WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Yesterday the City Council of Jackson, Mississippi voted unanimously to decriminalize marijuana, amending Chapter 86, Article III in the City of Jackson Code of Ordinances to effectively limit the maximum penalty for possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis to a $100 fine, with no prison time.
Tag Archives: DPA
Resentencing and the Decriminalization of Cannabis
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas calling on the Office of Cannabis Management, in collaboration with various Los Angeles County departments and community stakeholders, to develop a countywide plan to facilitate the resentencing of minor cannabis convictions.
New Mexico Senate Rules Committee Approves Legalization Bill
Recreational cannabis might be heading for the New Mexico ballot in 2018. On Feb. 2, 2018, the New Mexico Senate Rules Committee voted 4-3 to approve Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino’s Senate Joint Resolution 4, a measure which would allow state residents to vote on cannabis legalization in the next general election.
New Mexico’s Marijuana Legalization Resolution Passes Out of Senate Rules Committee
SANTA FE, N.M., Feb. 2, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Today, a legislative committee voted in favor of taxing and regulating marijuana in New Mexico. On a vote of 4-3 New Mexico State Senator Ortiz y Pino’s (D-12-Bernalillo) Senate Joint Resolution 4 (SJR4) passed the Senate Rules Committee.
New Mexico Introduces Marijuana Legalization Bill
SANTA FE, N.M., Jan. 31, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Today, New Mexico State Representative Javier Martinez introduced House Bill 312 to tax and regulate marijuana. Rep. Martinez envisions an industry that will support economic growth and begins to dismantle failed drug war policies that hurt New Mexicans.
Amanda Reiman Awarded “Influencer of the Year” by Industry Power Women
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Amanda Reiman PhD, MSW, and Vice President of Community Relations at Flow Kana, was awarded the Influencer of the Year award at the Industry Power Women (IPW) launch party and award show in Las Vegas for her work in the cannabis industry.
Saturday: Free Expungement Fair in Los Angeles for People Clearing or Reducing Marijuana Records
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — On Saturday, December 2nd, there will be an expungement fair in Los Angeles, CA for people who are looking to get their felony records reduced, dismissed, or expunged of their criminal record.
New Poll Shows 2 to 1 Support for Legal Marijuana Use in New York State
NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — A new poll shows that 62% of New York voters support making marijuana use legal for adults 21 and older, with only 28% opposed.
New Gallup Poll Finds Record Support for Marijuana Legalization
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – A new Gallup poll shows record-breaking support for marijuana legalization, with 64 percent of Americans now in favor of ending marijuana prohibition.
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.
Drug Policy Alliance to Host 2017 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Atlanta, October 11– 14
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — More than 1,500 people will gather in Atlanta, Georgia, October 11 – 14 for DPA’s biennial International Drug Policy Reform Conference (#Reform17) at the Omni Atlanta Hotel @ CNN Center to discuss these issues and much more.
Uruguay, First Country in the World to Legally Regulate Marijuana, Begins Retail Sales Today
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, Uruguay will begin sales of legal marijuana for adult residents. The marijuana legalization proposal was put forward by former President José Mujica in 2012 as part of a comprehensive package aimed at improving public safety.
The Drug Policy Alliance Announces Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno as New Executive Director
WASHINGTON, July 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Drug Policy Alliance board of directors announced today its unanimous decision to appoint Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno as the organization’s new executive director.
Uruguay, First Country in the World to Legally Regulate Marijuana, Begins Retail Sales Next Week
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Next week, Uruguay will begin sales of legal marijuana for adult residents. The marijuana legalization proposal was put forward by former President José Mujica in 2012 as part of a comprehensive package aimed at improving public safety.
86 Percent of NYPD Marijuana Possession Arrests Affect Black and Latino New Yorkers
On July 11, 2017, the Drug Policy Alliance announced that a report it had commissioned by the Marijuana Arrest Research Project had been released, revealing that marijuana possession arrests under Mayor Bill de Blasio’s tenure are marked by a high rate of racial disparity.
Tale of Two New Yorks Endures under de Blasio as NYPD Continues Discriminatory Marijuana Arrests
NEW YORK, July 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — A new report released today by the Marijuana Arrest Research Project, commissioned by the Drug Policy Alliance, shows that marijuana possession arrests under Mayor de Blasio continue to be marked by extremely high racial disparities, as was the case under the Bloomberg and Giuliani administrations.
Tale of Two New Yorks Endures Under Mayor de Blasio as NYPD Continues Discriminatory Marijuana Arrests
NEW YORK, July 10, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — On July 11, the Marijuana Arrest Research Project will release a major report commissioned by the Drug Policy Alliance.
Drug Policy Alliance and ACLU of California Sue City of Fontana Over Ordinance That Conflicts With Rights Granted by California’s Marijuana Legalization Initiative
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 6, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Yesterday, the Drug Policy Alliance and ACLU of California filed a lawsuit against the City of Fontana challenging a city ordinance that is in conflict with Proposition 64 (also known as the “Adult Use of Marijuana Act” or “AUMA”).
Virginia Marijuana Arrests Continue to Hit Black Communities
When it comes to marijuana enforcement, it’s no secret that racial disparities persist even though black and white communities use marijuana at similar rates. The most recent reminder of this comes from the Old Dominion State, where Virginia marijuana arrests continue to disproportionately affect black communities.
New Jersey Medical Marijuana Panel Suggests Expanding Conditions
New Jersey might get an influx of new medical marijuana patients. On May 11, 2017, the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel suggested that the state health commissioner add chronic pain as a qualifying condition.
New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel Recommends Adding Chronic Pain and other Conditions to List of Qualifying Conditions
TRENTON, N.J., May 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel made initial recommendations to the Health Commissioner to approve chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders, migraines, anxiety, chronic fatigue related to ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome, Tourrette syndrome as qualifying conditions for the medical marijuana program.
Future of Medical Marijuana Clouded by Trump’s Signing Statement
On May 5, 2017, President Donald Trump signed the 2017 omnibus funding bill, covering the federal government’s funding through Sept. 30. The bill contains a provision that bans the Department of Justice from using funds to enforce federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized medical marijuana; however, Trump issued a signing statement that has clouded the future of medical marijuana.
Homeland Security Chief: Marijuana Possession is Grounds for Deportation
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — In a speech yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced that the Trump Administration would use marijuana possession as a reason for deporting immigrants.
California Governor Jerry Brown Moves to Align Medical and Adult Use Marijuana Regulation in California
SACRAMENTO, April 5, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Late Tuesday afternoon, Governor Jerry Brown released his proposal to align medical marijuana regulations passed by the Legislature in 2015 and the 2016 Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Prop 64), both of which call for commercial licensing and regulation to begin in January 2018.
Argentina Legalizes Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – On Thursday, Argentina legalized medical marijuana, after the Senate unanimously approved a bill that was already passed by the House of Representatives last November.
Bill that Would Add Opioid Use Disorder to List of Conditions that Qualify for Medical Marijuana in New Mexico Heads to Governor’s Desk
SANTA FE, N.M., March 20, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Late Friday night, the New Mexico State Senate approved a bill that would make changes to New Mexico’s medical marijuana law.
Israeli Cabinet Approves Proposal to Decriminalize Marijuana
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — On Sunday, Israel took a big step toward decriminalizing adult marijuana use. The Israeli Cabinet approved a proposal that would replace criminal penalties with fines for people who are caught using marijuana in public. The proposal from the Ministries of Justice and Public Security has received support from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but still requires approval of the Israeli Parliament before becoming law.
Bipartisan Vote Carries Medical Marijuana Research Bill to Passage in New Mexico State House
Saturday afternoon, the New Mexico State House voted (41-26) to pass House Bill 155, co-sponsored by Rep. D. Armstrong (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. McCamley (D-Las Cruces) to establish a fund in the state treasury for research related to the production, uses, effects, and efficacy of medical marijuana.
White House Indicates Potential Crackdown on Recreational Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — In a press conference today, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer strongly indicated that Jeff Sessions’ Department of Justice (DOJ) will crack down on recreational marijuana programs. In response, Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director of Drug Policy Alliance, released this statement:
Nation’s Leading Cannabis and Drug Policy Reform Advocates Commend Congressional Members on Formation of Congressional Cannabis Caucus
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The nation’s leading cannabis and drug policy reform organizations commended Congressional members Thursday on the formation of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.
Senate Judiciary Votes to Advance “Nightmare” Jeff Sessions as Attorney General
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance the nomination of Jeff Sessions for Attorney General of the United States. The vote was 11 to 9, with no Democrats supporting the nominee. The nomination will now go to the Senate floor for a full and final vote.
Ethan Nadelmann to ‘Step Aside’ as Executive Director of the DPA
On Jan. 27, 2017, Ethan Nadelmann announced via Twitter that he is going to “step aside” as the executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, a non-profit organization advocating for the end of the drug war through sensible drug law reform.
Colorado Department of Human Services Requests a Six Million Dollar Annual Allocation from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund to Pursue a Public Health Approach to Drug Use and Mental Health
DENVER, Jan. 19, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The DHS in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, at the request and guidance of Drug Policy Alliance and other advocates, submitted a request yesterday to the Colorado General Assembly Joint Budget Committee (JBC) to allocate over $6 million annually from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund for grant-based initiatives that will create meaningful alternatives to criminal justice involvement for Coloradans with mental health or substance use issues.
Thursday Press Teleconference: Broad Spectrum of Organizations React to Confirmation Hearings for Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Representatives from a broad spectrum of organizations will offer their reactions to Senator Sessions’ responses during his confirmation hearings this week to questions on criminal justice reform, marijuana reform, civil and human rights and other issues.
Sen. Jeff Sessions Gives “Wishy Washy” Response to Questions about Marijuana and Federalism at Attorney General Confirmation Hearing Today
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Statement from Bill Piper, Senior Director of the Drug Policy Alliance’s Office of National Affairs:
Senate Judiciary Committee Holding Confirmation Hearings on Jeff Sessions for Attorney General This Week
In a statement sent to Senate offices today the Drug Policy Alliance urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject Jeff Sessions for Attorney General. The committee is holding confirmation hearings on Sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Drug Policy Alliance Launching Campaign to “Just Say No” to Jeff Sessions for Attorney General
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — The Drug Policy Alliance is launching a campaign to put the brakes on Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions’ nomination for Attorney General.
Press Teleconference: What Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General Would Mean for Criminal Justice Reform, Drug Policy Reform, and Civil and Human Rights
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — On Friday, news reports named Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) as Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next Attorney General. The Drug Policy Alliance is convening this call with reporters to highlight Jeff Sessions’ track record on civil and human rights, criminal justice reform and drug policy.
President-Elect Trump Selects Senator Jeff Sessions – Staunch Supporter of Failed Drug War – to be Attorney General
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — Several outlets reported this morning that Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) has been selected by Donald Trump to be the next Attorney General.
Massachusetts Becomes First State East of the Rockies to Approve Marijuana Legalization
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ —Voters in Massachusetts have approved marijuana legalization, making it the first state east of the Rockies to do so.
Success in the Silver State: Nevada Legalizes Retail Marijuana
On Nov. 8, 2016, a majority of voters in Nevada approved Question 2, legalizing retail marijuana in the the Silver State and poising the state marijuana market for massive growth.
Marijuana Wins Big on Election Night
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — This Election Day was a watershed moment for the movement to end marijuana prohibition, with the results expected to accelerate efforts to legalize marijuana in states across the U.S., at the federal level, and internationally.
North Dakota Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — North Dakota voters have approved Measure 5, which legalizes the medical use of marijuana for conditions such as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, glaucoma, and epilepsy, and other debilitating medical conditions.
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.
Florida Becomes 1st State in the South to Approve Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — Florida voters have approved the state’s medical marijuana initiative, Amendment 2.
Nevada Joins California and Massachusetts by Approving Marijuana Legalization, While Florida, Arkansas and North Dakota Approve Medical Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — Nevada has joined California and Massachusetts by legalizing marijuana today.
Experts in New Mexico Support MMJ as Tool to Tackle Opioid Crisis
On Nov. 4, 2016, the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board to the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program voted in favor of adding “opiate use disorder” to the state’s list of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana as a treatment option.
Elected Officials, Clinicians, Patients, and Advocates Demand Medical Cannabis Access for New Mexicans Struggling with Opioids
SANTA FE, N.M., Nov. 4, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — Today pain specialists, people recovering from addiction, community members, and drug policy reformers joined together to call for the inclusion of medical cannabis in New Mexico’s response to heroin and opioids.
What Will Recreational Marijuana Legalization Mean for California?
“This [marijuana legalization] initiative goes further than any initiative in the world,” says Lynne Lyman, California state director for the Drug Policy Alliance.
Breaking News: New York Releases Two-Year MMJ Program Report
The transparency of New York’s Medical Marijuana Program has been questioned by many New Yorkers, but on Aug. 19, 2016, the New York State Department of Health released a two-year report on the state’s Medical Use of Marijuana Under the Compassionate Care Act, as confirmed by a staff member with the NYS Medical Marijuana Program.