Justice

AG Sessions asks Congress to let him prosecute medical pot

In yet another worrying sign for California marijuana advocates, a newly uncovered letter reveals that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has asked Congressional leaders for the freedom to prosecute medical marijuana activities.

By

Matt Levin

• June 13, 2017

Justice

California closer to becoming “sanctuary state” for pot

A controversial bill that would bar California law enforcement from helping the federal government prosecute marijuana offenses has passed a key legislative hurdle.

By

Matt Levin

• June 2, 2017

Cannabis farms are among the businesses taking advantage of California's latest legalization.

Justice

For local governments, cashing in on cannabis isn’t going to be easy

California cities and counties are discovering a hard truth as they angle for a cut of the state’s newly legalized marijuana proceeds: Tax collecting in cannabis country comes with its share of obstacles. And there’s no “how to” guide.

By

Ben Christopher

• May 17, 2017

Justice

California AG: Federal pot interference unlikely

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra vowed to defend California's recreational marijuana market against the Trump administration this week, but added that he doesn't see an immediate crackdown coming.

By

Matt Levin

• May 11, 2017

Justice

Trump takes issue with Congress protecting medical pot

In a possible reversal of his support for medical marijuana on the campaign trail, President Trump today expressed his displeasure with Congress limiting his administration's ability to prosecute growers and consumer of medicinal pot.

By

Matt Levin

• May 5, 2017

Justice

Congress protects medical pot from feds through September

Congress has re-authorized a key provision protecting state medical marijuana operations from federal prosecution, providing California's pot industry with at least a temporary reassurance that it can continue business as usual.

By

Matt Levin

• May 4, 2017

Gov. Jerry Brown's appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" in March of 2017

Justice

California’s governor once opposed sanctuary status. Have time—and Trump—changed his mind?

(Update: Gov. Jerry Brown signed the “sanctuary state” law on October 5, saying in a statement: “These are uncertain times for undocumented Californians and their families, and this bill strikes a balance that will protect public safety, while bringing a measure of comfort to those families who are now living in fear everyday.”) If Gov. Jerry Brown […]

By

Elizabeth Aguilera

• May 3, 2017

Justice

Ticking toward deadline for Congress to protect medical pot from feds

As Congress nears a Friday deadline to avoid a federal government shutdown, an important provision protecting California's medical marijuana operations hangs in the balance.

By

Matt Levin

• April 25, 2017

Maria Echeveria and her 18-month-old son wait to see a lawyer at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles. Echeveria is worried about being deported and separated from her baby, a U.S. citizen.

Justice

Deportation’s orphans: Who cares for children when parents are ejected?

As immigration enforcement ramps up, so rises the fear of undocumented parents about the fate of their children if they are separated by deportation and returned to their native country. Will the children stay in the United States? Who will care for them? Will someone transport the children to the parents wherever they are? Will […]

By

Elizabeth Aguilera

• April 19, 2017

Wealthy cattle rancher B. Wayne Hughes Jr. made the rounds lobbying the governor and lawmakers for a bill to assist veterans accused of low-level crimes.

Justice

A rich reformer lobbies California for merciful justice

A cattle-ranching billionaire headed into Gov. Jerry Brown’s office last week with redemption on his mind. Redemption for prisoners who wind up behind bars because their own tortured childhoods lead them to lives of crime. Redemption for veterans who bring home wartime scars that cause addiction and violence. And redemption, perhaps, even for himself—born into […]

By

Laurel Rosenhall

• April 12, 2017