A proposal to lower the penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana cleared its first hurdle in the Alabama Legislature on Wednesday, but faces a dubious future as it heads to a possible floor vote during an election year.
Tag Archives: Decriminalization
Virginia Senate Passes Bill for First-Time Offenders to Have Cannabis Charges Expunged
Virginia residents caught with cannabis might get a chance to clear their convictions. On Feb. 12, 2018, the Virginia Senate voted to approve Senate Bill 954, a bill which would reduce the penalties for cannabis possession and allow first-time offenders to have their charges expunged.
Could the Netherlands Become the First EU Country to Legalize Cannabis?
Marijuana has only been legalized in some U.S. states. Could the Netherlands follow this lead and become the first E.U. country to legalize cannabis?
German Police Association Calls for Complete Legalization of Cannabis
The Association of German Criminal Officers (BDK) has spoken out in favour of ending the ban on cannabis and has called for the decriminalization of all use of the drug.
Keystone State Auditor General Advocating for Pennsylvania Legalization
While the Keystone State’s medical marijuana program has only just begun, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale is ready for Pennsylvania legalization to tap into the recreational market to benefit the state budget, reduce the costs associated with simple possession arrests, curb the opioid epidemic and create jobs.
Recreational Marijuana Sales Begin in California
Dozens of retailers in California have been licensed to begin selling recreational marijuana on New Year’s Day. Emily Dufton, author of “Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America,” joined CBSN to discuss whether we’ll see other states follow suit.
U.S. States Tried Decriminalizing Pot Before. Here’s Why It Didn’t Work
In the past five years, eight states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana for adults. Today, 68 million people live in areas where marijuana is treated like alcohol or tobacco.
Republic of Georgia Decriminalizes Marijuana Use
Georgia has decriminalized marijuana use, but it’s probably not the Georgia that you were expecting. On Nov. 30, 2017, the Constitutional Court for the Republic of Georgia, a former Soviet republic, ruled that it is unconstitutional to prosecute individuals for using marijuana, effectively decriminalizing use of the substance and potentially paving the way for full legalization.
Wisconsin Cannabis Legalization Supported by Gubernatorial Candidate
Wisconsin cannabis legalization has been endorsed by a gubernatorial candidate, as long as citizens of the state approve of it.
Indiana Marijuana Decriminalization Opposed by Drug Commission
Indiana marijuana decriminalization may have just become a little less likely in the Hoosier State. On Nov. 09, 2017, the Indiana Commission to Combat Drug Abuse voted to oppose efforts to decriminalize marijuana use.
Marijuana Reform Among Biggest Winners Of 2017 Election; Continued Momentum Bodes Well For 2018 Races
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Tuesday’s election was a resounding win for marijuana law reform efforts. The newly elected governors in New Jersey and Virginia campaigned on marijuana legalization and decriminalization, respectively, and local cannabis ballot measures were approved by voters in Athens, Ohio and Detroit, Michigan.
The History of Marijuana in Hawaii
Marijuana in Hawaii has a that dates back to 1842, when it was first featured in the island newspaper Ka Nonanona. The newspaper referred to the drug as “pakalolo”, which is the Hawaiian word for “numbing tobacco”. Advertisements for medical marijuana continued to appear in the newspaper until the state coordinated a program to destroy “pakalolo”, because Hawaii received more money from the federal government than any other state to seize all marijuana.
Atlanta Mayor Signs Decriminalization Ordinance Into Law
On Oct. 10, 2017, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed signed into law Ordinance 17-O-1152, an ordinance that reduces the penalties for simple marijuana possession.
Kwanza Hall Says New Marijuana Law a Victory for the People of Atlanta Keeps Families Safer, Saves Taxpayers Millions
ATLANTA, Oct. 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Upon the announcement of the signing of legislation today by Mayor Kasim Reed to reclassify Atlanta’s marijuana laws, Kwanza Hall stated the following: “We should all thank the Mayor for his willingness to sign this ordinance into law.”
Atlanta City Council Votes Unanimously to Decriminalize Marijuana, Heads to Mayor’s Desk
ATLANTA, Oct. 3, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Monday afternoon, after two hours of debate amongst the city council members – the Atlanta city council voted unanimously 15-0 to pass Ordinance 17-O-1152. This legislation makes the possession of marijuana under one ounce a non-arrestable offense and lowers the fine to a maximum ticket of $75.
This Is Why Atlanta Marijuana Decriminalization Passed City Council Unanimously
After months of local and committee debate, Atlanta marijuana decriminalization is now a reality in Georgia’s capital. The Atlanta City Council approved the decriminalization ordinance on Oct. 2, 2017, reducing the penalty of simple marijuana possession from a $1,000 fine and up to six months in prison to a $75 fine and no imprisonment.
Kwanza Hall Legislation to Reclassify Marijuana in Atlanta Passes City Council Unanimously
ATLANTA, Oct. 2, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Today, Kwanza Hall passed legislation (17-O-1152) he introduced March 20 in Atlanta City Council that will dramatically reduce the penalty for marijuana possession and make it a non-arrestable offense.
Kwanza Hall Asks #BLM and Hip Hop Leaders to Help Reform Marijuana Laws
ATLANTA, GA, Sept. 28, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Kwanza Hall is working to build city-wide support for passage of legislation he introduced March 20 in Atlanta City Council that would dramatically reduce the penalty for marijuana possession and make it a non-arrestable offense.
Atlanta Public Safety Committee Approves Cannabis Decriminalization Ordinance
On Sept. 26, 2017, in Georgia, the Atlanta Public Safety Committee voted 3-1 in favor of a cannabis decriminalization ordinance that would reduce the penalty for cannabis possession.
Kwanza Hall Marijuana Legislation Passes in Committee
ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — After a fifteen-month effort, Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall has successfully taken the first steps to pass legislation making possession of marijuana less than an ounce a non-jailable offense.
Reverend Al Sharpton Advocates for Civil Rights and Marijuana Legalization
Reverend Al Sharpton is an American civil rights activist, minister, former White House advisor, and talk show host. Now, Sharpton is also speaking up and fighting for marijuana legalization and decriminalization.
History of Marijuana in Minnesota
Minnesota is the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, so it isn’t particularly known for its marijuana, but the plant has a history with the state dating back when hemp production was common. Hemp became a cash crop in the state but by 1957, the federal government banned hemp production completely. Many marijuana supporters are fighting to make the law more inclusive and hopefully, to legalize recreational marijuana in Minnesota.
Cannabis in the UK: Time for a Change?
As countries across the world look to decriminalise cannabis, Jim Connolly asks whether it’s time to change the law on cannabis in the UK.
Hispanic Legislators Want Trump Administration to Federally Decriminalize Cannabis
On Aug. 9, 2017, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators announced that it had adopted a resolution that advises the Trump Administration to federally decriminalize cannabis.
Latino Legislators Call for Decriminalizing Cannabis, LGBTQ Rights in Historic Resolutions
BOSTON, Aug. 9, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – For the first time in its history, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) has taken a bold stance on two issues directly related to correcting chronic injustices committed against Latinos and many other Americans.
Chairman Joe Moody Hosts Public Hearing on Reducing Penalties for Small Amounts of Marijuana
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 09, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee Chairman Joe Moody held a public hearing to discuss reducing state marijuana possession penalties on Wednesday and to support HB 334, which was introduced by Chairman Moody in the special legislative session in July.
You Can Now Weigh in on Virginia Marijuana Decriminalization
Marijuana arrests in the Old Dominion State disproportionately affect black communities, but reform could be on the horizon—officials have launched a Virginia marijuana decriminalization study and they want to hear from the public.
New Hampshire Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Signed Into Law
On July 18, 2017, Gov. Chris Sununu signed House Bill 640, a New Hampshire marijuana decriminalization bill, reducing the penalty for those who possess small amounts of marijuana.
Mexico Legalizes Marijuana for Research and Medicinal Purposes
On June 19, 2017, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto signed a measure into law that legalizes marijuana for research and medicinal purposes.
Toronto Mayor Calls for Continued Crackdown on Illegal Marijuana Dispensaries
John Tory said Tuesday that he believes the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use should have been decriminalized “years ago,” but that Toronto police should continue to target illegal dispensaries across the city.
Toronto Board of Health Wants Canadian Cannabis Decriminalization Now
Canadian cannabis decriminalization has earned the support of Toronto’s Board of Health. On June 12, 2017, the board voted unanimously to request that the Government of Canada immediately decriminalize the possession of cannabis for personal use.
New Hampshire Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Sent to Governor
After a vote from the state House of Representatives, a New Hampshire marijuana decriminalization bill is headed to Gov. Chris Sununu’s desk. On June 1, 2017, the House approved House Bill 640, which would reduce the penalty for minor possession of marijuana.
Wisconsin Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Introduced by Republican
On May 30, 2017, a Republican state legislator joined a group of three democrats to introduce a Wisconsin marijuana decriminalization bill, but admitted that the bill’s passing would be unlikely.
Officials in Obama’s Drug Czar Office Wanted to Decriminalize Marijuana
Officials at the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Barack Obama wanted to take a more lenient stance on marijuana, but they never made their case public.
Israel’s Cannabis Decriminalization Policy Comes Into Effect
Israel’s cannabis decriminalization policy, approved by the government in March, officially came into effect Sunday, commencing a new legal approach towards the recreational use of marijuana in the country.
Coloradan Members of Congress Intro Bill to Respect State Marijuana Laws
On May 18, 2017, Colorado Reps. Diana DeGette and Mike Coffman introduced legislation to protect state marijuana laws from federal interference. If passed, the bill, “Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act of 2017,” would amend the Controlled Substances Act so that the federal government could not use the CSA to preempt state marijuana laws.
Congressman to Talk Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act
On May 15, 2017, Congressman Tom Garrett, R-Va., announced that he is going to hold a press conference outside of the U.S. Capitol on May 17 to discuss H.R. 1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017.
Atlanta City Council to Reconsider Decriminalizing Marijuana
Georgia’s capital city is once again thinking about decriminalizing marijuana within city limits. According to an update by Peachtree NORML, the Atlanta City Council will take a vote Ordinance 17-O-1152, an ordinance decriminalizing marijuana, on May 15, 2017.
Marijuana Prohibitionist Spends 4/20 Criticizing Legalization
Coinciding with the national marijuana holiday of 4/20, a notorious marijuana prohibitionist blasted efforts to legalize marijuana nationwide while speaking at a drug abuse summit in Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta Delays Marijuana Decriminalization Decision
On April 18, 2017, members of the Atlanta City Council withdrew their support from Ordinance 17-O-1152, a statute that would have decriminalized marijuana in Georgia’s captial. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, the council opted to refer the ordinance to the Public Safety Committee.
Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance Fails in Atlanta City Council
WASHINGTON, April 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Yesterday the Atlanta City Council failed to pass Ordinance 17-O-1152, which would have decriminalized marijuana in the city. After hearing from many Atlanta residents the ordinance was referred to the Public Safety Committee for a further review in a 10-4 vote.
Decriminalization Bill Reaches New Hampshire Senate for the Ninth Time
On April 11, 2017, the New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee took on the long-standing issue of decriminalizing the possession of marijuana in small quantities.
Marijuana in Missouri: Kansas City Passes Decriminalization Ordinance
On April 4, 2017, voters in Kansas City, Missouri, overwhelmingly approved Question 5, a decriminalization ordinance that reduces the penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana to a simple fine.
Proposal to Reduce Marijuana Penalties Advances in Texas House of Representatives
HOUSTON, Texas, April 3, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – A proposal to reduce penalties for marijuana possession in Texas received bipartisan approval from the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on Monday and will soon be scheduled for a full vote in the House.
House Approves Bill to Block Nashville, Memphis Marijuana Laws
The House of Representatives approved a bill on Thursday that would nullify the partial marijuana decriminalization laws approved in Nashville and Memphis last year.
Tulsi Gabbard Urges Congress to Pass Federal Decriminalization Bill
When the House of Representatives convened for its Morning Hour on March 21, 2017, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, took to the floor to urge House members to support H.R. 1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act.
VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls for Federal Decriminalization of Marijuana
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Continuing her commitment to common sense criminal justice reform, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) spoke on the House floor today urging Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to federally decriminalize marijuana.
New Mexico Decriminalization Bill Passes House Committee
Although hopes for legalizing recreational marijuana in New Mexico have been sidelined until the next legislative session, marijuana advocates might yet score a legislative victory in the Land of Enchantment.
Florida Lawmakers Introduce Decriminalization Bills
On March 8, 2017, Florida state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and state Sen. Jeff Clemens introduced companion bills that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
New Hampshire House of Representatives Overwhelmingly Approves Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana Possession
CONCORD, N.H., March 9, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The state House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved HB 640 on Wednesday (318-36), bringing New Hampshire one step closer to becoming the final state in New England to decriminalize marijuana possession.