The Nasdaq Stock Market will list its first cannabis shares on Tuesday, marking a key milestone for an industry that has been rejected by the Trump administration.
Tag Archives: Trump Administration
Senators Murray, Cantwell, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge President Trump to Keep Campaign Promise on State Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 25, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and 52 of their House and Senate colleagues criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind Department of Justice (DOJ) guidance on state marijuana laws, and urged President Trump to adhere to his campaign promise to respect the will of millions of Americans, including over 1.7 million Washingtonians, who have voted to legalize and regulate marijuana.
Auditor General DePasquale Says Pennsylvania Cannot Afford to Lose Out on Marijuana Legalization Benefits
HARRISBURG, Jan. 23, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today said Pennsylvania cannot afford to lose out on economic and social benefits from marijuana legalization as public support grows and more states allow possession of small amounts for personal use.
Pelican State Asks Trump to Protect Louisiana Medical Marijuana
When United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo on Jan. 4, 2018, announcing the reversal of federal marijuana enforcement policy, politicians across the country were outraged, and now the Pelican State has joined in and asked President Donald Trump to protect Louisiana medical marijuana.
Nevada Lawmakers Urge Congress to Change Federal Marijuana Laws
Nevada lawmakers said Tuesday that Congress must address federal marijuana laws following a decision by the Trump administration to lower the barrier on federal prosecutions in states that have decriminalized use for medical and recreational purposes.
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.
Cantwell Statement on Department of Justice Rollback of Cole Memorandum
SEATTLE, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced his decision to rescind the Cole Memorandum, which changes federal enforcement policies regarding marijuana laws.
Senator Murray Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions Ending Common Sense Approach to Legalized Marijuana
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced he rescinded the Cole Memorandum, an Obama Administration directive that allowed states such as Washington to decide how to regulate the use of marijuana.
Gardner Defends States’ Rights on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the reported action being taken by the Justice Department on marijuana legalization enforcement.
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.
Lawmakers: Feds Should Research Medical Marijuana for Military Vets
A group of 10 U.S. House members is pushing the Trump administration to begin researching medical marijuana’s potential benefits for military veterans struggling to cope with war wounds.
Jeff Sessions ‘Can’t Comment’ on Rumors of Marijuana Crackdown Plans
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a longtime opponent of marijuana legalization. But in a radio interview on Thursday he was guarded about the Trump administration’s plans to push back against the growing number of states that are ending cannabis prohibition.
Drug Policy Alliance to Host 2017 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Atlanta, October 11– 14
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — More than 1,500 people will gather in Atlanta, Georgia, October 11 – 14 for DPA’s biennial International Drug Policy Reform Conference (#Reform17) at the Omni Atlanta Hotel @ CNN Center to discuss these issues and much more. Press are invited to attend, and speakers are available for one-on-one interviews.
Trump’s Anti-Drug Office Wants Info on Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Patients
A wing of the Trump Administration’s anti-drug office has reached out to Massachusetts state health officials to request medical information on Massachusetts medical marijuana patients.
Activists Boycotting Cannabis Industry Event Featuring Roger Stone
Activists within the cannabis community are boycotting a major industry event because of the inclusion of self-described “political dirty trickster” Roger Stone as a keynote speaker.
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.
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.
Drug Policy Alliance to Host 2017 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Atlanta, October 11– 14
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — More than 1,500 people will gather in Atlanta, Georgia, October 11 – 14 for DPA’s biennial International Drug Policy Reform Conference (#Reform17) at the Omni Atlanta Hotel @ CNN Center to discuss these issues and much more.
Gala Serves Guests Cannabis-Infused Feast in Sonoma County
Veronica De La Cruz reports on NorCal Canna Cuisine gala served by renowned cannabis cook Jeff the 420 Chef, who is an expert in cannabis-infused foods.
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.
Wisconsinites Cry Foul: Walker Took NCIA Donation While Lobbying for Medicaid Drug Tests
On July 18, 2017, One Wisconsin Now held a press conference in the Wisconsin State Capitol to reveal that the Republican Governors Association, headed by Gov. Scott Walker, accepted a donation from a cannabis trade group as Walker was lobbying to drug test the state’s Medicaid applicants.
Medical Cannabis Advocates Call on Trump Administration to Use all Tools Available to Fight Opiate Crisis
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Today, June 16th, Governor Chris Christie (NJ) will chair the first meeting of the President’s commision on Drug Addiction and Combating Opioid abuse. Americans for Safe Access has submitted comments to the Commission detailing how medical cannabis can be used as a tool in fighting the opioid epidemic.
Governor Wolf Promises to Protect Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Patients from Jeff Sessions
In an effort to protect Pennsylvania medical marijuana patients from federal enforcement actions, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf sent a letter to United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions on June 15, 2017, saying that the federal government should not interfere with the state’s medical marijuana program.
Governor Wolf Vows to Protect PA Medical Marijuana Patients from Federal Government
HARRISBURG, Penn., June 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Governor Tom Wolf today said the federal government should not get in the way of Pennsylvania delivering relief via medical marijuana to suffering children, families and veterans. The letter comes after reports that Attorney General Sessions had personally asked Congress to repeal an amendment that protected state-approved medical marijuana programs from disruption by the federal government.
Jeff Sessions Wants Congress to Let Him Prosecute Medical Marijuana Cases
United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions personally pleaded with Congress to oppose a provision in the federal spending bill that protects medical marijuana providers operating in accordance with state laws from federal enforcement actions so that the Department of Justice can prosecute medical marijuana cases.
Increasing Number of Financial Institutions Banking Marijuana Money
It seems the advent of the Trump Administration has yet to dissuade banks from serving state-legal marijuana businesses. According to a marijuana banking update issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a growing number of financial institutions are banking marijuana money in the United States.
California Could Be a ‘Sanctuary State’ From Federal Marijuana Laws
California moved a step closer Thursday to becoming a “sanctuary state” where local and state police would not assist federal enforcement of marijuana laws.
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.
American Legion Lobbies Trump to Reclassify Marijuana
One of the largest veteran services organizations in the United States is making a push to change marijuana’s status as a Schedule I substance.
Coloradan Members of Congress Intro Bill to Respect State Marijuana Laws
On May 18, 2017, Colorado Reps. Diana DeGette and Mike Coffman introduced legislation to protect state marijuana laws from federal interference. If passed, the bill, “Respect States’ and Citizens’ Rights Act of 2017,” would amend the Controlled Substances Act so that the federal government could not use the CSA to preempt state marijuana laws.
DeGette, Coffman Introduce Bill to Respect States’ Rights on Marijuana
WASHINGTON, May 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Mike Coffman (CO-06) today introduced a bill to ensure that the federal government does not pre-empt state laws on marijuana.
Future of Medical Marijuana Clouded by Trump’s Signing Statement
On May 5, 2017, President Donald Trump signed the 2017 omnibus funding bill, covering the federal government’s funding through Sept. 30. The bill contains a provision that bans the Department of Justice from using funds to enforce federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized medical marijuana; however, Trump issued a signing statement that has clouded the future of medical marijuana.
Reports: Trump Administration Plans to Slash Funding for Drug Czar’s Office
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Today, reports have emerged that the Trump Administration plans to cut the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s budget by nearly 95%.
The Trump Administration’s Reefer Madness on The Daily Show
In honor of 4/20, The Daily Show host, Trevor Noah, breaks down how Attorney General Jeff Sessions is ramping up enforcement of marijuana laws and makes the case that President Trump is always high.
Homeland Security Chief: Marijuana Possession is Grounds for Deportation
WASHINGTON, April 19, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — In a speech yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced that the Trump Administration would use marijuana possession as a reason for deporting immigrants.
Advocates Organize Smoke-In for April 20 on Steps of US Capitol
On April 20, 2017, advocates for the legal marijuana industry plan on staging a mass smoke-in on the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Set to coincide with the 4/20 holiday, the smoke-in is a response to the Trump Administration’s pledges of greater federal marijuana enforcement.
Homeland Security Secretary Changes Tune on Marijuana
It only took Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly two days to change his tune on marijuana. On April 16, 2017, in an interview with Chuck Todd, host of NBC’s Meet the Press, Kelly said, “Marijuana is not a factor in the drug war.” Fast forward to two days later and Kelly is singing a different song.
Poll: Majority of Americans Support Medical Marijuana Legalization
On April 17, 2017, “Weed & the American Family,” a poll conducted by The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion and Yahoo News, revealed data points on Americans’ perspectives regarding legalization, the evolution of social norms and how marijuana affects relationships.
On Weed, DHS Chief and Attorney General Could Hardly be Further Apart
On weed, DHS Chief John Kelly and Attorney General Jeff Sessions could hardly be further apart in their views on the drug. Sessions wants to revive the war on drugs- a far cry from what Kelly said about the drug Sunday.
US Marijuana Index Trends Down After Attorney General’s Memo
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo on April 5, 2017, outlining the mission of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety, including the creation of a subcommittee to review marijuana enforcement policies, and it did not go unnoticed by public market participants.
Attorney General’s Task Force to Review Marijuana Enforcement Policies
On April 5, 2017, the Department of Justice announced that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had issued a memo with an update on the DOJ’s Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety, including the move to review marijuana enforcement policies.
Governors Urge Trump to Respect State Marijuana Laws
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2017 /Weed Wire/ – Today, the governors of the first four states to have regulated cannabis sales for all adults sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, urging the Trump Administration to maintain existing policies related to the enforcement of federal marijuana laws.
Cannabis Banking in California: Cole Memo Co-Author’s Recommendations
On March 27, 2017, California’s Cannabis Banking Working Group held a meeting at Oakland City Hall in Oakland, Calif., to address possible solutions to resolve the state-federal banking issue for California’s legal marijuana businesses. California State Treasurer John Chiang announced the Cannabis Banking Working Group back on Dec. 2, 2016, and today’s event marked the…
Senator Wants California Legislature to Urge Trump to Reschedule Marijuana
On March 21, 2017, California Sen. Jeff Stone, R-Temecula, presented a resolution to the Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety that would have the California State Legislature urge the United States Congress to pass legislation to reschedule marijuana and have President Donald Trump sign it.
Horwitz and a Hopeful View of the Trump Effect
The second day at the California Cannabis Business Expo, Monday, March 6, kicked off with a discussion of the “Trump effect,” by Lawrence W. Horwitz, of Horwitz + Armstrong, a law firm and professional corporation headquartered in Lake Forest, California.
Why Trump Could Be Good For The Cannabis Industry
“The Trump effect is good news for the cannabis industry,” said lawyer Lawrence Horwitz at the California Cannabis Business Expo in San Diego on Monday. That comment shocked many attendees who fear that the Trump administration is going to crack down on recreational marijuana.
Senators Ask Sessions to Uphold DOJ’s Policy on State Marijuana Laws
When White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer commented on the potential of “greater enforcement” of federal marijuana law under the Trump Administration, the industry reacted immediately. Now, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has penned a letter in an effort to protect the recreational marijuana industry.
Medical Marijuana, Inc. Clarifies Operations Unaffected by White House Statements Hinting at Recreational Marijuana Crackdown
SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 1, 2017/Weed Wire/ — Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, is reassuring customers, shareholders, and the public that the company’s operations in the federally legal hemp cannabidiol (CBD) market are unaffected by recent statements from Trump administration officials hinting at a crackdown on recreational marijuana.
Marijuana Stocks Trend Down in Light of Trump Administration’s Remarks
While President Donald Trump vowed on his campaign trail to let states decide the fate of marijuana legalization, recent comments by the Trump Administration seem to negate his campaign promise and have created a ripple effect in the public cannabis markets.
Legislation Introduced to Decriminalize Marijuana Federally
On Feb. 27, 2017, Congressman Tom Garrett, R-Va., introduced the “Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017,” to the House of Representatives. If passed, the bill, H.R. 1227, would decriminalize marijuana federally by removing it from the federal controlled substances list.