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).

Share:
More In Culture
Atlanta Braves' Name Gets Rob Manfred's Support
New controversy emerges in the MLB surrounding comments from commissioner Rob Manfred. While speaking to reporters before game one of the World Series, Manfred shrugged off questions about the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, and also offered support for the Atlanta Braves to keep its name, which the National Congress of American Indians has already condemned. Forbes SportsMoney senior contributor Maurey Brown joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss this and other storylines in the MLB.
Deal or No Deal, ISIS Threat & Memecoin Insanity
Dems race for a deal on President Biden's economic agenda ahead of his big foreign trip. What to make of the latest threat assessment in Afghanistan. Plus, the meme cryptocurrency of the moment that's now worth more than many Fortune 500 companies.
U.S. Issues First Passport with Gender 'X' Marker
The U.S. has now joined a handful of countries that allow a gender designation other than 'male' or 'female' on passports. Chris Johnson, White House Reporter for the Washington Blade, joined Cheddar to discuss.
New Report Finds Corporate Directors Becoming More Diverse
Two recent studies by Conference Board, ESGauge, and Spencer Stuart find that the number of Black directors at S&P 500 companies is growing, but more needs to be done in order to see real gains in the boardroom. Jerusha Stewart, CEO of Take Your Seat joins Cheddar News to discuss what more needs to be done for a more inclusive workplace.
Load More