Jeff Sessions describes marijuana as 'only slightly less awful' than heroin
Recreational marijuana use already legal in eight US states
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jeff Sessions, the US Attorney General, has described marijuana as “only slightly less awful” than heroin.
The man Donald Trump selected to be the Government's chief lawyer outlined his stance on drug use in a speech to police chiefs on Wednesday.
“I realise this may be an unfashionable belief in a time of growing tolerance of drug use,” he said, “but too many lives are at stake to worry about being fashionable.
“I reject the idea that America will be a better place if marijuana is sold in every corner store. And I am astonished to hear people suggest that we can solve our heroin crisis by legalising marijuana – so people can trade one life-wrecking dependency for another that’s only slightly less awful.
“Our nation needs to say clearly once again that using drugs will destroy your life.”
He said telling people the “terrible truth” about drugs would save lives and turn back the “surge” in crime that follows increased drug use.
Mr Sessions’ comments will raise concerns among supporters of marijuana legalisation in the US, who are keen to find out how the Government will approach the drug.
He has previously claimed that legal cannabis causes violent crime, despite a lack of evidence for his claim.
Eight states and the District of Columbia have already legalised marijuana for recreational use. But the Justice Department would have several options available should it decide to enforce federal law.
These include filing lawsuits on the grounds that state laws regulating pot are unconstitutional because they are preempted by federal law.
While marijuana dependence is a growing problem, it actually “produces dependence less readily than most other illicit drugs”.
“Some 9 per cent of those who try marijuana develop dependence compared to, for example, 15 per cent of people who try cocaine and 24 per cent of those who try heroin,” a study found.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments