Browsing United States

COLUMBIA, SC — In what is the result of an increased interest in cannabidiol (CBD), a limited medical marijuana initiative was passed Thursday by a South Carolina House Committee. Proposed by Representative Jenny Horne (R-Summerville), “Julian’s Act” would allow the use of CBD-rich cannabis extracts in the case of severe epilepsy. It is named in honor of a 3-year-old epilepsy patient from South Carolina, whose family is moving to Colorado so that they can treat his symptoms with CBD-rich cannabis …

CONCORD, NH — Just one day after cannabis was decriminalized in Washington, DC, the New Hampshire House of Representatives Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted 12-5 Tuesday in favor of passing similar legislation in The Granite State. “There is no good reason to continue criminalizing people for possessing marijuana.” – Matt Simon With bipartisan support from eight co-sponsors including Rep. Adam Schroadter (R-Newmarket) and Sen. Jeff Woodburn (D-Dalton), House Bill 1625 would remove criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of cannabis. “There is no good reason to continue criminalizing people for …

WASHINGTON, DC — As previously reported, a measure to decriminalize cannabis has been making significant progress in the nation’s capitol. In a 10-1 vote Tuesday, the Washington, D.C. City Council passed an initiative to remove criminal penalties for simple possession of cannabis. Proposed in 2013 by Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), the initiative calls for fines in the case of simple cannabis possession. This is compared to the District’s current policy, under which possession of any amount of marijuana is a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in jail …

FRANKFORT, KY — In a 9-5 vote Thursday, the Kentucky House Health and Welfare Committee approved a measure that would allow medical marijuana for a short list of qualifying conditions. “This conversation needs to continue to give our state hope.” – Rep. Mary Lou Marzian This should come as no big surprise, seeing as Committee Chairman Tom Burch (D-Louisville) was among those who sponsored HB 350 – The Cannabis Compassion Act. Nonetheless, it brings the State of Kentucky one step closer to the legalization of medical marijuana. “I have seen the bags of medicine that are not working, …

SAN DIEGO, CA — After a highly publicized battle that has lasted over two years, the San Diego City Council voted 8-1 Tuesday to pass regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries in the city Similar regulations were passed in 2011, but they were rescinded when a group of activists gathered enough signatures to stall the initiative. The group felt the rules were too restrictive and pushed for an improvement. Whether they got what they wished for is up for debate, as the lack of rules led to the altogether illegality of storefront medical marijuana locations in San Diego for the past …

CONCORD, NH — As New Hampshire awaits the implementation of their medical marijuana program, House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs passed a measure Monday that would allow allow for more immediate access. The measure, which was introduced by Rep. Donald “Ted” Wright (R-Tuftonboro), passed through the committee in a 13-3 vote. House Committee Approves Home Cultivation In New Hampshire As written, House Bill 1622 would legalize the home cultivation of up to two plants and seedlings by qualifying patients or their designated caregivers. In order to do so they must first …

SAINT PAUL, MN — Continuing the momentum in favor of cannabis policy reform, a poll released Monday by the Star Tribune reveals that a slight majority of Minnesota voters would support medical marijuana legislation. Poll Reveals Support For Medical Marijuana In Minnesota According to the poll results, 51 percent of respondents said they support legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes in Minnesota. This is compared to 41 percent of respondents were in opposition. “51 percent of respondents said they support …

SPOKANE, WA — The Washington House of Representatives voted 67 to 29 Monday to approve a ban on medical marijuana collectives in the state, a move that would relegate patients to adult-use retail facilities when they open this year. As previously reported, H.B. 2149 would place much tighter restrictions on medical marijuana in Washington State as well. The measure was introduced by Representatives Eileen Cody (D) in January. Representatives Reuven Carlyle (D), Norm Johnson (R), Laurie Jinkins (D), Dawn Morrell (D), and Sharon Tomiko Santos (D) have …

ALBANY, NY — Just over a month after Governor Andrew Cuomo announced plans to implement a limited medical marijuana program, a recent poll from Quinnipiac University reveals that such legislation would be welcomed by New York residents. “Medical marijuana is a no-brainer for New York State voters, and they also would follow Colorado in legalizing marijuana for fun.” – Maurice Carrol According to the poll results, an overwhelming majority (88%) of New York voters would support medical marijuana legislation in the …

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 …