OPINION | Barry Richard: CNN Sinks Legal Pot States?

Massachusetts and other states who are counting on recreational marijuana sales to balance their budgets had better think again.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions is reportedly ready to lower the boom on states that allow commercial marijuana sales by rescinding an Obama era policy that looked the other way while some states ignored federal law that prohibits marijuana use for recreational purposes.

States like Colorado and Washington have allowed the commercial use of weed for several years.  Massachusetts and California are newbies.  In fact officials in Massachusetts are still trying to figure out how to implement the law.  New Bedford has approved a marijuana grow facility at the Business Park and the Mitchell Administration is advocating for a marijuana sales zone on Hathaway Road.

New Bedford voted in favor of legalization but, City Councilor Ian Abreu tells WBSM's Phil Palealogos, "It's not in our best interest to go toe to toe with the federal government on this."  WBSM's midday talk-host Chris McCarthy expects speculation about a possible federal crackdown could, "dry up investment capitol" for growers and sellers of marijuana.

Already supporters of legalization are crying foul suggesting a federal crackdown might be in violation of state's rights.  The bottom line is that federal law supersedes state law and we cannot enforce the laws we agree with and ignore those with which we disagree.

Everyone who thought it was entertaining to watch a CNN reporter pass around a bong on New Year's Eve should thank her for potentially forcing Session's hand on this matter.

Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3pm. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.