The North American Marijuana Index, a stock index that tracks the top performing cannabis stocks in the U.S. and Canada, increased 18% in January.
Tag Archives: Cole Memo
US Prosecutor: Oregon Has Big Marijuana Overproduction Problem
Oregon’s top federal prosecutor said Friday the state has a “formidable” problem with marijuana overproduction that winds up on the black market and that he wants to work with state and local leaders and the pot industry to do something about it.
Canada Cannabis Firm Aphria Mulls Sale of U.S. Unit
Canadian cannabis company Aphria Inc said on Thursday it was exploring strategic alternatives, including a sale, for its U.S. business, amid tightening enforcement of federal cannabis laws in the country.
Senators Murray, Cantwell, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge President Trump to Keep Campaign Promise on State Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 25, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and 52 of their House and Senate colleagues criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind Department of Justice (DOJ) guidance on state marijuana laws, and urged President Trump to adhere to his campaign promise to respect the will of millions of Americans, including over 1.7 million Washingtonians, who have voted to legalize and regulate marijuana.
Members of Congress urge the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network at Treasury to Preserve Banking Guidance for Marijuana Industry
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Following the January 4 announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice to withdraw the Cole guidance, today Representatives Denny Heck (WA-10) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) sent a letter to U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requesting they preserve the 2014 guidance for marijuana-related businesses to operate under the Bank Secrecy Act.
Canadian Securities Regulators Issue Statement Following Rescission of the Cole Memorandum
TORONTO, Ontario, Jan. 16, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – On October 16, 2017, the CSA published Staff Notice 51-352 Issuers with U.S. Marijuana-Related Activities.
Senator Nicholas Scutari Introduces New Jersey Marijuana Legislation
During his campaign, governor-elect Phil Murphy voiced his support for marijuana legalization in his state of New Jersey. Though Murphy is not officially in office until next week, Sen. Nicholas Scutari has already made moves to fulfill Murphy’s campaign promise.
Mayors to DOJ: Rollback of Federal Marijuana Policy is a Misguided Legal Overreach
SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Seattle Mayor and former U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock led a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions criticizing the Department of Justice’s misguided rollback of the “Cole Memo,” which provided guidance on federal marijuana enforcement policy. The letter signed by ten Mayors from the across the country asks the Department of Justice to prioritize their efforts to combat the opioid epidemic instead of wasting law enforcement resources on legal marijuana.
U.S. Justice Department Blindsided Banking Agency on Pot Policy Flip
When the U.S. Justice Department said last week it was reversing policy on the $7 billion marijuana business, it failed to first notify federal officials who advise banks in states where the drug is legal, sources in Congress said.
Colorado’s Senator Cory Gardner to Confront AG Jeff Sessions on Marijuana
Colorado U.S. Senator Cory Gardner will meet with Attorney General Jeff Sessions to discuss marijuana enforcement policy.
Gardner Statement on Meeting with Attorney General Sessions
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today released the below statement following his meeting with Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
High-Net Worth Marijuana Investors Gather in L.A. Following Start of CA adult use Market
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — More than 200 high-net worth investors from around the world, eager to invest in the fastest growing industry in America will gather at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel for a two day “Shark Tank”-like pitch forum on Tuesday, January 30th and Wednesday, January 31st, hosted exclusively for members of The Arcview Investor Network.
Friday Night Inc. Issues Statement on USA DOJ Memorandum
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Friday Night Inc. (Friday Night) (CSE: TGIF) (FWB: 1QF) (OTCQB: TGIFF) has issued the following statement to shareholders in response to the recent USA Department of Justice memorandum rescinding the Cole memo.
What’s Next for Marijuana Industry After Recent Crackdown?
The national movement to legalize marijuana took a big step forward this week – and a big step back. California became the largest state in the nation to permit recreational pot use, but on Thursday Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded Obama-era guidelines meant to limit federal prosecutions. Atlantic senior editor Derek Thompson joins “CBS This Morning: Saturday” to discuss why this situation is so confusing and what this means for business owners in the burgeoning marijuana industry.
Jimmy Kimmel Live: Why Jeff Sessions Hates Marijuana
Jimmy Kimmel has an interesting theory about why Attorney General Jeff Sessions wants to get rid of a policy from the Obama administration that discouraged federal prosecutors from pursuing charges against the sale of marijuana in states where the sale of marijuana is legal.
Vermont House Approves Bill Legalizing Recreational Cannabis
On Jan. 4, 2018, the Vermont House of Representatives voted to approved H. 511, a bill legalizing recreational cannabis in the state.
Sessions’ Rescinding of the Cole Memo to Have Chilling Effect on Cannabis Public Markets
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.
Gov. Hickenlooper’s Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to Rescind Policy Guiding Federal Approach to Marijuana Legalization
Gov. John Hickenlooper today released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind the Cole Memorandum.
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.
Cantwell Statement on Department of Justice Rollback of Cole Memorandum
SEATTLE, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced his decision to rescind the Cole Memorandum, which changes federal enforcement policies regarding marijuana laws.
Legal Cannabis Industry Responds to AG Sessions
SEATTLE, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today the Washington CannaBusiness Association (WACA), representing Washington’s regulated cannabis producers, processors and retailers, released the following statement in response to news stories regarding Attorney General Sessions’ assertions on the Cole Memorandum.
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.
National Cannabis Industry Association Responds to Department of Justice’s Move to Rescind Marijuana Enforcement Guidelines
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Today, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Department of Justice has rescinded the “Cole Memo” and two additional memos related to marijuana enforcement policy. These memos, issued in 2013 and 2014, have helped to clarify the Department’s response to state-legal cannabis activity.
Jeff Sessions Expected to Rescind Obama-Era “Cole Memo” That Allowed States to Implement Marijuana Laws Without Federal Interference
WASHINGTON, JAN. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ —The AP reported this morning that US Attorney General Jeff Sessions plans today to rescind Obama-era guidance by the Department of Justice allowing states to implement their own marijuana laws with limited federal interference.
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.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Denounces Attorney General Sessions’ Escalation of Failed War on Drugs
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Following an announcement from Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinding the Obama-era, non-interference policy and targeting states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana use, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today denounced his decision and called on Congress to pass H.R.1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act, which removes marijuana from the federal controlled substances list.
U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer Issues Statement Regarding Marijuana Prosecutions in Colorado
DENVER, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer of the District of Colorado has issued the following statement regarding marijuana prosecutions.
Polis, leader of Congressional Cannabis Caucus, Condemns Attorney General’s Decision on Marijuana
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., gave the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he would reverse the Cole Memo, and target states – like Colorado – that have legalized marijuana.
Congressman Blumenauer Statement on Reports that AG Sessions to End Policy on State Marijuana Laws
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, today released the following statement on reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind the “Cole Memo”—guidance established by the Obama Administration in 2013 to allow states to implement responsible marijuana laws without federal interference.
Perlmutter Statement on AG Sessions’ Decision to Rescind DOJ Guidance for Marijuana Activity
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) released the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced his decision to rescind the “Cole memo”, a document from the U.S. Department of Justice which provided guidance for federal enforcement of marijuana activity.
Statement from Inslee regarding reports that USDOJ will rescind Cole Memo
OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Gov. Jay Inslee issued the following statement today upon news that the U.S. Department of Justice would announce its decision to rescind the Cole Memorandum that has allowed Washington and other states to implement common-sense marijuana laws.
Statement from Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman on Potential Changes to Federal Policies Regarding Marijuana
DENVER, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Below is a statement from Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman on Potential Changes to Federal Policies Regarding Marijuana:
Statement from Governor Sandoval on Department Of Justice Announcement
CARSON CITY, Nev., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Statement from Governor Brian Sandoval on the announcement from the Department of Justice that United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind the previous administration’s directives that discouraged enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states that had legalized the substance.
National Cannabis Industry Association Responds to Department of Justice’s Move to Rescind Marijuana Enforcement Guidelines
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Department of Justice has rescinded the “Cole Memo” and two additional memos related to marijuana enforcement policy.
US to End Policy That Let Legal Pot Flourish
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Jeff Sessions is rescinding the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states across the country, two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.
Sessions Hints at Shift in Federal Marijuana Enforcement
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday gave his strongest signal yet that the Justice Department’s more hands-off approach to marijuana enforcement may soon be changing.
Sessions: Obama Marijuana Policy Remains in Effect
Obama-era guidance that allows states to legalize marijuana without federal interference remains in effect, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Tuesday during a congressional hearing
Cannabis Business Alliance Statement: As Prohibitionists Spread False Accusations, Hard Data Prove Legal Cannabis is Safe and Has Overwhelming Acceptance While Strengthening the Economy Through Job Growth and Tax Revenues
DENVER, Sept. 1, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – The Cannabis Business Alliance (CBA) has released a statement in response to a recent report by anti-legalization organ SAM that attempts to claim that states that provide legal cannabis have failed to comply with the Cole Memo.
DelBene Introduces Bill to Protect State Enforcement of Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) reintroduced the State Marijuana And Regulatory Tolerance (SMART) Enforcement Act (H.R. 3534) to protect medical patients, recreational users and businesses in states that have legalized and regulated marijuana from being prosecuted now or in the future.
Increasing Number of Financial Institutions Banking Marijuana Money
It seems the advent of the Trump Administration has yet to dissuade banks from serving state-legal marijuana businesses. According to a marijuana banking update issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a growing number of financial institutions are banking marijuana money in the United States.
Marijuana Traceability: Washington Eyes METRC to Replace BioTrackTHC
On May 31, 2017, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board announced that it had chosen Franwell as the Apparent Successful Vendor to replace BiotrackTHC, the state’s current marijuana traceability contractor. With Franwell scoring the highest out of the seven bids submitted, the state will now proceed by negotiating the contract with the company.
Governors Urge Trump to Respect State Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Today, the governors of the first four states to have regulated cannabis sales for all adults sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, urging the Trump Administration to maintain existing policies related to the enforcement of federal marijuana laws.
Cannabis Banking in California: Cole Memo Co-Author’s Recommendations
On March 27, 2017, California’s Cannabis Banking Working Group held a meeting at Oakland City Hall in Oakland, Calif., to address possible solutions to resolve the state-federal banking issue for California’s legal marijuana businesses. California State Treasurer John Chiang announced the Cannabis Banking Working Group back on Dec. 2, 2016, and today’s event marked the…
Analyst: ‘Don’t try to be Warren Buffett’ With Pot Stocks
Beyond the legal issues, the problem for investors is that the industry is filled with small publicly traded companies that are risky bets at best, and outright fraudulent at worst.
Jeff Sessions: Marijuana ‘Only Slightly Less Awful’ Than Heroin
On March 15, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions gave a speech to law enforcement officers in Richmond, Virginia, on his mission to fight violent crime and bolster public safety. It was during his discussion of drugs that Sessions brought marijuana into the conversation, reinforcing a stance that he has previously communicated.
Greenspoon Marder Cannabis Law Practice Monitoring Department of Justice Potential Regarding Recreation Cannabis
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 24, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Greenspoon Marder recognizes that there are a number of possible interpretations of this messaging; however, we are hopeful that this does not mean a reassessment of the recreational market.
Cannabis Business Alliance Statement: Federal Comments on Adult Use Cannabis
DENVER, Feb. 23, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Cannabis Business Alliance (CBA) has released a statement regarding recent comments from the White House on adult-use marijuana.
Authorities in Alaska Seize CBD Products Across the State
On Feb. 9, 2017, the Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office announced that officers had seized products containing CBD from several marijuana retailers across the state.
Marijuana Enforcement Acts on Retail Violations
ANCHORAGE, Feb. 9, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, enforcement officers of the Alcohol and Marijuana Enforcement Office seized items from several retail stores across the state containing CBD (cannabidiol) oil that appear to be offered for sale in violation of several provisions of AS 17.38, including requirements for testing, packaging, and labeling.
NCIA Statement on Confirmation of Sen. Sessions for Attorney General
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9. 2017 /Weed Wire/ — National Cannabis Industry Association executive director Aaron Smith issued the following statement in response to Senator Jeff Sessions’ confirmation as new U.S. Attorney General.