states have legalized recreational cannabis and more 
than 30 states--which represent more than half of the American 
population--permit some form of medical cannabis use. The repeal of the 
Cole Memo contravenes the will of the American public. Furthermore, 
this decision will negatively affect numerous Americans who utilize 
cannabis for medical purposes. We need to provide consumers, patients, 
businesses, and regulators with certainty.
  Therefore, I am introducing the bipartisan Sensible Enforcement of 
Cannabis Act. This legislation will prohibit the Attorney General from 
prosecuting individuals for any conduct that concerns medicinal or 
recreational cannabis use in states in which it is legal, with narrow 
exceptions provided for the safety of the public.

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