The issue focused on financial regulatory compliance for medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado. Lawmakers passed legislation last year legalizing medical marijuana but banned recreational use. The federal government still considers marijuana illegal.

Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Grand Junction, asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions during his confirmation hearing whether he could legally enforce federal laws against marijuana use and possession. Sessions responded that federal law enforcement officers would have to decide what laws they enforce based on their criminal statutes.

Starr then raised the issue of marijuana legalization with