DOJ Bill Barr Opposes Medical Cannabis Driving Anti-Trust Action Against 10 Cannabis Companies
Even with the progressive milestones that the cannabis industry has achieved over the years and the success of many cannabis companies, from time to time, the industry faces some obstacle or drawback. The opposition often comes from the ranks of power.
A good example is Attorney General William Barr, who recently came under fire from the Department of Justice. He is expected to appear before the House of Representatives committee for questioning on various topics.
The Antitrust Investigations
William Bar decided to carry out anti-trust investigations into 10 cannabis companies. According to an official in the US Department of Justice, the investigations were inspired by Barr’s political opposition to cannabis legalization.
Various anti-trust investigations were being carried out by the Justice Department. It appeared as if William Barr had some personal vendetta against the cannabis industry. In 2019, Barr had ordered investigations into various cannabis cases. These cases accounted for almost one-third of the DOJ’S anti-trust workload.
Department of Justice itself sees very little cannabis cases to warrant such investigations. But Barr doesn’t see it that way. A good incident as an example was the recent merger between MedMen Enterprises and PharmaCann in 2019. Barr ordered a full-scale investigation on the merger even after his staff advised against it. His team didn’t see a good reason for full –scale investigation on the merger.
Many found the actions by Barr to be concerning. This was so, especially when the failed merger impacted negatively on MedMen. A federal anti-trust investigation is a major undertaking for the companies involved. A large number of companies that undergo this process end up going bankrupt as the investigation drains the resources of the companies in question.
When President Trump appointed Jeff Sessions as Attorney General, the cannabis industry became very wary and concerned about the actions that would be taken against plant-touching businesses. The moment Sessions became fired, there was a massive sigh of relief in the cannabis industry. Many business owners were hopeful that the industry will now thrive. That was mainly because of the testimony provided by Barr before his approval.
Never Positive About Cannabis
Before he was appointed the Attorney General, Barr strongly voiced his opinion to congress. He was boldly stating that he preferred STATES Act over federal prohibition. Back then asserting such claims endeared him to the cannabis interest groups. Many people thought he would become a good voice for the cannabis industry.
However, based on his investigations on 10 cannabis companies, the opinion about him changed. The Attorney General is not so positive about the cannabis industry. He had led many to believe he was by his smooth talk before his appointment.
Hoping for better
Many cannabis businesses with great fear wait on to see the outcome of his actions. Cannabis companies that fall under investigations have, in most cases, ended up closing down. A good example was the case with MedMen. The company went bankrupt after a court case drained all their finances.
Often the people in power have disappointed their citizens by making the worst decisions ever. The cannabis customers and businesses are hoping that things might change. Either the Attorney General changes his views or someone who understands the actual value of the cannabis industry takes over. It would be a great day for cannabis enthusiasts when there are no longer baseless anti-trust investigations against them. So far, most businesses have complied with the regulations and would prefer to be let to conduct their activities in peace.