President Donald Trump has announced that he’s pulling his nomination for Ed Martin, who was set to become the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C.
This follows controversy surrounding Martin’s recent actions against a local medical cannabis dispensary that operates legally under D.C. regulations. Despite the dispensary’s compliance with local laws, Martin warned the business about violating federal marijuana laws and hinted at possible prosecution.
While Trump didn’t directly link his decision to Martin’s stance on cannabis, many advocates in the District see the move as a positive sign that may ease concerns over federal interference in the city’s marijuana policies.
Trump spoke about the withdrawal during an event at the White House, praising Martin and expressing disappointment over how things turned out. He noted that he still hopes Martin can serve the Department of Justice in another role. “He was excellent,” Trump said. “Honestly, I was let down. A lot of people felt the same way, but that’s just how things go sometimes.”
Martin’s nomination was already under fire for reasons beyond his comments on cannabis. Critics pointed to his lack of experience in prosecution and his outspoken defense of individuals involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. These issues added to the controversy surrounding his potential appointment.
Trump also mentioned that a new candidate would be announced within a couple of days to fill the U.S. attorney role in D.C., and he expressed confidence in the upcoming nominee.
As for Martin, his messaging on cannabis enforcement has been inconsistent. On one hand, he emphasized that federal cannabis laws must be respected. On the other, he acknowledged that enforcement would likely focus on businesses that are out of line with local regulations. “Anyone selling cannabis without the proper licensing can expect legal consequences,” he said during a previous interview.
The dispensary at the center of this situation, Green Theory, is officially licensed under D.C. law. However, Martin argued that the business still violates a federal law banning cannabis retailers from operating within 1,000 feet of learning institutions, which applies to the dispensary’s location.
In a separate interview, Martin downplayed the priority of targeting legal cannabis businesses but hinted that such establishments might not align with his vision for the community. “You have to interpret the law based on the facts, but also consider the current situation in the community,” he stated.
The broader marijuana industry, including firms like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY), will be relieved that a nominee that was threatening to target the legal D.C. marijuana system that has operated for years has been withdrawn.
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