John,

Despite President Trump previously claiming to support states' rights to pass their own marijuana laws, his budget request repeals a long-standing federal provision that prohibits the Department of Justice from using taxpayer dollars to prosecute patients and others involved in state-legal medical cannabis programs.

Budget language, which has been in place since 2014, protects patients, caregivers, and medical cannabis dispensaries in states that have legalized medical access from federal interference or criminal prosecution. Prior to the passage of this protection, federal prosecutors routinely took actions against patients and dispensaries in legal states. It’s entirely possible, perhaps even likely, that federal prosecutors will once again engage in these heavy-handed tactics if this provision is rescinded.

NORML is the only cannabis policy organization dedicated to representing consumers. We have been on Capitol Hill every day fighting to keep these protections in the federal budget. We need your help now more than ever. Chip in to NORML's Federal Cannabis Action Fund, so we can continue our work ensuring cannabis consumers are fairly represented and your voices are heard in the halls of Congress.