WASHINGTON, DC, Feb. 28, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Today the medical cannabis advocacy organization, Americans for Safe Access, released its annual report entitled “Medical Marijuana Access in the United States: A Patient-Focused Analysis of the Patchwork of State Laws.”
Tag Archives: States
D.A.R.E. Unsure of How to Teach Marijuana in Legalized States
As more states legalize cannabis for both medical and recreational use, anti-drug education programs struggle to stay relevant. Particularly, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)—a popular school program—isn’t sure how to adapt to new, sensible drug policies across the United States.
Marijuana Drive-Thru: Could New Jersey Be Next?
A Colorado dispensary opened the first marijuana drive-thru of its kind. Could New Jersey be next if recreational cannabis becomes legal?
What’s Next for Marijuana Industry After Recent Crackdown?
The national movement to legalize marijuana took a big step forward this week – and a big step back. California became the largest state in the nation to permit recreational pot use, but on Thursday Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded Obama-era guidelines meant to limit federal prosecutions. Atlantic senior editor Derek Thompson joins “CBS This Morning: Saturday” to discuss why this situation is so confusing and what this means for business owners in the burgeoning marijuana industry.
Sessions’ Rescinding of the Cole Memo to Have Chilling Effect on Cannabis Public Markets
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that he will rescind “the Cole Memo,” a policy put in place during the Obama Administration which gave guidance to federal prosecutors operating in states where cannabis had been legalized for medical or adult use. New Frontier Data, the authority in business intelligence for the cannabis industry, forecasts this decision will have a chilling effect on the industry.
Congressmen Cohen Condemns Sessions’ Marijuana Decision
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) on Thursday condemned Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to crack down on states whose voters have authorized the medical or recreational use of marijuana. He released the following statement.
ACLU Statement on DOJ Decision to Shift Federal Government’s Role in State Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — The Department of Justice is expected to reverse an Obama-era policy today that discouraged federal prosecutors from bringing charges against marijuana users in states where marijuana is legal.
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.
Polis, leader of Congressional Cannabis Caucus, Condemns Attorney General’s Decision on Marijuana
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., gave the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he would reverse the Cole Memo, and target states – like Colorado – that have legalized marijuana.
US to End Policy That Let Legal Pot Flourish
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Jeff Sessions is rescinding the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states across the country, two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.
With More States Legalizing Recreational Weed, Will Sales in Colorado Suffer?
Colorado’s marijuana sales continue to rise, from more than $683 million sold the first year it was legal to more than $1.2 billion from January to October this year. But with more and more states legalizing recreational cannabis, will sales in Colorado suffer?
These States Are Likely to Legalize Marijuana in 2018
After four of five statewide marijuana legalization ballot initiatives were approved by voters in 2016, no additional states ended cannabis prohibition in 2017 (though New Hampshire did decriminalize possession of the drug and West Virginia allowed its medical use).
Marijuana-Infused Wine Is Coming to Legal Weed States
You like wine. You like weed. But how do you feel about weed wine? As perplexing as that might sound, it’s actually something adults living in legal marijuana states will be able to sip on.
Legal Weed Raked in an Insane Amount of Money in 2017
The legal weed business is growing even faster than most people thought it would when certain U.S. states started legalizing recreational marijuana a few years ago.
U.S. States Tried Decriminalizing Pot Before. Here’s Why It Didn’t Work
In the past five years, eight states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana for adults. Today, 68 million people live in areas where marijuana is treated like alcohol or tobacco.
United States Army Granting Waivers for Marijuana Use to Gain More Recruits
As marijuana legalization sweeps the nation, it is becoming increasingly difficult for military recruiters to find recruits that have not used marijuana. In an effort to gain more recruits, the United States Army has begun to grant waivers for would-be soldiers that have used marijuana in the past.
Members of Congress Urge Extended Protection of State Medical Cannabis Laws
On Nov. 28, 2017, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers sent a letter to congressional leaders, urging them to extend protection of state medical cannabis laws in the 2018 appropriations bill.
These 5 States Had the First Marijuana Laws on the Books
Even though the federal government banned cannabis later, individual states began restricting the sale, consumption, and cultivation of cannabis as early as 1911 by introducing some of the first marijuana laws on the books.
These 10 Are States Most Likely to Pass Medical Marijuana Next
There are currently 29 states in America with some form of legalized medical marijuana. Most politicians have begun to change their minds about the legitimacy of medicinal cannabis. But some states continue to resist efforts to legalize the drug even for medicinal purposes. Here are the 10 states most likely to legalize medical marijuana next.
Nevada Campaign Aims to Deter Moms from Using Marijuana During Pregnancy
In Nevada, state health officials are gearing up to launch a public information campaign to dissuade expectant mothers from using marijuana during pregnancy.
Liquor and Cannabis Board to Hold Public Hearing on Recreational Marijuana Home Grows
OLYMPIA, Sept. 13, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) will hold a public hearing on Wed. Oct. 4, 2017, to receive public input on whether the State should allow home grows of recreational marijuana.
Vermont Governor Launches Marijuana Advisory Commission
On Sept. 7, 2017, Gov. Phil Scott signed Executive Order 15-17, officially launching the Vermont Marijuana Advisory Commission. The commission will explore several options concerning how to successfully legalize recreational marijuana in the state.
House Rules Committee Opts Not to Protect Medical Marijuana
On Sept. 6, 2017, the House Rules Committee decided to block the House of Representatives from voting on an amendment to protect medical marijuana in states that have legalized it.
Reps. Blumenauer and Rohrabacher Statement on House Rules Committee Leadership Decision to Block Vote on Medical Marijuana Protections
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), co-chairs of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, today condemned the decision by House Rules Committee leadership to block their amendment that prevents the Department of Justice from interfering with state medical marijuana laws.
NCIA Statement on House Rules Committee Decision to Block House Vote on Marijuana-related Appropriations Amendments, Including Medical Cannabis Protections
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) executive director Aaron Smith issued the statement below in response to a late-night vote by the House Rules Committee to block the full House from voting on medical marijuana protections and several other cannabis-related amendments during its upcoming consideration of the omnibus Appropriations bill.
Congressional Leadership Blocks Medical Marijuana Vote
WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The U.S. House Rules Committee moved on Wednesday evening to block floor consideration of an amendment to continue an existing rider preventing the Department of Justice from interfering with state medical marijuana laws.
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.
This Is Why a Majority of Washington Recreational Cannabis Isn’t Diverted
Washington recreational cannabis sales and diversion rates took a dip when neighboring Oregon enacted recreational legalization.
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.
Governors of 2 Pot States Push Back on Trump Administration
Governors in at least two states that have legalized recreational marijuana are pushing back against the Trump administration and defending their efforts to regulate the industry.
Marijuana States Try to Curb Smuggling, Avert US Crackdown
Officials suspect pot grown legally in Oregon and other marijuana states is also being smuggled out, and the trafficking is putting America’s multibillion-dollar marijuana industry at risk.
Hispanic Legislators Want Trump Administration to Federally Decriminalize Cannabis
On Aug. 9, 2017, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators announced that it had adopted a resolution that advises the Trump Administration to federally decriminalize cannabis.
Latino Legislators Call for Decriminalizing Cannabis, LGBTQ Rights in Historic Resolutions
BOSTON, Aug. 9, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – For the first time in its history, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) has taken a bold stance on two issues directly related to correcting chronic injustices committed against Latinos and many other Americans.
This Is Why State Legislators Are Urging the Feds to Deschedule Cannabis
On the heels of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, introducing legislation to Congress to deschedule cannabis, the National Conference of State Legislatures adopted a resolution at its summit in Boston on Aug. 7, 2017, urging the federal government to deschedule cannabis by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act.
National Conference of State Legislatures Urges De-Scheduling Marijuana
BOSTON, Aug. 7, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) approved a resolution Monday urging that the Controlled Substances Act should be amended to remove marijuana from scheduling in order to give federally approved banks the ability to work with marijuana businesses.
Huff, Puff, Pass? AG’s Pot Fury Not Echoed by Task Force
The betting was that law-and-order Attorney General Jeff Sessions would come out against the legalized marijuana industry with guns blazing. But the task force Sessions assembled to find the best legal strategy is giving him no ammunition.
Auto Crashes Are on the Rise in Marijuana States
A new study finds an increase in accident insurance claims in three marijuana states that have approved the sale of cannabis for recreational use.
Wyden : Sessions’ Attacks on Medical Marijuana Again Show He only Values States’ Rights When He Thinks States Are Right
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued the following statement after news reports that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions requested that Congressional leaders reverse protections provided to legal marijuana states.
How High are Marijuana Taxes in Your State?
As public support for legalization rises, policymakers are left to figure out the proper way to handle marijuana taxes if their state follows the trend.
Veterans Affairs ‘Interested in Looking at’ Medical Marijuana for Veterans
During a press briefing on May 31, 2017, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin fielded a reporter’s question regarding medical marijuana for veterans.
Medical Marijuana Group Responds to AG Sessions Comments
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Earlier today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions told reporters that “I think medical marijuana has been hyped, maybe too much.”
Sessions Articulates His Stance on Marijuana And Federal Law
During a Feb. 27, 2017, meeting with reporters at the U.S. Justice Department, Attorney General Jeff Sessions gave a new explanation of his views on marijuana and federal law. “Most of you probably know I don’t think America is going to be a better place when more people of all ages and particularly young people start smoking pot,” Sessions said.
Taylor West on MSNBC: Marijuana Policy and the Trump Administration
National Cannabis Industry Association deputy director Taylor West appears on MSNBC to discuss comments made by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, regarding the Justice Department’s approach to state-legal marijuana programs.
Wyden Statement on White House Comments Against Legal Marijuana
MEDFORD, Ore., Feb. 23, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer today made comments disparaging the decisions American voters have made to legalize recreational marijuana in eight states and Washington, D.C.
Polis Statement on Trump Administration’s Stance on Recreational Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) released the following statement after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer suggested that the Trump administration will step up enforcement of federal laws against recreational marijuana.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer Statement on White House Press Sec. Sean Spicer’s Statement on Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today Congressman Earl Blumenauer released the following statement in response to White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer’s statement that the Trump Administration may start “greater enforcement” of adult use of marijuana.
Elizabeth Warren Wants to End Marijuana Banking Crisis
In the wake of a string of marijuana victories at the ballot box, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, is leading the charge to ensure banking access for the legal marijuana industry.
Marijuana Advocates Hitting Trump’s Inauguration With 4,200 Joints
On Jan. 20, 2017, attendees of Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., may get free joints, or at least a contact high, at the presidential ceremony.
Bill Maher on Marijuana During Trump: ‘Don’t Piss Off Your Old Dealer’
Matthew Segal, editor in chief of ATTN:, recently sat down with comedian and talk-show host Bill Maher for an interview. Segal asked, “Are you bullish on the future of marijuana now?” Maher said, “I wasn’t even a year ago.” He said people have tried to get him to invest in marijuana companies or to put his name on products, but he recalled a friend who went to jail on marijuana-related charges in 2000.
Don’t Let the Devil Disrupt the Landlord/Tenant Relationship
The marijuana industry is proving to be profitable for landlords, with businesses willing to pay premium rents. Conversely, it is also complex and has many details from a risk management standpoint.