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California Could Become ‘Sanctuary State’ From Federal Marijuana Laws If State Senate Approves Bill

A sample of various strains of medical marijuana in one-eigth ounce containers at PureLife Alternative Wellness Center in Los Angeles on July 27, 2012. (Credit: Frederic J. Brown / AFP / GettyImages)

California moved a step closer Thursday to becoming a “sanctuary state” where local and state police would not assist federal enforcement of marijuana laws.

The state Assembly approved a bill Thursday barring state and local law enforcement officers, absent a court order, from helping federal drug agents in arresting people who are complying with state laws allowing the use and sale of marijuana.

With a Friday deadline for action, the measure by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) was sent to the state Senate for consideration.

The lawmaker argued his legislation was needed because the Trump administration had threatened to resume enforcement of federal law that considered marijuana an illegal drug.

Read the full story on LATimes.com.

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