Efforts to legalize medical cannabis in Tennessee have gotten some unexpected support from state House Speaker Beth Harwell. On Feb. 27, 2018, Harwell voted to break a tie in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee in favor of HB 1749 / SB 1710, also known as the Medical Cannabis Act. Under the proposed measure, medical cannabis…
Tag Archives: State
Vermont Weighs Saliva Tests to Screen Drivers for Marijuana
A bill that would allow police to test a driver’s saliva for marijuana is being considered by Vermont lawmakers as the state prepares to legalize the drug.
DPH Suspends Retail Sales at Medical Marijuana Dispensary Healthy Pharms
BOSTON, Feb. 26, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has suspended retail sales of all medical marijuana products at Healthy Pharms, Inc., a Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD), until further notice.
Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Program Off to Rough Start
The Pennsylvania medical cannabis program had a rough start as retail sales began on Feb. 15, 2018. The opening weekend was marked by long lines and short supply as Cresco Yeltrah was the only medical cannabis supplier able to provide products to dispensaries during the state’s first week of sales.
Study Finds MMJ Laws Do Not Increase Adolescent Cannabis Use
Although a majority of Americans support medical cannabis, a small segment of the population still opposes its legalization for fear that it will lead to an increase in adolescent cannabis use; however, according to a new study published in the journal Addiction, that fear may be unfounded.
Bills Directing Cannabis Growing in Utah to Go Before Full Senate
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday approved a pair of bills promoting the growth of full-strength marijuana in the state and terminally ill patients’ right to try medicinal cannabis products.
Wolf Administration Approves 11th Grower/Processor to Begin Operation
HARRISBURG, Penn., Feb. 22, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Governor Tom Wolf today announced the Pennsylvania Department of Health has approved AGRiMED Industries in Carmichaels, Greene County, to begin operations, bringing the statewide total to 11 grower/processors.
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.
California Cannabis Surety Bond Program Approved by Insurance Commissioner
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has been on a mission to ensure state-legal cannabis businesses have commercial insurance coverage and with his announcement of the first California cannabis surety bond program on Feb. 21, 2018, he continues to make progress.
Failed Applicants Sue Ohio Over Medical Cannabis Licensing Process
More strife is on the horizon for Ohio’s troubled medical cannabis program. On Feb. 20, 2018, a group of unsuccessful medical cannabis applicants, led by Jimmy Gould of CannAscend Ohio LLC, filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s medical cannabis licensing process.
Officials Meet at New Jersey Cannabusiness Association Seminar
On Feb. 20, 2018, the New Jersey Cannabusiness Association sponsored a seminar which had 250 state and local government officials in attendance.
Ohio Adults Smoking More Weed While Teen Marijuana Use Remains Low
Wacky tobaccy. Weed. Dank. Hippie lettuce — call it what you want. Ohio adults are smoking more of it.
Delaware Cannabis Task Force Poised to Vote on Final Report
A Delaware legislative task force charged with studying the effects and implications of legalizing recreational cannabis has written its final report, but the question remains whether the 25-member task force will vote to release the report.
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.
CDOT Launches Campaign to Combat Cannabis-Impaired Driving
In an effort to combat cannabis-impaired driving, the Colorado Department of Transportation has launched a new prevention campaign that invites state residents to share their opinions and habits on driving with cannabis.
City of Seattle to Erase Marijuana Misdemeanors
In a municipal move signifying the dying war on drugs, the city of Seattle is going to vacate convictions and dismiss charges for marijuana misdemeanors. Former U.S. Attorney and Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and City Attorney Pete Holmes made the announcement during a press conference on Feb. 8, 2018.
Enrollment Gaining in New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program
The New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program started 2018 on a high note, with the most enrolled patients it has ever had. As the month of January came to an end, the program had 47,840 registered patients, a nearly 50% increase from January 2017.
Oregon Audit Reveals Weaknesses in OLCC Cannabis Tracking
Oregon’s cannabis market has been scrutinized over the past year and with the recent release of a state cannabis audit, scrutiny of the state’s cannabis tracking and licensing systems has intensified.
OLCC Response to Secretary of State IT Audit: Improvements in Process, More Changes Planned, Implementation Scheduled
PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 7, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – The Oregon Liquor Control Commission values transparency and acknowledges that many of the findings released today in the Oregon Secretary of State’s Information Technology audit of the OLCC accurately reflect the current condition of the agency’s IT portfolio, but that the overall health of the agency’s IT infrastructure remains sound.
Secretary of State Dennis Richardson Releases Audit of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission
SALEM, Ore., Feb. 7, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Today, Secretary of State Dennis Richardson released an audit of The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). The audit titled: Cannabis Information Systems Properly Functioning but Monitoring and Security Enhancements are Needed found that OLCC has taken positive steps to establish information systems for recreational marijuana regulation.
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Seeking Input From Counties
In an effort to hear what the public thinks about the proposed recreational cannabis regulations, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is traveling from county to county to gather feedback.
New Mexico Senate Rules Committee Approves Legalization Bill
Recreational cannabis might be heading for the New Mexico ballot in 2018. On Feb. 2, 2018, the New Mexico Senate Rules Committee voted 4-3 to approve Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino’s Senate Joint Resolution 4, a measure which would allow state residents to vote on cannabis legalization in the next general election.
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.
Alaska’s Marijuana Tax Revenue Falls Short Two Months in a Row
A new report has confirmed that Alaska’s marijuana tax revenue fell short two months in a row. The dip started in November 2017 and continued downward through December 2017.
Maine Governor Agrees to Delay Implementation of Controversial Medical Cannabis Rules
Controversial rules regulating Maine’s medical cannabis program will not go into effect as scheduled. On Jan. 31, 2018, Gov. Paul LePage agreed to delay implementation of the medical cannabis rules, which would have gone into effect on Feb. 1, 2018, until May 2018.
California Treasurer Studying Possibility of Creating a Public Cannabis Bank
United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions may have reversed federal marijuana enforcement policy, but that isn’t stopping the Golden State from studying how to move forward with creating a public cannabis bank to serve the state’s legal cannabis industry.
Treasurer Announces Next Steps in Exploring Creation of a Public Bank to Serve State’s Cannabis Industry
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 30, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — California State Treasurer John Chiang today announced next steps in determining the potential of a public bank to service the cannabis industry in California.
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.
Case Challenging Florida Medical Cannabis Smoking Ban Moves Forward
A lawsuit challenging a ban on Florida medical cannabis smoking has been given the approval to proceed, but one of the key players in the suit will have to drop out.
As Oklahoma Nears Medical Marijuana Vote, Some Already Using CBD Oil
Soon, Oklahomans will vote on legalizing medical marijuana, but many are already finding relief with CBD oil.
Judge Hears Case Challenging Florida Medical Marijuana Smoking Ban
Should Florida medical marijuana patients be allowed to smoke their medicine? That’s the question a Leon County Circuit Judge must decide.
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.
Hertzberg Introduces Legislation to Establish Framework for Cannabis Banking
SACRAMENTO, Jan. 25, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, introduced legislation today to help financial institutions safely conduct transactions with cannabis businesses.
OLCC Stiffens Penalties for Underage Sales of Marijuana
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 26, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – The Oregon Liquor Control Commission today approved a temporary rule increasing the penalties for marijuana retail licensees that sell marijuana to minors. The rule includes a provision to revoke an individual’s marijuana worker permit if the permittee intentionally sells marijuana to a minor.
Keystone State Auditor General Advocating for Pennsylvania Legalization
While the Keystone State’s medical marijuana program has only just begun, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale is ready for Pennsylvania legalization to tap into the recreational market to benefit the state budget, reduce the costs associated with simple possession arrests, curb the opioid epidemic and create jobs.
Nevada Tax Department Taking Steps to Address Issues Surrounding Testing Facilities
The Nevada Tax Department is taking steps to address issues with state-licensed cannabis testing facilities. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, four of the the state’s nine licensed cannabis testing facilities have been suspended in the last five months.
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.
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Mandating Review of New Jersey’s Medical Marijuana Policy
TRENTON, N.J., Jan. 23, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Governor Phil Murphy today signed an Executive Order directing the New Jersey Department of Health and the Board of Medical Examiners to review the state’s existing medical marijuana program. The goal of the review is to eliminate barriers to access for patients who suffer from illnesses that could be treated with medical marijuana.
Montana Reminds Medical Marijuana Providers to Pay Taxes
Montana will send notices to remind medical marijuana providers to pay taxes after less than half of the providers that paid taxes last fall paid again.
Poll: Record Number Want Georgia Medical Marijuana Program Expanded
Support for expanding the Georgia medical marijuana program is at an all-time, according to a new poll released by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Vermont Recreational Marijuana Now a Reality
The Green Mountain State just got a little bit greener as Vermont recreational marijuana is now a reality. On Jan. 22, 2018, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed H. 511, legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. This makes Vermont the ninth state to legalize recreational marijuana and the first state to do so via the state legislature instead of a ballot initiative.
Governor Phil Scott Signs H. 511
MONTPELIER, Vermont, Jan. 22, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Governor Phil Scott has signed H. 511, An act relating to eliminating penalties for possession of limited amounts of marijuana by adults 21 years of age or older, into law.
Nebraska Senator Introduces Cannabis Amendment Resolution
On Jan. 18, 2018, Sen. Anna Wishart introduced an amendment resolution that would call for Nebraska residents to vote on the legal status of medical cannabis in the November election.
Maine Medical Marijuana Caregivers File Lawsuit Against DHHS
In an effort to halt implementation of new regulations governing Maine medical marijuana caregivers, two medical marijuana shop owners, along with two unnamed patients in their care, have filed a lawsuit against the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the state medical marijuana program.
This Is Why the Colorado Cannabis Industry Makes the Grade in Education
When legal cannabis sales commenced in the Centennial State in 2014, some opponents were concerned that negative public health effects would outweigh any positives derived from tax revenue; however, under the state’s helm, the Colorado cannabis industry continues to make the grade in public cannabis education.
Tennessee Lawmakers Propose Allowing Medical Cannabis
After years of successive failures, backers of medical cannabis in Tennessee are taking a new tack — keeping the ban on smoking it.
Coloradans Know More About Marijuana Now Than When It Was Legalized
DENVER, Jan. 18, 2018 /Weed Wire/ – Recent evaluation results show that Colorado’s marijuana public education efforts have ensured more adults know the laws covering retail marijuana, more parents are planning to talk to their children about the risks of marijuana use, most young women know the danger of marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and more young people know that using marijuana makes it harder to complete the tasks that help them reach their goals.
Maryland Report Suggests State Consider Race in Cannabis Licensing Process
Minorities in the state of Maryland are at a disadvantage in the state’s medical cannabis licensing process, according to the report of a state consultant hired to review a 2017 disparity study after controversy arose over the fact that no minority-owned businesses were awarded a medical cannabis license.
Eaze Data Report: Major Increase in Legal Marijuana Sales in California
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 18, 2018 /Weed Wire/ — Eaze, the leading marijuana technology company, today released its Eaze Insights: 2017 State of Cannabis data report, a comprehensive overview of consumer trends driving the marijuana industry year over year.
First Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Dispensary Holds Grand Opening
The Keystone State’s first cultivator was greenlit this past October and while Gov. Tom Wolf announced that the first Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensary had been approved to start serving patients on Jan. 4, 2018, the dispensary wasn’t quite ready to open its doors until recently.