California might be doubling down on its pro-marijuana stance.
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín told Cheddar that the state could soon follow in his city’s cannabis law footsteps.
“California is actually looking at potentially becoming a sanctuary state for cannabis, just like we’re a sanctuary state for enforcement of federal immigration laws,” he told Cheddar on Tuesday.
Berkeley’s City Council announced last month that municipal agencies would no longer collaborate with the Drug Enforcement Administration to enforce federal policies on recreational, adult-use marijuana. It became the first “sanctuary” city for marijuana in the U.S.
The move was a direct jab at Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who earlier this year scrapped Obama-era rules that said the federal government would not interfere with states’ cannabis laws. Arreguín encourages states and cities looking to offer citizens an extra layer of protection to take the plunge and stand for states’ rights.
“Cannabis is still a drug under federal law, but many states … have actually decided that now is the time for decriminalization,” he said, “to remove the black market, to address the social impact that the war on drugs has had on communities of color, and to try to level the playing field.”
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/berkeley-mayor-california-could-become-marijuana-sanctuary-state).
Most GOP-controlled states have already imposed bans, including 14 at every stage of pregnancy.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is adding new rules for movies to qualify for Best Picture.
The second season of 'And Just Like That' kicked off amid mixed reviews.
The Paley Center in New York is holding an immersive exhibit to celebrate the 25th anniversary of 'Will & Grace.' Cheddar News took a peek at the exhibit to mark the anniversary and celebrate Pride month.
Owin Pierson, LGBTQ+ activist and mental health advocate, joined Cheddar News which Pride brands and products to purchase that support the LGBTQ+ movement ahead of celebrations this weekend and as anti-LTBGQ+ backlash is on the rise.
San Francisco put up the largest pink triangle on the city's Twin Peaks viewpoint ahead of its Pride celebration this weekend.
Kesha and producer Dr. Luke have settled a legal dispute from nearly a decade ago. Kesha had accused Dr. Luke of sexual assault and he countersued her for defamation.
Randy Wicker, a pioneer in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights and who's serving as the grand marshal for New York City's Pride parade, sat down with Cheddar News to reflect on his years of activism and why he's doing it.
Police officers in South Carolina made sure that a birthday party for one little girl with cerebral palsy was extra special.
A rare Maurice Sendak picture story, originally a pamphlet for a 1970 museum fundraiser, will be coming out in book form next year.
