CHEYENNE, WY — The U.S. Department of Justice announced on September 29, 2025, that it is officially withdrawing earlier guidance that limited federal action on simple marijuana possession cases.
Shortly after the decision, U.S. Attorney Smith informed all federal law enforcement agencies that marijuana-related offenses on federal property—including national parks and other federally owned lands—will now face strict prosecution.
Change Follows Biden’s Earlier Marijuana Pardons
This policy shift comes in contrast to an earlier move by President Joe Biden, who previously issued pardons for qualifying U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents charged with simple possession, attempted possession, or personal use of marijuana.
That directive also ordered U.S. Attorneys not to pursue such misdemeanor marijuana offenses, leading to a significant decline in federal-level prosecutions over the past year.
Statement from U.S. Attorney Smith
Reaffirming the updated enforcement strategy, U.S. Attorney Smith emphasized that marijuana possession is still illegal under federal law, regardless of differing regulations at the state level.
He added that the harm associated with illegal drugs remains a major concern and pledged to utilize every available prosecutorial resource to ensure offenders are held responsible.
Commitment From the District of Wyoming
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming noted that it will continue to prioritize the rule of law, including the enforcement of federal drug statutes that prohibit the possession of marijuana and other controlled substances.
The office reinforced that it remains fully committed to federal mandates and will actively pursue violations occurring on federal lands and within federal jurisdictions.
Federal authorities in Wyoming are shifting back to a more aggressive enforcement approach regarding marijuana possession, especially on national parks and other federal lands.
While recent presidential pardons had eased federal prosecution efforts, the rescinding of prior guidance signals a renewed commitment to strict federal drug enforcement.
As state laws continue to vary, the federal government’s stance makes it clear that marijuana possession remains a prosecutable federal offense, and agencies in Wyoming will act accordingly.
