Attorney general nominee Bill Barr says he would "not go after" marijuana companies in states where cannabis is legal.
Barr said at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that companies had relied on Obama-era guidance that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the pot trade in states where the drug is legal.
Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded that guidance, known as the Cole Memo, last year.
Sessions' action came days after California's broad marijuana legalization. Since the guidance was rescinded, there has been concern about the future of the growing cannabis industry.
Federal law prohibits the possession and sale of marijuana.
Barr says he believes that the "current system is untenable."
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