On Feb. 20, 2018, the New Jersey Cannabusiness Association sponsored a seminar which had 250 state and local government officials in attendance.
Tag Archives: Law Enforcement
Legal Weed: Politicians and Police Cashing in on New Industry
Who gets to profit from Canada’s booming weed industry? Researchers at The Weekly found that nearly 40 former politicians and police officers are involved in medicinal marijuana companies, set to make retail sales as soon as it becomes legal.
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.
Michigan Agencies Increase Medical Marijuana Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies across Michigan are using excess state revenue from medical marijuana patient and caregiver fees to boost enforcement efforts as the state prepares to license dispensaries and pot businesses in certain communities under a new regulatory system.
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.
Gov. Holcomb Gives Indiana Retailers 60 Days to Remove CBD Oil
Gov. Eric Holcomb is giving Indiana retailers 60 days to get CBD oil off their shelves. The decision came Tuesday, roughly a week after state Attorney General Curtis Hill issued an opinion saying CBD oil was illegal in the state.
What We Know About the Oregon Marijuana Processor Bust in Nebraska
While Nebraska has been known as a prohibition-minded state, one Oregon marijuana processor recently found that out the hard way and now has to face the consequences in both Nebraska and Oregon.
OLCC Suspends License of Oregon Marijuana Licensee Arrested in Nebraska Licensee Faces Major Violation Charges
PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has suspended the Recreational Marijuana processor license of Rich Extracts, LLC on November 15, 2017. Rich Wilkinson, managing member at Rich Extracts was arrested November 8, 2017 by law enforcement in the state of Nebraska on criminal charges for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
High Robbery: Canada’s Violent Cannabis Dispensary Raids
With weed legalization on the horizon, dozens of grey-market dispensaries remain open in Toronto. VICE offers a glimpse into the violent cannabis dispensary robberies that are creating a rift between shop owners and police.
Tennessee Medical Cannabis Task Force Tackles First Official Meeting
On Sept. 21, 2017, the Tennessee medical cannabis task force, created by Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and State House Speaker Beth Harwell, met for the first time to discuss legalization.
OLCC Partners With Law Enforcement to Tackle Illegal Marijuana Operations
MEDFORD, Ore., Sept. 12, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Oregon Liquor Control Commission today met with law enforcement officials, local district attorneys and US attorney’s office officials to announce policy changes and partnership efforts.
Governor Appoints 8 Members to New Iowa Medical Cannabis Board
Gov. Kim Reynolds named eight Iowans Wednesday to serve on a state board that will oversee the state’s expanded medical cannabis law.
Law Enforcement and Local Officials Applaud Passage of Nielsen Bill to Protect Children from Marijuana – Urging Governor to Sign SB 663
On January 1, 2018, Californians over the age of 21 will legally be able to buy recreational marijuana including edibles and other products. Children will inadvertently be exposed to the marketing of this drug.
Cal Can Biz Expo Interview: MJIC and Speedweed’s A.J. Gentile
In this Cal Can Biz Expo interview, watch Kristen Fox, Editor-in-Chief of MJINews.com and Marijuana Industry News magazine, interview A.J. Gentile, CEO of Speedweed.
Federal Marijuana Impairment Report Finds DUI Tests Ineffective for THC
A federal marijuana impairment report has cast a shadow of doubt over the THC testing methods and regulations used by law enforcement officers in America, citing the inability to detect THC impairment from biological test samples and the worthlessness of establishing a “per se” limit to designate THC impairment.
With Pot Legal, Massachusetts Vows Crackdown on Impaired Drivers
Massachusetts officials promised a crackdown Thursday on marijuana-impaired driving as the state prepared for full implementation of the voter-approved law legalizing adult use of recreational pot.
Will the Legalization of Marijuana Put Police Lives at Risk?
Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation President Sergeant Demetrick Pennie on whether the legalization of Marijuana will put the lives of police officers at risk.
Bay Area Company Develops Test to Measure Marijuana Impairment
A Bay Area company says it has successfully measured marijuana impairment in drivers. The test could provide law enforcement with a much-needed tool to identify people driving while stoned.
The Truth About the Federal Marijuana Meeting With Officials in Colorado
On July 19, 2017, representatives from multiple federal agencies joined local officials in Colorado Springs to have a closed-door meeting on the effects of Colorado’s legal marijuana industry.
Colorado Court: Drug Dog Alert Not Enough Cause for Car Search as Cannabis Is Legal
If a drug dog detects the scent of a controlled substance on a vehicle, it isn’t enough probable cause for police in Colorado to search the vehicle, according to a ruling issued by the Colorado Court of Appeals on July 13, 2017.
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.
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.
Rep. Yaroch Calls for the Federal Government to Decide: Can States Regulate Marijuana or Not?
LANSING, Mich., July 10, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — State Rep. Jeff Yaroch has introduced a resolution calling for clarity from the federal government on enforcement of laws involving marijuana.
Anti-Drug Official: Cuban Marijuana Legalization Will Never Happen
While Cuba and the United States are working closely to combat the small country’s ongoing problem with drug trafficking, Cuban officials have said that the legalization of marijuana in nearby countries is actually adding to the trouble, dispelling the prospects of Cuban marijuana legalization.
No High Flying in Florida: Orlando Airport Bans Medical Marijuana
Florida may have legalized medical marijuana in 2016, but that hasn’t stopped Orlando International Airport from banning the substance on its property.
#JusticeForJawara: Peter Tosh’s Son Beaten into Coma While Imprisoned for Cannabis
On June 21, 2017, attorney Jasmine Rand announced that her client, Jawara McIntosh, son of iconic reggae artist Peter Tosh, was beaten into a coma on Feb. 21, 2017, at New Jersey’s Bergen County Jail while serving six months for cannabis-related charges.
Jawara McIntosh, Son of Legendary Reggae Artist Peter Tosh, Beaten Into A Coma While Serving 6 Month Marijuana Sentence
NEW YORK, June 21, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — On February 21, 2017, Jawara McIntosh, son of legendary reggae artist Peter Tosh, was beaten into a coma at Bergen County Jail in New Jersey while serving a six-month sentence for marijuana related charges.
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.
Legislation (AB 1578) to Protect Californians Against Federal Attacks on Lawful Marijuana Activity Passes California State Assembly
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 2, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Last night, the California State Assembly passed legislation that would prohibit state and local agencies from using resources to assist federal law enforcement authorities with marijuana enforcement against people in compliance with California state law.
The Challenges of Enforcing Maine’s Marijuana Laws
Local law enforcement say there are still many questions to be answered about how to enforce the new legal marijuana law, especially when it comes to driving under the influence.
Washingtonians: WSU Needs Volunteers for Marijuana Breathalyzer Study
Researchers with Washington State University are looking for individuals to volunteer for a marijuana breathalyzer study. According to The Spokesman-Review, the study is attempting to determine if a marijuana breathalyzer can actually register “acute exposure” to THC.
Standards Council: Cops Cannot Participate in Alaskan Marijuana Industry
On May 18, 2017, the Alaska Police Standards Council announced that state and local law enforcement officers are not allowed to participate in the Alaskan marijuana industry, stating that it is “incompatible with the law enforcement profession.”
Alabama’s City of Mobile Pondering Marijuana Citation Ordinance
On May 15, 2017, Mobile, Alabama, Mayor Sandy Stimpson announced that he would sponsor a city ordinance that would, among other things, allow city law enforcement officials the discretion to issue a marijuana citation for simple possession.
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.
KC NORML Successfully Decriminalized Marijuana in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, MO., April 4, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – In a blowout victory for sensible criminal justice policy, the voters of Kansas City, Missouri have decided to approve Question 5 and decriminalize marijuana to direct their law enforcement officers to no longer target citizens for possession of the plant and would replace current criminal penalties with just a civil fine.
Assembly Bill Would Turn California Into a Sanctuary State for Marijuana
All across the state of California, some cities and municipalities have chosen to ignore federal immigration policy, each declaring themselves a “sanctuary city” of immigrants. Now one state lawmaker wants to make California a sanctuary state for legal marijuana.
Atlanta City Leaders Split on Future of Marijuana Enforcement
The political debate over marijuana enforcement has split Atlanta residents, but now a new proposal may be getting a red light. City council members are ready to move on a proposal which would reduce the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana, but signaling out of City Hall may put an end to that movement.
Should Jeff Sessions Change His Stance on Marijuana?
Reason Magazine editor-in-chief Katherine Mangu-Ward talks to Fox News’ Kennedy, on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ stance on marijuana.
Veterans Oppose Prohibition of Medical Marijuana on Arizona’s College Campuses
A veterans group is opposing Arizona’s prohibition of medical marijuana on college campuses, according to a March 14, 2017, article at 12News.com. The veterans’ update on their Change.org petition, posted March 12, 2017, claims the University of Arizona campus police are “ready to lock up medical cannabis patients.”
Colorado House Votes to Limit Number of Plants in Marijuana Grows
The Colorado House has voted to impose a new restriction on the number of marijuana plants that can be grown in a residential space, according to a March 13, 2017 article in the Denver Post. If passed into law, the bill approved in the House would restrict all residential growing to 16 plants.
LA Sheriff Thinks Feds May Target Marijuana
The leader of the nation’s largest sheriff’s department says he expects federal drug agents will attempt to step up marijuana enforcement as California moves forward with legalization. But Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said he believes there isn’t the manpower to conduct widespread raids on growers and businesses selling marijuana.
Emerging Cannabis Industry Presents Big Opportunities for Investors
An industry previously only regulated by law enforcement leaves tremendous uncertainty for those looking to get into the industry from an investment perspective. Organizations like MJIC are stepping up to provide regulatory support and protection for marijuana operators.
Colorado House Committee Limits Number of Home-Grown Marijuana Plants
A committee in the Colorado House has voted to restrict the number of home-grown marijuana plants to 12, according to the Associated Press. The committee voted 11-2 for the limitation. Currently, medical-marijuana users are allowed to have up to 99 plants at home, while recreational users can have six, which can be placed in greenhouses operated by co-ops.
Peruvian Attitudes Toward Medical Marijuana Shift After Raid on Moms’ Lab
Peru is a conservative nation with strict drug laws and a politically right-leaning Congress, but when police raided a lab in which mothers made medical marijuana for their sick children, attitudes began to change, according to a March 2, 2017, article by Reuters.
Colorado AG Wants Sessions to Look at State’s Marijuana Industry
Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman, said she would like Jeff Sessions to witness the state’s flourishing recreational pot industry before imposing a crackdown.
Houston-Area District Attorney Reduces Penalty For Marijuana Possession
If law enforcement officers in Harris County, Texas, find someone in possession of less than four ounces of marijuana, the officers will take the marijuana and require the possessor to sign a contract to attend a drug-education class. Kim Ogg, the District Attorney of Harris County, Texas, has decided as of March 1, 2017, she will no longer prosecute most marijuana cases.
Colorado Supreme Court: Cops do Not Have to Return Confiscated Pot
When a drug case fails in Colorado, law enforcement officers do not have to return confiscated marijuana because doing so would be a violation of federal law, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Jan. 23, 2017. The decision overruled the Colorado Court of Appeals, which had said Colorado Springs police must return marijuana to Robert Crouse, who was arrested on drug charges on May 5, 2011.
Survey: Majority of Police Think Marijuana Laws Need to Be Relaxed
On Jan. 11, 2017, the Pew Research Center released the results of a national survey of law enforcement officers, finding that 68% of police officers think America’s marijuana laws need to be relaxed.
Senator Hill & Assemblymember Low Introduce Bill to Outlaw Smoking Pot While Driving
State Senator Jerry Hill and Assemblymember Evan Low introduced Senate Bill 65 today to outlaw smoking marijuana while driving. The legislation, prompted by Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, closes a loophole in Proposition 64.
New Hampshire Officers Worry About Legalization in Neighboring States
Law enforcement officers in New Hampshire are worried about the impact of legalized marijuana in neighboring Massachusetts and Maine. “Regardless of what the existing laws are in the state of Maine or the state of Massachusetts, marijuana possession is illegal in New Hampshire,” State Police Lt. Chris Vetter said.