Browsing Marijuana News

WASHINGTON, DC — Legal cannabis businesses may have found just the solution they’ve been searching for. The US Treasury and Justice Departments introduced guidelines Friday to address the concerns of banks who wish to deal with retail cannabis stores, cultivation facilities, and more. Jennifer Shasky Calvery, director of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, explains that the rules are intended to “move from the shadows the historically covert financial operations of marijuana businesses.” Thus far, banks have been hesitant to do business with the budding cannabis industry. Financial institutions are required to notify federal regulators of any “suspicious activity” on behalf …

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island could become the first state on the east coast to tax and regulate cannabis like alcohol. Two prominent lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday that would legalize cannabis for adult-use in the state. “Marijuana prohibition has been a long-term failure… Regulating marijuana would allow the product to be sold safely and responsibly.” – Sen. Josh Miller Introduced by Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Josh Miller (D-Cranston) and House Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Edith Ajello (D-Providence), the measure establishes preliminary regulations for legal cannabis in Rhode Island. As explained by Sen. Miller, “Marijuana prohibition …

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The tides seem to be turning, at least as far as cannabis policy in America is concerned. A group of 18 legislators sent a letter to President Barack Obama Wednesday that states the current classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance “makes no sense.” As noted in the letter, “Classifying marijuana as Schedule I at the federal level perpetuates an unjust and irrational system. Schedule I recognizes no medical use, disregarding both medical evidence and the laws of nearly half of the states that have legalized medical marijuana.” Congressman …

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Two legislators from Florida introduced identical initiatives Monday that would legalize medical marijuana. The move comes shortly after it was reported that similar legislation has qualified for the popular ballot in November. Senator Jeff Clemens (D) and Representative Joe Saunders (D) each introduced bills to legalize medical marijuana in attempt to make it easier to pass. They have been named Senate Bill 962 and House Bill 859. As written, the measure would specify tight state regulation for doctors to prescribe marijuana for treatment of conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) and other severe ailments.

Editor’s Note: Justin Kander is webmaster of the Phoenix Tears organization and author of the Comprehensive Report on the Cannabis Extract Movement, a 100-page report that examines and analyzes the mounting evidence in support of cannabis extracts as medicine. Over the past several years, abundant evidence has accrued which suggests that cannabis extracts can eliminate cancer in humans. Individuals, dispensaries, corporations, and doctors have all observed these effects. Most recently, the CEO of a biotechnology …

ANCHORAGE, AK — The Alaska Division of Elections announced Tuesday that enough signatures have been gathered to place a legal cannabis initiative on the 2014 ballot. According to state election law, Alaska’s Campaign to regulate marijuana had to gather at least 30,000 signatures for their proposal to reach the ballot. The group submitted 46,000 signatures January 8th. Election officials reported Tuesday that more than 31,500 signatures had been validated. Further, signatures were gathered from at least 30 of the 40 House districts as required. Alaskan Voters Could Decide On Cannabis Legalization This Year …

WASHINGTON, DC — As previously reported, there was a movement to decriminalize cannabis for personal consumption in the District of Columbia. The proposal was passed Tuesday by the City Council. Proposed by Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) in 2013, The Simple Possession of Small Quantities of Marijuana Decriminalization Amendment Act of 2013, calls for fines in the case of simple cannabis possession (less than one ounce). Those 18 and over would be subject to a $25 fine for possession – not much different than a parking ticket. Those caught smoking in public would …

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Medical marijuana patients and cannabis activists from all over will gather at the NOS Event Center next weekend to celebrate all that the California cannabis scene has to offer. Founded by HIGH TIMES in 2010, the Medical Cannabis Cup is held in various cities across the United States each year. It was created as an attempt to capture the vibe from Cannabis Cups held in Amsterdam and transport it to American soil. The first Medical Cannabis Cup was held in the San Francisco Bay Area and …

WASHINGTON, DC — The US Senate Judiciary Committee passed groundbreaking drug sentencing reform Thursday. The Smarter Sentencing Act represents an overhaul of drug sentencing in America. If passed by the House and Senate, it will reduce mandatory minimum sentences, give judges more discretion, and release some nonviolent drug offenders from prison early. The Smarter Sentencing Act Receives Bipartisan Support As noted by the Drug Policy Alliance, The Smarter Sentencing Act has received bipartisan support from a “strange bedfellows group of senators.” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Arizona), Sen. Ted …

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — State Representative Chris Kelly (D) introduced a measure Wednesday to regulate cannabis like alcohol in Missouri. “It’s time for a better approach in the ‘Show-Me’ state.” – Chris Lindsay If passed, House Bill 1659 would permit Missouri residents to possess, consume, and cultivate limited amounts of cannabis. Following in the steps of Colorado, the measure would also establish regulations for retail cannabis throughout the state. “By regulating adult use, the state can replace the underground market, …