California moves closer to becoming a ‘marijuana sanctuary state’

California may soon protect its citizens from federal laws conflicting with the state’s legal marijuana policy.

The state Assembly approved a bill on Thursday prohibiting state and local police from assisting in enforcing federal marijuana laws, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The measure introduced by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) would shield Californians complying with state pot laws, such as dispensary owners and recreational users, from state or local police actions.

“AB 1578 ensures that our limited local and state resources are not spent on federal marijuana enforcement against individuals and entities that are in compliance with our laws,” Jones-Sawyer said during the floor debate.

The bill has been compared to the “sanctuary state” bill being considered by the legislature that would prohibit state law enforcement from assisting with federal immigration actions. Both of which are drawing contention from conservative lawmakers.

“It would interfere with local and state agencies’ ability to cooperate with the federal government,” said Assemblyman James Gallagher…