<h2>Federal Crackdown on Cannabis Possession in Wyoming</h2>
<p>The recent announcement from the U.S. Attorney for Wyoming, Darrin Smith, signals a significant policy shift regarding cannabis possession on federal lands. The U.S. Department of Justice has rescinded its earlier guidance, leading to a reinstatement of prosecutions for minor cannabis possession on federal properties, including national parks. This decision underscores a renewed federal emphasis on enforcing existing cannabis prohibition laws, despite evolving state legislation.</p>
<p>President Joe Biden previously extended pardons to some U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents with low-level cannabis offenses, and federal prosecutors were advised not to pursue such minor violations. However, Smith's stance reflects a broader federal commitment to addressing cannabis as part of the wider initiative to curtail substance misuse, despite contrasting state laws that have led to various levels of cannabis legalization.</p>
<h2>Contrasting Views on Cannabis Enforcement</h2>
<p>The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) expressed concerns about this renewed federal focus, noting a lack of clear directives from prior administrations regarding cannabis prosecutions. Former Attorney General Merrick Garland had previously indicated that prosecuting state-legal cannabis activities was not a wise allocation of federal resources, highlighting the ongoing tension between state decriminalization efforts and federal enforcement actions.</p>
<p>NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano criticized the Justice Department’s recent decision, emphasizing that a significant portion of Americans and nearly half of U.S. states support cannabis legalization. The move to enforce federal statutes amid state-level legalization efforts and economic challenges appears inconsistent with previous campaign promises to reduce unnecessary governmental oversight on personal cannabis use.</p>
<h2>Wyoming's Cannabis Legislative Landscape</h2>
<p>In Wyoming, cannabis remains illegal for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Yet, public support for change has been steadily growing. A 2020 survey by the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center revealed that 54% of residents favored legalization, with a notable majority backing medical cannabis measures. Despite burgeoning support, legislative progress has been slow due to stringent ballot initiative requirements.</p>
<p>Efforts to advance cannabis legislation in Wyoming have faced challenges. House Bill 209, introduced in 2021 by Representative Olsen, aimed to legalize and regulate cannabis for adults but failed to gain traction. Similarly, medical cannabis legalization proposed under HB 143 and decriminalization initiatives such as HB 106 have stalled in the legislative process. Nevertheless, interest in reform is mounting, even as federal enforcement priorities appear increasingly stringent.</p>
<p>The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Wyoming remains committed to upholding federal laws against cannabis possession, maintaining a firm regulatory stance as debates continue over the future of cannabis policy both locally and nationally.</p>
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