During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, Attorney General William Barr responded to a question from Senator Lisa Murkowski [R] regarding the state of legalized cannabis in the United States.
Senator Murkowski, a STATES Act co-sponsor, quoted Burr as having said that the current conflict between federal and state marijuana laws is untenable and needs to be addressed through legislation.
She said that she believes the STATES Act does what Barr has recommended to correct the disconnect between federal and state cannabis laws by adjusting policies to create a proper approach for the situation.
Murkowski asked Barr to clarify his position on the approach outlined in the STATES Act and whether they could work with him on the issue.
Barr said that he is opposed to the current situation, calling it intolerable.
“Personally, I would still favor one uniform federal rule against marijuana,” continued Barr. “But, if there is not sufficient consensus to obtain that, then I think the way to go is to permit a more federal approach so states can make their own decisions within the framework of the federal law and so we’re not just ignoring the enforcement of federal law.”
Barr said that he had not studied the STATES Act specifically, but had circulated it through the Department of Justice for comment.
The Attorney General said that once they receive comments that they would be able to address any concerns about the law.
Barr said that he favors the approach taken by the STATES Act over the current situation.
