Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) has been confirmed as the next Attorney General of the United States.

Sessions nomination comes amidst massive opposition, not only within the cannabis community but among progressives and civil rights activist nationwide. Despite this, the Republican-led Senate was able to confirm sessions with a 52 to 47 vote.

“Jeff Sessions’ views are out of step with mainstream America and they are in conflict with the laws regarding marijuana in over half of the states in this country”, said Justin Strekal, Political Director for NORML, following the vote. “Our elected officials, now more than ever, know that marijuana policy is at the forefront of the minds of American voters and that we are willing and able to mobilize for it.”

Strekal continues; “We will never stop fighting for further marijuana reforms at the state level and much needed federal policy changes. With Americans throughout the country organizing and taking action, the fight for cannabis freedom will continue with renewed energy.”

Strekal notes that Senator Sessions has a long history of opposing marijuana reform, and even once remarked that the Ku Klux Klan “was okay until I found out they smoked pot.”

Cannabis activists must now continue to pressure Trump to respect state marijuana laws; after all, Sessions may oppose marijuana, but Trump has the final say on what policies his administration enforces.