Massachusetts and California ready to become pot sanctuary states as Jeff Sessions steps up war on cannabis 

Massachusetts and California are ready to defy US attorney general Jeff Sessions’ crusade against pot users by declaring themselves "marijuana sanctuary states".

Mr Sessions’ determination to use the full strength of federal law to crack down on pot, even in states where its use is legal, is running into fierce bipartisan opposition in Washington and beyond.

Medicinal marijuana is permitted in 29 states and with Vermont’s governor signing a bill to permit adult possession and cultivation of cannabis, recreational pot is now legal in nine.

But Mr Sessions has directed US Attorneys, who are employed by the Department of Justice, to continue enforcing federal laws outlawing the drug.

"This return…

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