The debate to legalize recreational marijuana is gaining momentum across Maryland, but some are urging lawmakers to slow down the process.
Tag Archives: Marijuana Policy Project
Medical Marijuana Patients in Pennsylvania Can Begin Legally Obtaining Their Medicine Today
BERHARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 15, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Medical marijuana sales began in Pennsylvania today, allowing certified patients to obtain their medicine legally for the first time. Six out of the 10 dispensaries that have been approved to operate were set to open their doors, and up to 81 more dispensaries are expected to open across the state over the next few months.
Michigan Pot Legalization Push Faces New Opposition
A campaign to legalize and commercialize recreational marijuana in Michigan is facing opposition from a national group that has fought similar proposals in other states around the country.
New Report Finds Thousands of Marijuana Citations Issued Since Possession Decriminalized
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I., Feb. 8, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — A new report compiled by Peter Phipps, a professor of journalism at the University of Rhode Island, and students in his Media and Law course found that Rhode Island police officers continue to devote resources to enforcing laws against marijuana even after possession of small amounts was decriminalized in 2013.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott Signs Bill Making Marijuana Legal
MONTPELIER, VT, Jan. 22, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — On Monday, Gov. Phil Scott officially signed a bill into law that makes marijuana legal for adults in Vermont.
New Hampshire House Approves Marijuana Legalization Bill; Referred to Ways & Means Committee
CONCORD, N.H., Jan. 9, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — The New Hampshire House of Representatives approved a bill to make marijuana legal for adults on Tuesday by a vote of 207-139.
Vermont House Passes Bill to Make Marijuana Legal for Adults; Senate Expected to Concur
MONTPELIER, Jan 4., 2018 /Weed Wire/ MONTPELIER — A Senate-approved bill that would make marijuana legal for adults in Vermont was passed by the Vermont House of Representatives on Thursday with minor amendments.
Attorney General Rescinds Department of Justice Policy Regarding Federal Marijuana Enforcement
WASHINGTON, Jan. 04, 2018 /Weed Wire/ —Attorney General Jeff Sessions has rescinded the Department of Justice policy that directed federal law enforcement not to target individuals or businesses that are in compliance with state law.
Vermont Will Legalize Marijuana Within Weeks, Officials Indicate
Vermont appears poised to become the next state to legalize marijuana. And, according to top elected officials, it is likely to do so within a matter of weeks.
Maryland Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Are Running Out of Pot
Maryland citizens interested in buying medical marijuana days after the launch of a state-sanctioned program may already be out of luck.
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.
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.
Marijuana Policy Project Announces Leadership Changes, Begins National Search for New Executive Director
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Marijuana Policy Project, the nation’s leading marijuana policy reform organization, has announced changes to its leadership structure.
Amesbury Voters Reject Ban on Marijuana Stores
BOSTON, Nov. 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – In a local election held Tuesday, Amesbury voters rejected a proposed ban on marijuana retail stores by a margin of 2,046 to 1,133.
Key Drivers of Amendment 64 to Host Event Celebrating Five Years of Legal Marijuana in Colorado
DENVER, Oct. 30, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) will host an event to celebrate five years of legal marijuana in Colorado, during which attendees will be able to take part in a conversation with the main architects and proponents of the Amendment 64 initiative.
Gallup Poll: Support for Legalization Reaches All-Time High
Support for legalizing recreational marijuana in the United States has reached an all time high. According to a new a Gallup poll, 64% of Americans support legalizing recreational marijuana, compared to 60% last year and 58% in 2015.
New Gallup Poll Finds Record Support for Making Marijuana Legal in U.S. – 64%
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – A new Gallup poll released Wednesday shows support for making marijuana legal in the U.S. has reached a record level of 64%, up from 60% last year and 50% in 2011.
New Hampshire’s Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Takes Effect TOMORROW
CONCORD, N.H., Sept. 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — New Hampshire’s bill decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana will officially take effect on Saturday, making New Hampshire the 22nd state in the nation — and the last of the New England states — to eliminate the possibility of jail time for simple marijuana possession.
Federal Government Survey Shows Teen Marijuana Use Dropped in 2016
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – The annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health released Thursday by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that teen marijuana use rates decreased nationally in 2016
These 5 States Are the Least Likely to Legalize Marijuana
Marijuana legalization is gaining momentum across America, but not all states are making progress. Although the number of states where recreational weed is legal could double from 8 to 16 in 2018, it might take decades for other districts to get onboard with reform.
New York State Health Department Issues Improved Medical Marijuana Regulations
On Aug. 10, 2017, the New York State Department of Health revealed new regulations for the state’s medical marijuana program. The improved regulations were made in an effort to expand the program, aiming to create a more positive experience for all parties involved.
Department Of Health Proposes Regulations That Would Expand New York’s Medical Marijuana Program
The Department of Health just announced the issuance of new proposed regulations that would make changes to the state’s medical marijuana program to improve access. Among other things, they would reduce some of the onerous security requirements for registered organizations, shorten the length of the medical marijuana course certifying practitioners must take from four hours to two, and allow additional types of medical marijuana products to be sold.
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.
Department of Justice Task Force Recommends Against Targeting State-Legal Marijuana Providers
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — A Dept. of Justice task force subcommittee on marijuana policy is not recommending any policy changes that would target state-legal marijuana programs or businesses operating in compliance with state laws, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Cards Against Humanity and Marijuana Policy Project Announce Partnership in Campaign for Decriminalization
CHICAGO, Aug. 3, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Cards Against Humanity and the Marijuana Policy Project are partnering to support an effort to legalize and regulate marijuana use among adults in Illinois.
Gov. Baker Signs Marijuana Compromise Bill
BOSTON, July 28, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Gov. Charlie Baker today signed the marijuana compromise bill sent to him last week by the Legislature, setting the stage for creation of the regulatory structure to oversee legal marijuana sales in Massachusetts.
Poll of Likely Utah Voters Shows 73% Support for a Medical Cannabis Ballot Initiative Next Year
SALT LAKE CITY, July 28, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — A February poll of 402 Utahns found that 73% of voters support a medical cannabis ballot initiative, with only 20% opposed and 7% undecided.
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.
Gov. Chris Sununu Signs New Hampshire Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Into Law
Gov. Chris Sununu signed a bill into law Tuesday that will decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in New Hampshire.
Massachusetts House and Senate Reach Compromise on Legalization Implementation Bill
BOSTON, Mass., July 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — After weeks of talks and missed deadlines, legislators in Massachusetts have reached an agreement on legislation that will make changes to Question 4, the law to regulate marijuana for adults that was approved by voters in November 2016.
Marijuana Reform Advocates Ask Gov. Sununu to Veto Marijuana Study Commission Bill
CONCORD, N.H., July 13, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, advocates for legalizing and regulating marijuana in New Hampshire sent a letter to Gov. Chris Sununu asking him to veto HB 215, a bill that would create a study commission to consider marijuana legalization and regulation.
Marijuana Legalization Hits 100,000 Signature Milestone
LANSING, Mich., July 10, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Supporters of marijuana legalization announced today that the signature collection effort is running ahead of schedule with more than 100,000 signatures collected to-date.
This Recent Bank Development Could Signal Danger for Marijuana Stocks
One decision by a major bank could mean trouble in the not-too-distant future for marijuana stocks.
Delaware General Assembly Creates Task Force to Explore Regulating and Taxing Marijuana for Adult Use
DOVER, Del., July 1, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The General Assembly passed a concurrent resolution Saturday morning to create a task force that will study regulating and taxing marijuana for adult use in Delaware.
Legal Adult Marijuana Sales to Begin in Nevada on Saturday
LAS VEGAS, June 29, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Legal adult marijuana sales will begin in Nevada on Saturday, making it the fifth state in the nation to establish a regulated marijuana market for adults.
Bipartisan Bill to End Federal Prohibition of Medical Marijuana Reintroduced in U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — U.S. Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Corey Booker (D-NJ), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) reintroduced a bill Thursday that would end the federal prohibition of medical marijuana. Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) also signed on to the legislation as original co-sponsors.
In Hawaii, Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Faced With Mounting Delays
Medical marijuana dispensaries are beginning to open in Hawaii, but they’re not allowed to sell their products.
Regulate Rhode Island and Legislative Allies Propose Incremental Legalization as Compromise
PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Regulate Rhode Island and allied legislators are announcing a new proposal they call “incremental legalization.”
Maryland Court of Appeals Puts Medical Marijuana Lawsuit on Hold
On June 2, 2017, the Maryland Court of Appeals put a medical marijuana lawsuit on hold that stands to potentially delay the roll out of the state’s medical marijuana program.
Maine Legislature Passes Bill to Fund the Implementation of the Marijuana Legalization Initiative and Change the Agency That Will Regulate Marijuana for Adult Use
AUGUSTA, Maine, May 25, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Maine Legislature has passed a bill to fund the implementation of the successful 2016 marijuana legalization initiative and change the agency that will regulate marijuana for adult use.
Gov. Phil Scott Vetoes Historic Bill That Would Have Made Marijuana Legal for Adults in Vermont, Offers ‘Path Forward’ for Compromise During Summer Veto Session
May 24, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Gov. Phil Scott announced Wednesday he is vetoing a bill that would have made marijuana legal for adults in Vermont, but offered “a path forward” for passing it later this year.
Proposed Connecticut Budget Bill Adds Cannabis Legalization
In a Connecticut budget bill introduced on May 16, 2017, Democrats included legalizing, regulating and taxing recreational marijuana. According to the Marijuana Policy Project, the proposal would allow adults 21 and older to buy marijuana from dispensaries.
New Hampshire Senate Passes Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana Possession
CONCORD, N.H., May 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The state Senate passed a bill Thursday (17-6) that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana in New Hampshire.
Delaware House Committee Approves Bill to Regulate and Tax Marijuana Like Alcohol
DOVER, Del., May 10, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Delaware House Revenue and Finance Committee approved a bill Wednesday (9-2) that would make marijuana legal for adults and regulate it similarly to alcohol. HB 110, also known as the Delaware Marijuana Control Act, will now be considered by the full House of Representatives.
Vermont Legislature Passes Bill to Make Marijuana Legal for Adults; Historic Measure Now Headed to the Governor’s Desk
MONTPELIER, V.T., May 10, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — A bill that would make marijuana legal for adults in Vermont has received final approval from state legislators and is headed to the desk of Gov. Phil Scott.
Vermont Senate Passes Bill That Would Eliminate Penalties for Adult Marijuana Possession and Cultivation, Create a Study Commission to Consider Regulating and Taxing Marijuana
MONTPELIER, VT., May 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – The Vermont Senate passed a bill on Friday that would make personal possession and cultivation of small amounts of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older beginning in July 2018.
Proposal to Fix Texas Medical Marijuana Program Advances With Committee Approval in House of Representatives
AUSTIN, Texas, May 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – The Texas House of Representatives Committee on Public Health approved a bill Friday afternoon (7-2) that would fix the state’s currently unworkable medical marijuana program and make the unnecessarily restrictive law more inclusive.
Justice Department Will Continue to Be Prohibited From Interfering in State Medical Marijuana Laws Under New Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Justice Department will continue to be prohibited from interfering in state medical marijuana laws under the federal spending bill passed Thursday in the Senate.
MMJ Providers Seek First Chance at Retail Sales in Maine
Medical marijuana dispensaries and caregivers are quietly lobbying state lawmakers to allow them to sell pot to recreational users before retail cannabis stores open in Maine next year.
Feedback Will Shape Efforts to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 12, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — At a press conference today, State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) announced plans to hold the first subject matter hearing on the topic at 12 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, in the Bilandic building.