U.S. Attorneys highlight black market cannabis in OR & WA

U.S. Attorneys for both Oregon and Washington are publically stating that each state’s illegal cannabis market is lacking enforcement. Both emphasized that more needs to be done to combat illegal grows and diversion to other states.

In mid-May, Billy Williams, U.S. Attorney for Oregon, issued guidelines in response to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' decision earlier this year to scrap an Obama-era policy that largely tolerated cannabis in states where the drug is legal. The memo represents the first cannabis policy announcement by a U.S. attorney in a state that has a legal market after Sessions’ decision.

Later in May, Annette Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, wrote an editorial in The Seattle Times titled, “Washington is breaking its promise to keep the illegal pot market in check.” U.S. Attorney Hayes continued by offering a solution directed at the Legislature: “Washington state lawmakers must set aside an increased share of marijuana tax dollars to specifically address combating sophisticated illegal marijuana grow operations.” U.S. Attorney Hayes went on to say that Washington needs to show that a regulated cannabis marketplace can address the harms associated with cannabis—such as underage use, substance abuse, and organized crime.

We are tracking this issue closely and will keep you informed as more information becomes available.