NYPD officials acknowledged a “troubling” racial gap in people they’re arresting for marijuana — but defended their enforcement efforts, saying they’re responding to residents complaining about people smoking pot.
Tag Archives: City Council
Judge Overturns Detroit Medical Cannabis Initiative
In the city of Detroit, the group Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform is weighing its legal options after Wayne County Circuit Judge Robert Colombo, Jr., overturned Measure B, a Detroit medical cannabis initiative aimed at relaxing local control on the city’s medical cannabis industry, on Feb. 16, 2018.
Jackson City Council Votes Unanimously to Decriminalize Marijuana, Heads to Mayor’s Desk
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Yesterday the City Council of Jackson, Mississippi voted unanimously to decriminalize marijuana, amending Chapter 86, Article III in the City of Jackson Code of Ordinances to effectively limit the maximum penalty for possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis to a $100 fine, with no prison time.
Detroit City Council Approves Moratorium on New Medical Cannabis Licenses
Entrepreneurs hoping to open medical cannabis dispensaries in Detroit, Michigan, will have to put their plans on hold for the time being. On Feb. 13, 2018, the Detroit City Council voted to impose a 180-day moratorium on new medical cannabis licenses and permits.
Santa Barbara to Welcome 5 Recreational Cannabis Shops
On Nov. 21, 2017, California’s Santa Barbara City Council approved an ordinance to amend the city municipal code to allow five recreational cannabis shops within city limits, as well as voting to ease requirements for onsite security officers, permit an unlimited number of wholesale cannabis operations and allow residents to cultivate one cannabis plant outdoors and five indoors.
Ordinance Passes to Limit Operations of Cleveland Medical Marijuana Businesses
Prospective Cleveland medical marijuana businesses may have to start looking outside of Forest City if they hope to have a chance for business progress and prosperity.
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.”
Oregon Man Withdraws Petition for Local Cannabis Sales Because of Threats
An Oregon man has withdrawn his petition to legalize local cannabis sales within the city limits of Klamath Falls.
Atlanta City Council Votes Unanimously to Decriminalize Marijuana, Heads to Mayor’s Desk
ATLANTA, Oct. 3, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Monday afternoon, after two hours of debate amongst the city council members – the Atlanta city council voted unanimously 15-0 to pass Ordinance 17-O-1152. This legislation makes the possession of marijuana under one ounce a non-arrestable offense and lowers the fine to a maximum ticket of $75.
This Is Why Atlanta Marijuana Decriminalization Passed City Council Unanimously
After months of local and committee debate, Atlanta marijuana decriminalization is now a reality in Georgia’s capital. The Atlanta City Council approved the decriminalization ordinance on Oct. 2, 2017, reducing the penalty of simple marijuana possession from a $1,000 fine and up to six months in prison to a $75 fine and no imprisonment.
Kwanza Hall Legislation to Reclassify Marijuana in Atlanta Passes City Council Unanimously
ATLANTA, Oct. 2, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Today, Kwanza Hall passed legislation (17-O-1152) he introduced March 20 in Atlanta City Council that will dramatically reduce the penalty for marijuana possession and make it a non-arrestable offense.
Kwanza Hall Asks #BLM and Hip Hop Leaders to Help Reform Marijuana Laws
ATLANTA, GA, Sept. 28, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Kwanza Hall is working to build city-wide support for passage of legislation he introduced March 20 in Atlanta City Council that would dramatically reduce the penalty for marijuana possession and make it a non-arrestable offense.
Atlanta Public Safety Committee Approves Cannabis Decriminalization Ordinance
On Sept. 26, 2017, in Georgia, the Atlanta Public Safety Committee voted 3-1 in favor of a cannabis decriminalization ordinance that would reduce the penalty for cannabis possession.
Kwanza Hall Marijuana Legislation Passes in Committee
ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — After a fifteen-month effort, Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall has successfully taken the first steps to pass legislation making possession of marijuana less than an ounce a non-jailable offense.
Los Angeles City Council Committee Approves Revised Cannabis Regulations
On Sept. 25, 2017, a Los Angeles City Council committee approved revised draft regulations for the city’s cannabis industry. While the original draft regulations were released on June 8, the revised version wasn’t released until Sept. 22, giving industry members little time to prepare for the meeting on Sept. 25.
This Is Why Illegal Sacramento Marijuana Grows Will Be Eradicated
With approximately 1,000 homes having been converted for illegal residential cultivation, illegal Sacramento marijuana grows have become a public safety concern for California’s capital city.
First Look at the Los Angeles Cannabis Commission Approved by City Council
While Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti named Cat Packer, a former policy coordinator at the Drug Policy Alliance, as the Department of Cannabis Regulation’s executive director on Aug. 9, 2017, the Los Angeles City Council approved Garcetti’s selection of Packer at its meeting on Aug. 16, as well as approving five members for the Los Angeles Cannabis Commission.
Cincinnati Expected to Approve Cultivation, Processing of MMJ
The grass may be greener, or at least more lucrative, in Cincinnati than in some of the suburbs. Cincinnati city council is poised to approve cultivation and processing of medical marijuana within city limits.
Los Angeles Issues Dispensary Map, Draft Business Regs and Zoning Ordinance
In the span of two days, the City of Los Angeles has taken three important steps toward regulating its legal cannabis market—issuing a cannabis dispensary map, draft commercial cannabis regulations and a proposed zoning ordinance.
California Roll Out: Oakland Medical Cannabis Permit Application Now Available
On May 23, 2017, in California, the Oakland medical cannabis permit application was released for those interested in cultivating, manufacturing, distributing, delivering, transporting and testing medical cannabis.
City of Oakland Releases Medical Cannabis Permit Applications
Oakland, Calif., May 23, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Today, the City of Oakland released its Medical Cannabis Permit Application for individuals interested in cultivating, manufacturing, delivering, distributing, testing or transporting medical cannabis in Oakland.
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.
Pasadena Ponders Shutting Off Utilities at Illegal Marijuana Dispensaries
Pasadena, Calif., is considering an ordinance that would shut off the utilities of illegal marijuana dispensaries operating within the city. On May 15, 2017, the city council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance’s first reading; if approved at its second reading, the ordinance could go into effect as soon as June of this year.
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.
Reno Rejects Recreational Marijuana Moratorium
On April 26, 2017, the Reno City Council rejected a measure that would have imposed a six month moratorium on recreational marijuana dispensaries. The council decided to abandon the moratorium after speaking with local dispensary owners.
Marijuana Prohibitionist Spends 4/20 Criticizing Legalization
Coinciding with the national marijuana holiday of 4/20, a notorious marijuana prohibitionist blasted efforts to legalize marijuana nationwide while speaking at a drug abuse summit in Atlanta, Georgia.
Holy Smokes Batman—Costa Mesa May Enact a $50K Medical Marijuana Price Tag
Today, April 18, 2017, at 7 p.m., Costa Mesa City Council is expected to adopt Resolution No. 17-30, setting fees for the permitting of medical marijuana businesses pursuant to Measure X.
Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance Fails in Atlanta City Council
WASHINGTON, April 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Yesterday the Atlanta City Council failed to pass Ordinance 17-O-1152, which would have decriminalized marijuana in the city. After hearing from many Atlanta residents the ordinance was referred to the Public Safety Committee for a further review in a 10-4 vote.
Sacramento Taking Steps to Regulate Marijuana Businesses
On Tuesday, the City Council passed two ordinances relating to marijuana manufacturing and testing businesses. Business owners will be able to apply for a permit beginning May 4.
Marijuana Growers in Sacramento: Application Window Opens April 3
On March 11, 2017, in California, the city of Sacramento announced that it will begin accepting cultivation applications for non-residential medical marijuana cultivation on April 3.
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.
Oversight in Cali: Los Angeles Approves Cannabis Licensing Commission
On March 22, 2017, the Los Angeles City Council approved a motion for the city to create the Cannabis Licensing Commission, with the commission being responsible for the oversight of the city’s recreational cannabis licensing process.
City of Sacramento to Start Accepting Marijuana Cultivation Applications on April 3
SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 11, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The City of Sacramento will start accepting applications for non-residential marijuana cultivation on April 3rd after the City Council lifted the temporary moratorium on cultivation, and approved the remaining components of its cultivation regulations at the March 7th meeting.
Advanced Nutrients CEO Forced to Cancel Marijuana Super Bowl Party
Due to the actions of the LAPD and City Council, the owner of Advanced Nutrients’ Super Bowl Party was cancelled. In a press conference, Michael “Big Mike” Straumietis explains what actions will follow the stop-work order that was issued this past weekend.
Progress in Cali: San Diego Approves Recreational Marijuana Sales
While several municipalities in California have enacted temporary bans on recreational marijuana and others have yet to decide the fate of the state’s newly legalized industry, America’s Finest City has just become the first city in San Diego County to approve recreational marijuana sales.
Enforcement in Cali: Two Dispensaries Raided in Santa Ana
On Jan. 26, 2017, California’s Santa Ana Police Department raided two dispensaries, Sky High and Elevated Dreams, for operating without local business licenses.
Riding High in Bridgetown: Portland Approves Marijuana Couriers
On Dec. 22, 2016, Oregon’s Portland City Council voted unanimously to amend its marijuana business regulations, creating a license for marijuana retail couriers.
Tennessee AG Says Pot Ordinance Conflicts With State Law
The Tennessee Attorney General released an opinion statement saying Metro Nashville’s marijuana decriminalization ordinance has got to go.
Denver Passes Measure Allowing Social Use of Marijuana
Initiative 300, a ballot initiative legalizing the social use of marijuana at certain businesses in Denver, Colorado, has been passed.
Orlando Extends Medical Marijuana Dispensary Ban
On Nov. 14, 2016, the Orlando City Council voted to extend a temporary ban on new medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.
Caution in Cali: San Jose Bans Retail Cannabis Before Prop 64 Vote
On Nov. 1, 2016, San Jose City Council adopted an urgency ordinance, amending Title 20 of the San Jose Municipal Code to ban retail cannabis ahead of the state’s vote next week on legalizing cannabis for adult use.
Marijuana Collectives Can Now Make Deliveries in San Jose
On Oct. 19, 2016, San Jose City Council passed an ordinance amending the San Jose Municipal Code, allowing the city’s 16 registered collectives to have delivery services, two cultivation facilities and one dispensing-only location.
Denver Ballot Initiative Reignites Social Use Debate
Initiative 300, a ballot initiative in Denver, Colorado, is reigniting the debate over whether to allow social use of marijuana in city businesses.
Progress in Tennessee: Memphis Decriminalizes Marijuana
On Oct. 4, 2016, the Memphis City Council voted to approve a city ordinance that would allow city police the discretion of issuing civil fines for the possession of marijuana, making Memphis the second city in Tennessee to decriminalize marijuana.
Nashville, Tenn., Passes Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance
Nashville, Tenn., has passed an ordinance that allows police officers leeway in charging people with possession of marijuana. The city’s new decriminalization legislation allows officers to give a penalty of either a $50 fine or 10 hours of community service to people in possession of half an ounce or less of marijuana.
Cannabis Club Officially Approved in Colorado Springs
On Sept. 16, 2016, the Speakeasy Club became the first officially licensed cannabis club in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Akron Places Moratorium on Medical Marijuana
On Sept. 12, 2016, the city council of Akron, Ohio, voted unanimously to place a moratorium on the sale of medical marijuana within its city limits.
Memphis City Council Committee Takes Step for Decriminalization
On Aug. 23, 2016, a Memphis City Council committee voted 5-2 to pass a marijuana decriminalization ordinance to decriminalize simple possession.
Residents of Los Angeles Support Legal Medical Marijuana Delivery
On Aug. 17, 2016, a new poll announced that residents of Los Angeles overwhelmingly support policy reform to allow patients access to medical marijuana delivery in the city.