Louisiana's governor Tuesday asked President Donald Trump to shield states' medical marijuana programs from federal prosecutors, urging him to "ensure the safe distribution of this life-changing form of treatment."
The letter sent to the White House by Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards came in response to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement last week that he was ending an Obama-era policy that kept federal authorities from cracking down on legalized marijuana.
The Department of Justice's actions "jeopardize this treatment for those who need it in Louisiana and other states, and I am requesting your support in allowing states like Louisiana to offer marijuana as a form of medical treatment without the threat of federal prosecution," Edwards wrote in the letter, also sent to the state congressional delegation.
Louisiana's medical marijuana program is just getting organized, with plans to have product available to patients by the summer. Officials involved with the program say they're not slowing their work to start up operations, while also seeking additional guidance from the Department of Justice.
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