DENVER -- Legal marijuana in Colorado and other states is allowed because the federal government isn’t enforcing drug laws that block legal pot.
But one prominent drug policy expert told Denver7 president-elect Donald Trump's U.S. Attorney General pick, Senator Jeff Sessions, should "scare the hell out of the marijuana industry."
Trump’s selection for the nation’s top law enforcement officer is on record saying marijuana is dangerous and should be illegal.
Sessions was one of the first big names to come out in support of Trump at the beginning of his campaign and, like Trump, is also an immigration hardliner.
Before Sessions was Alabama’s U.S. senator, he was the state’s attorney general and a U.S. attorney, but he was denied a federal judgeship back in 1986 over allegations he made racial remarks.
Sessions is accused of saying the NAACP is anti-American and communist-inspired, and an African-American U.S. attorney who worked with him testified that Sessions called him “boy” in court.
He also claims Session joked about the KKK saying he was fine with its members until he found out they started smoking marijuana.
Sessions denies all of it.
“I am not a racist. I am not insensitive to blacks. I have supported civil rights activity in my state," said Sessions during the federal judge confirmation hearings in 1986.
This selection comes at a time when race relations are fragile and strained between law enforcement and the African-American community.
“We're aware of 30 some years ago and we are aware of his incredible career throughout his life,” said Trump’s campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.
The other big choice for Trump’s Administration so far is Kansas Congressman Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA.
He’s held high roles in the House Intelligence Committee and is a harsh critic of Clinton and Obama, saying they have failed to keep our country safe.
Pompeo has also criticized Islamic leaders for turning a blind eye to extremists.
Other big names for the cabinet include former foes Mitt Romney and Nikki Haley who are rumored to be in the mix for Secretary of State.
This weekend, Romney will meet with Trump to talk about the possibilities inside his cabinet.
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