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).
On World Humanitarian Day, the United Nations honored women aid worker for the vital role they play in emergency situations, and the increasing risk female aid workers put themselves in to help others.
Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York who co-sponsored the universal background check bill in February slammed President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for the lack of movement on gun reform.
Nearly a thousand Twitter accounts were blocked and several Facebook pages taken down on Monday in a coordinated effort by the social media platforms to curb misinformation campaigns spread by the Chinese government against protesters in Hong Kong.
Startup Kino Institute will be providing the tech for Steven Spielberg's upcoming interactive horror project.
Joe Jonas celebrated his 30th birthday with a James Bond-themed party in New York City. Cheddar's Kim Murstein and Nora Ali talk about the exciting way the Jonas Brothers celebrated both on and off the stage.
Outlier is a new for-profit venture from Aaron Rasmussen that aims to replace universities' introductory-level courses with highly-produced educational online content.
Disney fourth installment of the “Toy Story” franchise hit over $1 billion in global box office sales, the company announced this week, joining flicks like "Avengers: Endgame" and "The Lion King."
Christopher Meloni may not be saving lives on-screen with 'Law and Order: SVU' anymore, but he's working to save the lives of shelter animals. Cheddar's Alyssa Julya Smith caught up with the actor and activist to learn more about his mission and what's next for him.
Canopy executives said weak cannabis oil and soft gel demand was partially to blame for slowing domestic sales, as consumers instead opted to buy lower-priced cannabis flower products.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019.
