William Barr Won't ‘Go After’ Marijuana Companies, He Tells Senate Panel

William Barr, attorney general nominee for U.S. President Donald Trump.

Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
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Attorney General nominee William Barr said he disagrees with efforts by states to legalize marijuana but won’t “go after” marijuana companies in states that have legalized it based on the Obama administration’s policies.

“My approach to this would be not to upset settled expectations and the reliance interests that have arisen as a result of the Cole memoranda,” Barr told the Senate Judiciary Committee when he was asked about a memo written during President Barack Obama’s administration that has since been rescinded. “Investments have been made, so I don’t think it’s appropriate to upset those interests.”