Sessions is expected Thursday to announce his intentions to repeal a 2013 Obama-era policy that's protected legalized marijuana from federal intervention, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the decision.

The policy change would allow for each state's U.S. attorneys to decide whether to aggressively enforce the federal marijuana law — even if the substance has already been made legal in their state, according to the sources, who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity.

The Obama administration in what's been dubbed the "Cole Memo," announced it would not prevent states from legalizing marijuana as long as the substance is kept away from minors and criminals. The memo, authored by then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole, also required officials to prevent it from reaching places where it was still illegal.

In October a poll found that 64% of Americans support legalizing marijuana, with both political parties mostly in favor.

Sessions, a vocal critic of marijuana, has been expected to crack down on federal enforcement. In November he hinted at repealing the memo, telling reporters there would likely be changes to the Obama-era guidelines.