Efforts to legalize medical cannabis in Tennessee have gotten some unexpected support from state House Speaker Beth Harwell. On Feb. 27, 2018, Harwell voted to break a tie in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee in favor of HB 1749 / SB 1710, also known as the Medical Cannabis Act. Under the proposed measure, medical cannabis…
Tag Archives: Governor
Wolf Administration Approves 11th Grower/Processor to Begin Operation
HARRISBURG, Penn., Feb. 22, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Governor Tom Wolf today announced the Pennsylvania Department of Health has approved AGRiMED Industries in Carmichaels, Greene County, to begin operations, bringing the statewide total to 11 grower/processors.
Officials Meet at New Jersey Cannabusiness Association Seminar
On Feb. 20, 2018, the New Jersey Cannabusiness Association sponsored a seminar which had 250 state and local government officials in attendance.
Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Ready to Serve Patients This Week
While the Keystone State’s first dispensary held its grand opening on Jan. 27, 2018, it didn’t have medical marijuana available for patients to purchase, but now the wait to buy products from Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensaries is almost over. Starting on Feb. 15, and progressing through the week, a handful of dispensaries will open with products available for patients to purchase.
Maine Governor Agrees to Delay Implementation of Controversial Medical Cannabis Rules
Controversial rules regulating Maine’s medical cannabis program will not go into effect as scheduled. On Jan. 31, 2018, Gov. Paul LePage agreed to delay implementation of the medical cannabis rules, which would have gone into effect on Feb. 1, 2018, until May 2018.
Gov. Phil Murphy Orders Broader Access to NJ’s Medical-Marijuana Program
Governor Phil Murphy ordered broader access to medical marijuana in New Jersey, saying roadblocks by his predecessor Chris Christie had stifled patients’ relief.
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Mandating Review of New Jersey’s Medical Marijuana Policy
TRENTON, N.J., Jan. 23, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Governor Phil Murphy today signed an Executive Order directing the New Jersey Department of Health and the Board of Medical Examiners to review the state’s existing medical marijuana program. The goal of the review is to eliminate barriers to access for patients who suffer from illnesses that could be treated with medical marijuana.
Vermont Recreational Marijuana Now a Reality
The Green Mountain State just got a little bit greener as Vermont recreational marijuana is now a reality. On Jan. 22, 2018, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed H. 511, legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. This makes Vermont the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana and the first state to do so via the state legislature instead of a ballot initiative.
Governor Phil Scott Signs H. 511
MONTPELIER, Vermont, Jan. 22, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Governor Phil Scott has signed H. 511, An act relating to eliminating penalties for possession of limited amounts of marijuana by adults 21 years of age or older, into law.
New York Governor Calls for Feasibility Study to Examine Legalizing Marijuana
Could New York become the next state to legalize recreational marijuana? On Jan. 16, 2018, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his proposed FY 2019 state budget, which includes funding for the creation of a feasibility study aimed at understanding the social, health, and criminal justice impact of legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.
Vermont Senate Votes to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
Recreational marijuana is coming to the state of Vermont. On Jan. 10, 2017, the Vermont Senate voted to approve H. 511, a bill that will legalize recreational marijuana possession for adults 21 and older, as well as home growing of two mature plants and four immature plants.
Pelican State Asks Trump to Protect Louisiana Medical Marijuana
When United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo on Jan. 4, 2018, announcing the reversal of federal marijuana enforcement policy, politicians across the country were outraged, and now the Pelican State has joined in and asked President Donald Trump to protect Louisiana medical marijuana.
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.
Voters to Decide on Oklahoma Medical Cannabis Legalization This Summer
This past summer voters in the Sooner State learned that they’d have an opportunity to vote on Oklahoma medical cannabis legalization in 2018, but the exact election date wasn’t clear until now.
Wolf Administration Approves First Medical Marijuana Dispensary to Begin Serving Patients
HARRISBURG, Penn., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Governor Tom Wolf today announced the Pennsylvania Department of Health has approved the state’s first medical marijuana dispensary authorized to begin serving patients. GuadCo LLC’s dispensary, Keystone Canna Remedies in Bethlehem, Northampton County, has received final approval to begin serving patients as soon as medical marijuana is available from approved growers.
Gov. Fallin Sets Election Date for Medical Marijuana Issue
OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Governor Mary Fallin today set a June election date for the medical marijuana ballot measure.
Politicians Outraged by Reversal of Federal Marijuana Enforcement Policy
On Jan. 4, 2018, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo to announce a reversal of federal marijuana enforcement policy, rescinding five Obama-era memos that guided U.S attorneys to take a hands-off approach in regards to investigating and prosecuting state-legal marijuana businesses complying with state law.
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.
Governor Kate Brown’s Statement on Reports A.G. Sessions Will Rescind Federal Marijuana Policy
SALEM, Ore., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Governor Kate Brown today released the following statement regarding reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind current federal marijuana policy.
Vermont on Fast Track to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
Vermont legislators are on the fast track to legalize recreational marijuana. On Jan. 4, 2018, the state House Judiciary Committee voted to approve H. 511, a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state.
Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Patients Top 10K
Since its launch on Nov. 1, 2017, the Keystone State’s patient registry continues to grow with the addition of more Pennsylvania medical marijuana patients.
New Mexico Legislator Wants Marijuana on the 2018 Electoral Ballot
A New Mexico legislator is once again working to legalize recreational marijuana. On Dec. 21, 2017, state Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino introduced a measure that would put a ballot amendment legalizing recreational marijuana on the 2018 electoral ballot.
Nevada Marijuana Sales in October Generated $5.8 Million in Tax Revenue
Tax revenue from Nevada’s fledgling marijuana industry continues to climb. On Dec. 20, 2017, the Nevada Department of Taxation reported that marijuana sales brought in approximately $5.8 million in tax revenue in the month of October.
LARA Releases Medical Marihuana Emergency Administrative Rules
LANSING, Mich., Dec. 4, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – The Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has issued emergency administrative rules for the purpose of implementing the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA). Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder and effective today, these rules shall remain in effect for six months.
Nevada Gaming Policy Committee Set to Discuss Marijuana Issues
Policymakers with the Nevada Gaming Policy Committee are hoping to give recreational marijuana a second look. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the committee has scheduled a meeting on Nov. 29, 2017, to reexamine its marijuana policy.
Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Patients Number More Than 6K
The number of Pennsylvania medical cannabis patients has been growing steadily since the patient registry launched on Nov. 1, 2017.
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.
Matt Flynn Comes Out in Favor of Legalizing Marijuana
MILWAUKEE, Wisc., Nov. 14, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Matt Flynn today announced that he supports the legalization of marijuana in Wisconsin. However, he made clear he would only push for it as governor if a majority of Wisconsinites approve.
New York Governor Approves Medical Cannabis to Treat PTSD
Patients in the state of New York suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder will now be able to use medical cannabis to treat PTSD.
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.
The New Jersey Cannabusiness Association Statement Regarding Murphy Victory
TRENON, N.J., Nov. 7, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – The New Jersey CannaBusiness Association (NJCBA), the state’s leading business advocacy group for expanding access to medical cannabis and responsible adult-use of cannabis, congratulates Governor-Elect Phil Murphy in his historic victory.
Back to the Drawing Board: Maine House Fails to Overcome Governor’s Veto
It’s back to the drawing board for Maine legislators. On Nov. 6, 2017, the Maine House of Representatives fell 17 votes short of overriding Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of LD 1650, a bill regulating the state’s recreational market.
Delaware’s Adult Use Cannabis Task Force Will Likely Delay Release of Report
The Delaware legislature’s Adult Use Cannabis Task Force, which is charged with examining the potential effects of legalizing recreational marijuana in the state, will most likely delay the release of its report until the end of February 2018.
Maine Governor May Veto Marijuana Law Rewrite Approved by Legislature
On Oct. 23, 2017, the Maine House of Representatives and Senate voted in a special session to approve LR 2395, a bill that would rewrite the Marijuana Legalization Act and pave the way for recreational marijuana sales. The measure will now go to the desk of Gov. Paul LePage, where it faces an uncertain future.
Maine’s Governor Proposes Pushing Back Legal Pot Sales Until 2019
Maine’s governor is pushing for lawmakers to delay the start of legal recreational marijuana sales instead of rewriting the voter-approved marijuana law.
Governor Wolf Announces First Medical Marijuana Grower/Processor to Begin Production
HARRISBURG, Penn., Oct. 17, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today approved Cresco Yeltrah to begin growing and processing medical marijuana at its Jefferson County location, making it the first facility to be deemed fully operational in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program.
Gov. Rick Snyder makes initial appointments to the Marihuana Advisory Panel
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 13, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced initial appointments to the Marihuana Advisory Panel established by the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act.
California Governor Vetoed Three Anti-Cannabis Bills
On Oct. 6, 2017, California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed three pieces of legislation related to regulating the state’s legal recreational cannabis market.
Washington State Officials Met With Feds to Talk Cannabis Policy
Officials with the offices of Inslee, Ferguson, the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board and the Department of Financial Institutions went to Washington, D.C., to meet with Department of Justice officials on Sept. 29, 2017, to discuss state and federal cannabis policy.
Washington State Officials Meet With USDOJ to Discuss Marijuana Policy
OLYMPIA, Wash., Sept. 29, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Officials from the offices of Gov. Jay Inslee, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board and Department of Financial Institutions met today with federal officials at the U.S Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. regarding state and federal marijuana policy.
Governor Sandoval Reconvenes Gaming Policy Committee
CARSON CITY, Nev., Sept. 20, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Governor Brian Sandoval today announced he has signed an Executive Order reconvening the Gaming Policy Committee to gather information, engage in discussion, and provide recommendations on policies related to the potential interactions between Nevada’s gaming industry and the state’s fledgling marijuana industry.
Governor Wolf Urges Congress to Prohibit Department of Justice from Disrupting Medical Marijuana Programs
HARRISBURG, Penn., Sept. 6, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — In a letter to Congress, Governor Tom Wolf today again expressed his concern over any interference by the federal government in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program implementation.
Trump’s Anti-Drug Office Wants Info on Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Patients
A wing of the Trump Administration’s anti-drug office has reached out to Massachusetts state health officials to request medical information on Massachusetts medical marijuana patients.
Oregon Governor’s Open Letter Explains Cannabis Policies to Jeff Sessions
On Aug. 22, 2017, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued a response to a letter sent by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions that criticized that state’s cannabis policies aimed at regulating recreational marijuana.
Vermont Governor Convening a Blue Ribbon Panel on Legalization
On Aug. 7, 2017, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott announced that he would soon convene a blue ribbon panel to study the effects of legalizing recreational marijuana.
Inslee and Ferguson Defend Washington Marijuana Regulations in Reply to Sessions
On Aug. 4, 2017, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and state Attorney General Bob Ferguson responded to a letter sent by United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions that criticized the efficacy of Washington marijuana regulations designed to prevent illegal diversion and public health issues.
AG and Governor Offer Additional Detail on Sessions’ Letter
OLYMPIA, Wash., Aug. 4, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Following their statements earlier today, Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Governor Jay Inslee offer two examples of misleading information in U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ letter dated July 24.
Maine Lawmakers Approve Bill Requiring Testing Marijuana for Safety
Marijuana safety is a major concern for the Maine lawmakers, who want to make sure all marijuana is tested before hitting retail shelves. On July 20, 2017, the Maine House approved a bill that would require the Department of Agriculture to create testing facilities for marijuana.
Massachusetts Legislature Approves Marijuana Regulation Overhaul
After blowing past several self-imposed deadlines, the Massachusetts legislature has finally reached a consensus on how to regulate recreational marijuana.
Wisconsinites Cry Foul: Walker Took NCIA Donation While Lobbying for Medicaid Drug Tests
On July 18, 2017, One Wisconsin Now held a press conference in the Wisconsin State Capitol to reveal that the Republican Governors Association, headed by Gov. Scott Walker, accepted a donation from a cannabis trade group as Walker was lobbying to drug test the state’s Medicaid applicants.