The Cole Memo

The Cole Memo was a guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2013, recommending that federal prosecutors prioritize certain marijuana-related activities while generally avoiding enforcement in states where cannabis was legalized. It outlined key priorities such as preventing sales to minors, gang activity, and interstate trafficking, allowing states to regulate legal cannabis within these boundaries. While it didn't change federal law, it provided a level of federal non-interference, enabling states to move forward with their marijuana policies without immediate fear of federal prosecution. The memo was rescinded in 2018, reinstituting federal enforcement discretion.