While Congress’ budget bill included a provision protecting the 29 states who have legalized medical cannabis and 15 others who may do so from federal intervention, President Trump hinted that he may have other plans.

The President released a signing statement on May 5, stating:

“Division B, section 537 provides that the Department of Justice may not use any funds to prevent implementation of medical marijuana laws by various States and territories.  I will treat this provision consistently with my constitutional responsibility to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.”

It is a well-known fact that cannabis, even for medical purposes, is illegal under federal law. President Trump’s signing statement is especially alarming after Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered a crackdown on drug dealing, gun crime and gang violence on Friday. State sales of cannabis for medical and social use could potentially fall under trafficking a controlled substance under federal law.

Sessions’ statement rolled back the previous stance of the Obama administration to ease penalties for some nonviolent drug violations.