COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 22, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – The following statement may be attributed to Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost regarding legislation sponsored by Sen. Bill Coley, R-Cincinnati, on oversight of the state’s medical marijuana program:
Tag Archives: legislation
Maine Committee Removes References to Cannabis Social Clubs in Implementation Bill
Maine residents and visitors looking forward to cannabis social clubs will have to wait much longer than previously expected.
Senator Jerry Hill Introduces Bill to Enable Students Who Rely on Medicinal Cannabis to Take Their Medication at School
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – K-12 public school students with special needs or severe disabilities who rely on cannabis-based medicine may soon be able to take their medication at school under legislation introduced Tuesday by state Senator Jerry Hill.
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.
Alaska Considers Sealing Cannabis Convictions
Alaska residents with cannabis convictions on their records may get a second chance. On Jan. 31, 2018, Rep. Harriet Drummond introduced HB 316, a bill that would seek to seal public records pertaining to certain cannabis convictions.
Legislative Committees in the Pine Tree State Vote to Delay Maine Marijuana Regulations
Two legislative committees in the Pine Tree State have decided that they need more time to perfect Maine marijuana regulations. On Jan. 25. 2018, the state legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee voted to approve a moratorium bill that would delay the implementation of new medical marijuana rules issued by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Bethany Baptist Church Lecture Committee and Drug Policy Alliance to Host Forum on Marijuana Legalization and Racial Justice
NEWARK, NJ, Jan. 29, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – On Thursday, February 1st, the Bethany Baptist Church Lecture Committee and Drug Policy Alliance will host, “What’s at Stake? Why Marijuana Legalization is a Racial Justice Issue,”
Cannabis Oil Bill Introduced in Idaho House Committee
On Jan. 25, 2018, during the House Health and Welfare Committee, Rep. Dorothy Moon proposed draft legislation, RS25862, that would permit residents to use medically prescribed cannabis oil.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott Signs Marijuana Legalization Bill Into Law
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed legislation today allowing adults 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and to cultivate up to two mature and four immature cannabis plants. Vermont joins eight other U.S. states – Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington State – as well as Washington, D.C., that have ended the prohibition of marijuana.
Hatch Applauds Utah Reps for Introducing Medical Marijuana Legislation
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2018 /Weed Wire/ —Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), the senior Republican in the United States Senate, issued the following statement after Utah Representatives Rob Bishop, John Curtis, Chris Stewart, and Mia Love introduced the House companion to the to the MEDS Act, Hatch’s signature medical marijuana research legislation.
Curbelo: Attorney General’s Marijuana Witch Hunt Favors Those Operating Illegally, Hurts Legal Businesses’ Ability to Compete
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Last night, Representative Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), the sponsor of legislation to provide tax parity to legally operating marijuana businesses, joined a bipartisan group of House colleagues on the House Floor to discuss Attorney General Jeff Session’s recent decision to crack down on legally operating marijuana businesses.
What the Research Says About the Health Benefits and Risks of Marijuana
A landmark federal report released in 2017 outlined what’s known about the potential health benefits and risks of marijuana use.
AG Coffman Urges Congress to Update Banking Laws Regarding Legally Operating Marijuana Businesses
DENVER, Jan. 16, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today, Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman joined a bipartisan group of Attorneys General in sending a letter to Congress urging them to take the necessary legislative actions to allow legal marijuana businesses access to banking services.
Hemp Farmers Hope Marijuana Legalization in Canada Will Benefit Business
Hemp growers hope the federal government’s marijuana legislation will allow them to harvest all parts of the hemp plant.
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.
New Hampshire House Gives Preliminary Approval to Legalization Bill
A legalization bill in the state of New Hampshire has just cleared its first legislative hurdle. On Jan. 8, 2018, the state House of Representatives voted to give preliminary approval to an amended version of HB 656, a bill legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.
Lawmaker’s Bill Helps Children Prescribed Medical Marijuana
A Republican lawmaker wants to make accommodations for Maine children prescribed 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.
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.
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.
Indiana Senator Pushes for CBD Oil Legalization
A state senator has filed a bill that would officially legalize the sale and possession of cannabis oil in Indiana.
Congress Extends Critical Medical Marijuana Protections Through January 19
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Congress voted to extend protections for state medical marijuana programs through January 19. The provision, known as the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment, was continued in legislation to fund the government for a month.
Greens to Push for More Caring Medicinal Cannabis Law
WELLINGTON, Dec. 21, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Green Party is supporting the Government’s medicinal cannabis legislation introduced to parliament today, but is encouraging the public to use the select committee process to push for improvements to expand the law.
Wyden Becomes First Senate Cosponsor of Landmark Bill to End Federal Prohibition of Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) today became the first U.S senator to cosponsor Senator Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) landmark bill to end the federal prohibition on marijuana. He announced his support in a Facebook live tonight with Booker.
Hartford City Council Unanimously Endorses Marijuana Legalization
HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — At a meeting Monday evening, the Hartford Court of Common Council voted unanimously in favor of a resolution in support of making cannabis legal and regulated for adults in Connecticut.
House Votes to Extend Critical Medical Marijuana Protections Through December 22
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to extend protections for state medical marijuana programs through December 22.
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee Approves Recreational Pot Rules
San Francisco could have recreational weed for sale the first week of January under legislation signed by San Francisco’s mayor.
Manitoba Introduces Measures to Responsibly Control Retail Sales of Cannabis
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Dec. 5, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Manitoba government is introducing new legislation today that would set out where and how legal cannabis may be sold, with additional measures to protect young Manitobans and empower municipal decision-making, Justice Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.
Travel Writer Rick Steves Makes Case for Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Illinois
Travel writer and public television personality Rick Steves is making the case for legalizing recreational marijuana in the state of Illinois. On Nov. 28, 2017, Steves testified before a joint state House-Senate committee and explained why Illinois should become the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana.
Federal Marijuana Legislation Clears House of Commons, Headed for Senate
MPs passed the Liberal government’s bill to legalize cannabis Monday evening, sending the marijuana legislation down the hall to the Senate for further study and debate.
Travel Writer Rick Steves to Hold News Conference in Support of Ending Marijuana Prohibition in Illinois
CHICAGO, Nov. 27, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Travel guru Rick Steves will visit Illinois on Tuesday to advocate for legislation to make marijuana legal for adults and regulate it similarly to alcohol.
Task Force Discusses Legalization of Medical Marijuana in Kentucky
State officials met Tuesday in hopes to legalize medical marijuana here in Kentucky. A task force lead by Kentucky’s Secretary Of State Alison Lundergan Grimes met in Frankfort Tuesday afternoon to explore the possibilities.
Norton Elated That Republican Senate D.C. Appropriations Bill Contains No Anti-Home-Rule Riders for Third Year in a Row
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced that the Republican Senate fiscal year 2018 District of Columbia appropriations bill does not contain any anti-home-rule riders.
KLCC Announces Confirmation of Categorization for Proposed Cannabis Legislation
KAHNAWAKE, Quebec, Nov. 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Kahnawàke Legislative Coordinating Commission would like to inform the community of the confirmation of Categorization for proposed Cannabis legislation as Type II (laws that are regulatory in nature) in the Community Decision Making Process.
Gardner Joins Effort to Reform Tax Laws on Marijuana Businesses
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today announced he is cosponsoring the Small Business Tax Equity Act introduced by Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
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.
Maryland Black Caucus Plans to Address Racial Diversity in Medical Cannabis Industry
In an effort to increase racial diversity in the state’s medical cannabis industry, the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus has announced plans to introduce a bill during the next legislative session that would award additional medical cannabis licenses to businesses owned by African-Americans.
Greece Hopes Its Economy Can Get High From Medical Weed
Investors in medical cannabis projects are focusing on Greece, where a warm, sunny climate and potentially favorable future legislation could help the government deliver on a promise to pull the country out of a seven-year economic crisis.
Governor Signs Five Bills, Adding PTSD as a Qualifying Condition for Medical Marijuana, Waiving Fees and Improving Services for Veterans, and Creating POW/MIA Memorial
NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed five pieces of legislation to further support New York veterans by improving healthcare and services, as well as memorialize veterans throughout New York State in a number of different ways.
Maine Governor Vetoes Bill to Regulate Recreational Marijuana
On Nov. 3, 2017, Maine Gov. Paul LePage vetoed LD 1650, a bill that would regulate recreational marijuana in the state. In his veto letter, LePage outlined three key concerns and urged legislators to come together and rework the bill.
Government of Canada to Invest in Cannabis Education and Awareness
OTTAWA, Ontario, Oct. 31, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Government of Canada introduced legislation to legalize, strictly regulate and restrict access to cannabis to keep it out of the hands of Canadian youth and the profits from criminals and organized crime.
Vote Hemp Releases 2017 U.S. Hemp Crop Report Documenting Industrial Hemp Cultivation and State Legislation in the U.S.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Vote Hemp, the nation’s leading grassroots hemp advocacy organization working to change state and federal laws to allow commercial hemp farming, has released its 2017 U.S. Hemp Crop Report.
Kahnawake Legislative Coordinating Commission receives second request for Cannabis legislation
KAHNAWAKE, QUEBEC, Oct. 31, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Kahnawàke Legislative Coordinating Commission would like to inform the community that it has received an additional request for legislation regarding Cannabis.
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.
AusCann Welcomes The Passing of Medicinal Cannabis Legislation Amendment
CARABOODA, Western Australia, Oct. 20, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — AusCann Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:AC8 or ‘the Company’) welcomes the passing of the Medicinal Cannabis Legislation Amendment (Securing Patient Access) Bill 2017 (the Bill) in the Senate yesterday.
Legalize Maine Opposes Legislative Rewrite of Marijuana Law
Legalize Maine, the organization behind the Pine Tree State’s successful legalization initiative, has announced its opposition to a measure aimed at rewriting the state’s recreational marijuana laws.
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.
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.”
British Lawmakers Join Protest Tea Party to Support Medicinal Marijuana
Several British lawmakers lent their support to a cannabis tea party on the lawns outside parliament on Tuesday, protesting against legislation that criminalizes use of the drug for medical purposes.
The Rise of Indiana Medical Marijuana Legalization Rallies
With more than half of the United States having medical marijuana laws on the books, the Hoosier State is seeing renewed efforts for Indiana medical marijuana legalization.