WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that he will rescind “the Cole Memo,” a policy put in place during the Obama Administration which gave guidance to federal prosecutors operating in states where cannabis had been legalized for medical or adult use. New Frontier Data, the authority in business intelligence for the cannabis industry, forecasts this decision will have a chilling effect on the industry.
Tag Archives: District of Columbia
Heck Calls DOJ Withdrawal of Cole Memorandum ‘Reckless and Irresponsible’
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Following the announcement that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will withdraw Cole Memorandum guidance regarding enforcement of federal law regarding marijuana use and distribution, U.S. Representative Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement.
Senator Murray Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions Ending Common Sense Approach to Legalized Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he rescinded the Cole Memorandum, an Obama Administration directive that allowed states such as Washington to decide how to regulate the use of marijuana.
Gardner Defends States’ Rights on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the reported action being taken by the Justice Department on marijuana legalization enforcement.
Sessions’ Actions Against Cole Memo Triggers Call to Action from Medical Cannabis Advocates
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — As first reported by the Associated Press, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is planning on rescinding the 2013 memo created by then Deputy Attorney General James Cole.
Gillibrand Statement on Reports That Attorney General Sessions Will Rescind Current Federal Marijuana Policy
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today released the following statement regarding news reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind current policy and allow federal prosecutors to decide how aggressively to enforce marijuana laws.
Justice Department Issues Memo on Marijuana Enforcement
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — The Department of Justice today issued a memo on federal marijuana enforcement policy announcing a return to the rule of law and the rescission of previous guidance documents. Since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in 1970, Congress has generally prohibited the cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana.
Rohrabacher, Blumenauer Urge Lawmakers to Keep Medical Marijuana Protections
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Representatives Dana Rohrabacher, R-CA, and Earl Blumenauer, D-OR, led a bipartisan group of lawmakers urging House and Senate leadership to continue state medical marijuana protections in any legislation to fund the government beyond Dec. 8, 2017.
Norton Elated That Republican Senate D.C. Appropriations Bill Contains No Anti-Home-Rule Riders for Third Year in a Row
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced that the Republican Senate fiscal year 2018 District of Columbia appropriations bill does not contain any anti-home-rule riders.
Cannabis, Dads, and Parkinson’s Disease
In this scene from BONG APPÉTIT, Abdullah talks to Ed Weidenfeld (and his son Nick) about how his Parkinson’s Disease led to him getting into cannabis cultivation.
FDA Warns Companies Marketing Unproven Products, Derived From Marijuana, That Claim to Treat or Cure Cancer
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — As part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers from health fraud, the agency today issued warning letters to four companies illegally selling products online that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure cancer without evidence to support these outcomes.
CohnReznick Partners with New Frontier Data
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – CohnReznick, one of the largest accounting, tax and advisory firms in the United States, has teamed with New Frontier Data, the leading provider of data, analytics and business intelligence for the cannabis industry.
Survey: 11% of Government Employees in D.C. Area Have Bought Legal Pot
Washington, D.C., isn’t a large market for the cannabis industry, but it could be very influential with regards to legalization. It turns out that quite a few cannabis buyers are government employees, according to new research.
Grosso Proposes Bills to Deal with Opioid Crisis, Improve Public Health as Council Returns from Summer Recess
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced two bills to address the opioid crisis in the District of Columbia.
Gardner Backs Effort to Advance Medical Marijuana Research
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced the Marijuana Effective Drug Study (MEDS) Act of 2017 to improve the process for conducting scientific research on marijuana as a safe and effective medical treatment. The legislation’s lead sponsor was Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT).
ADVISORY: Hatch to Speak on Medical Marijuana Research, Possible Benefits
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), a member and former Chairman of both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, will speak on the Senate floor today about medical marijuana research and the possible benefits of medical marijuana as an alternative to opioids. The speech will take place at 3:30 on the Senate floor.
Hatch Introduces Medical Marijuana Research Bill
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Marijuana Effective Drug Study Act of 2017, or MEDS Act, to improve the process for conducting scientific research on marijuana as a safe and effective medical treatment. In introducing this legislation, Senator Hatch was joined by Senator Schatz (D-HI) and cosponsors Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC).
NCIA Statement on House Rules Committee Decision to Block House Vote on Marijuana-related Appropriations Amendments, Including Medical Cannabis Protections
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) executive director Aaron Smith issued the statement below in response to a late-night vote by the House Rules Committee to block the full House from voting on medical marijuana protections and several other cannabis-related amendments during its upcoming consideration of the omnibus Appropriations bill.
Congressional Leadership Blocks Medical Marijuana Vote
WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The U.S. House Rules Committee moved on Wednesday evening to block floor consideration of an amendment to continue an existing rider preventing the Department of Justice from interfering with state medical marijuana laws.
Wyden to AG Sessions: Release Task Force Recommendations on Marijuana, Violent Crime, Immigration Policies
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today called on U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to release recommendations on marijuana, violent crime and immigration policies from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety.
Here’s the Single Most Important Reason More States Will Legalize Marijuana
You don’t have to be Nostradamus to successfully predict that more states will legalize marijuana — whether for medicinal use only or for recreational use.
DC Arrests for Public Use of Marijuana Nearly Tripled Last Year
Arrests for the public use of marijuana in the District nearly tripled in 2016 and are on track to remain high in 2017, public records show.
US Senators to Attorney General Sessions: Reassure Hemp Industry You Will Uphold the Law
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Recently, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) urged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to address their constituents’ concerns regarding the hemp industry’s access to financial services by confirming the Department of Justice will respect Congress’ recent actions on industrial hemp pilot programs.
Hemp History Week Launches Nationwide June 5-11, 2017
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – The Hemp Industries Association (HIA) and Vote Hemp launched the 8th annual Hemp History Week, to occur June 5-11, 2017, throughout the country. As event organizers advocate for full federal legalization of industrial hemp farming this Spring, Hemp History Week raises awareness about the environmental sustainability, health benefits, regenerative agriculture potential, and new technological applications of industrial hemp.
Rep. Correa Sends Secretary Shulkin Letter on Veteran Use of Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Rep. Lou Correa sent Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin a letter asking for clarification of the Department’s policy on medical marijuana usage in states where it is legally prescribed.
Feinstein, Grassley Introduce Bill to Expand Research into Medical Benefits of Cannabidiol and Marijuana
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), leaders of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today introduced the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act, a bill to support research initiatives on the potential benefits of substances such as cannabidiol (CBD) that are derived from marijuana.
DeGette, Coffman Introduce Bill to Respect States’ Rights on Marijuana
WASHINGTON, May 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Mike Coffman (CO-06) today introduced a bill to ensure that the federal government does not pre-empt state laws on marijuana.
Rep. Garrett to Hold Press Conference on Federal Marijuana Deregulation Legislation
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today 5th District Congressman Tom Garrett shared a reminder with details for a press conference highlighting H.R. 1227 – the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017.
Justice Department Will Continue to Be Prohibited From Interfering in State Medical Marijuana Laws Under New Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Justice Department will continue to be prohibited from interfering in state medical marijuana laws under the federal spending bill passed Thursday in the Senate.
Congressman Perry Introduces Bill to Help Epileptic Children
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Continuing his fight to help families with children suffering from debilitating forms of epilepsy, Congressman Scott Perry joined with Senator Corey Gardner (R-CO) to reintroduce the Charlotte’s Web Medical Access Act of 2017.
Congressman Bringing Marijuana Policy Event to Capitol Hill
In an effort to educate lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., co-sponsor of a bill to end federal prohibition of marijuana, recently announced that he will be hosting The Marijuana Big Thinker Talks on May 3, 2017, at the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer in Washington, D.C.
Media Advisory: Polis to host first ever Marijuana Big Thinker Talks and Expo on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., will host a series of conversations focused on the need to pass legislation that legalizes marijuana at the federal level. The Marijuana Big Thinker Talks will bring medical experts, analysts, business leaders, professional athletes, and federal, state, and local officials together to highlight the robust cannabis industry.
Congress Must Act to Help Reduce Public Safety Threat in Communities
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — With eight states and Washington, D.C. now allowing for adult-use recreational marijuana and 29 states legalizing medical marijuana, it is time to align federal and state laws - specifically as it relates to the banking crisis confronting marijuana-related businesses.
USCP Arrest Four on Capitol Grounds for Possession of Marijuana
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) arrested four individuals on the East Front Plaza of the U.S. Capitol for smoking marijuana on Capitol Grounds.
US Capitol Buzzkill: Legalization Advocates Arrested at Demonstration
On April 20, 2017, supporters of legalization took to the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., to advocate for marijuana reform by hosting a congressional joint giveaway, but the demonstration didn’t last long.
US Capitol Police Arrest Eight for Possession of Marijuana
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — At approximately 12:18 p.m. today, United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers began arresting several individuals after witnessing them distributing marijuana in public view to passersby at First and Constitution Avenue, NE.
Advocates Organize Smoke-In for April 20 on Steps of US Capitol
On April 20, 2017, advocates for the legal marijuana industry plan on staging a mass smoke-in on the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Set to coincide with the 4/20 holiday, the smoke-in is a response to the Trump Administration’s pledges of greater federal marijuana enforcement.
Nation’s Capital Now Fielding Letters of Intent for Sixth Dispensary
On March 17, 2017, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser signed Bill 220138, increasing the medical marijuana dispensary cap from five to six and greenlighting an application period for a sixth dispensary to be located in Ward 7 or Ward 8.
Garrett Introduces Legislation to Remove Marijuana From Controlled Substances List
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today 5th District Congressman Tom Garrett introduced legislation aimed at federally decriminalizing marijuana.
Polis Statement on Trump Administration’s Stance on Recreational Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) released the following statement after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer suggested that the Trump administration will step up enforcement of federal laws against recreational marijuana.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer Statement on White House Press Sec. Sean Spicer’s Statement on Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today Congressman Earl Blumenauer released the following statement in response to White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer’s statement that the Trump Administration may start “greater enforcement” of adult use of marijuana.
Cannabis Caucus Responds to WH Statement on Marijuana Policy
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – The bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus – co-chaired by Reps. Don Young (AK-At Large), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48), Jared Polis (CO-02) – today released the following statement in response to White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s suggestion that the Trump administration will step up enforcement of federal laws against recreational marijuana.
United Patients Group and Sonoma State University Offer First Public University Medical Marijuana Course in the Nation
ROHNERT PARK, Calif., Feb. 22, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Two leaders in California education - United Patients Group, a leading medical cannabis education organization and Sonoma State University are teaming up to offer the first medical cannabis course from a major public university in the country.
Rohrabacher, Blumenauer, Young, Polis to Hold Press Conference to Launch New Cannabis Caucus, Discuss the Future of Cannabis Policy
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Representatives Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Don Young (AK-At Large), and Jared Polis (CO-02) on Thursday, February 16, will hold a press conference to discuss the role of the newly formed Cannabis Caucus and the future of cannabis policy.
Moms Working in Marijuana Industry Fight Stigma
More women are legally getting into the pot industry, and many of them are moms. As marijuana is now legal in some form in more than half of all states, Chip Reid takes a look at a medical marijuana cultivation center in Washington, as so-called “pot moms” fight the stigma of their job.
Bill Proposed to Make Selling Recreational Marijuana Legal in DC
There is a new push in the District of Columbia to further legalize marijuana.
Marijuana Advocates Hitting Trump’s Inauguration With 4,200 Joints
On Jan. 20, 2017, attendees of Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., may get free joints, or at least a contact high, at the presidential ceremony.
California Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Marijuana Legalization
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — California voters have approved Proposition 64, legalizing marijuana in the nation’s largest state.
DC to Allow Out of State Medical Marijuana Users to Buy in City
With passage of the Medical Marijuana Reciprocity Amendment Act, the District joins Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Arizona and Maine in allowing some level of reciprocity for out-of-state registered medical marijuana users.
DC Marijuana Industry Analytics Startup Closes in on $5M Investment
Washington, D.C.-based startup New Frontier Data has almost completed a $5 million funding round to expand its work doing data and analytics for the legal marijuana industry.