Frerichs Seeks Clarity From President On Medical Cannabis Law

Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs says he’s frustrated with the Trump Administration’s lack of transparency on medical marijuana. The Champaign Democrat says he’s written the president twice since US Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the drug ‘dangerous’, but didn’t further explain if he was referring to medicinal, or recreational use.

Frerichs says he’s still waiting for a response, and that’s hurting financial institutions, which federal law currently bans from processing money used in the medical cannabis industry.

“Banks and businesses out there are uncertain what’s going to happen," he said. "And until they provide some clarity – until Attorney General Sessions or President Trump issues some definite details and some ideas – it’s difficult for some of them to move forward.”

In a speech on violent crime last week, Attorney General Sessions said the drug creates a “life-wrecking dependency” - and that medical marijuana has been hyped too much.

Illinois began selling the drug for medical use about 18 months ago. 

With about 17,000 patients, the program is set to expire in July 2020 after Governor Bruce Rauner signed an extension last year.