On May 23, 2018, we published revised versions of our Privacy Policy and User Agreements. Please read these updated terms and take some time to understand them. Your use of our services is subject to these revised terms.
Yes, I Agree.

420 with CNW — DC Mayor Enacts Measure Allowing Patients to Self-Certify as Medical Cannabis Patients

Dozens of states in the United States have now legalized medical cannabis use. In most of these territories, qualifying patients have to receive a recommendation from their doctors before accessing medical marijuana. In Washington, DC, however, patients will now be able to certify themselves as medical cannabis patients without a physician’s recommendation after the mayor recently signed emergency legislation into law. The district council approved the measure unanimously last week in a 13-0 vote.

The emergency bill effectively allows the council to work around a congressional rider that forbids DC from using federal dollars to launch a recreational cannabis market. Councilmembers Mary Cheh and Kenyan McDuffie first introduced the bill.

Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser said that the legislation would build on efforts by Washington lawmakers to create a patient-centric medical cannabis program. She stated that allowing more patients to access medical marijuana when needed and leveling the playing field for licensed medical marijuana sellers will protect the residents, provide opportunities for local businesses and provide much-needed clarity.

Mayor Bowser applauded the district council for approving the legislation, calling it an innovative solution to the complex issues that affect the district’s medical cannabis sector. Furthermore, she added that she was looking forward to working with the council and the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) on future comprehensive and permanent medical cannabis reform.

District Council Chairman Phil Mendelson introduced a similar bill that would have facilitated the self-certification process a while back, but DC lawmakers voted it down in April. The bill had received criticism because of provisions that would have given law enforcement leeway to crack down on unlicensed businesses that were taking advantage of current policies to “gift” cannabis to customers who purchased unrelated services and gifts.

Faced with claims that these provisions could further the harms caused by the war on drugs while benefiting existing industry interests, Mendelson said that the bill said nothing about criminal penalties for such establishments. He argued that such businesses weren’t only a gray market, but they are illegal and are eroding the customer bases of licensed medical marijuana businesses. Mendelson said that his measure would make it easier for licensed medical cannabis businesses to maintain their customer bases. However, the law failed to advance.

The emergency legislation that was recently signed into law does not contain these enforcement provisions. However, it notes that customers often have little or no barriers to accessing cannabis from “gray” market suppliers.

The growing frustration about the hindrances to the cannabis industry originating from the federal government’s stance isn’t restricted to sector players such as Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTC: NUGS). Even jurisdictions such as Washington, DC, are reaching the limit of their patience and have started finding workarounds to the outdated federal restrictions, as exemplified by the law discussed above.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Cannabis Strategic Ventures Inc. (OTC: NUGS) are available in the company’s newsroom at http://cnw.fm/NUGS

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

Archives

Select A Month

Official NewsWire Relationships

Alternative Products Expo Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Cannabis Business Summit & Expo 2019 Cannabis Drinks Expo Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition Cannexpo Marigold PR MjMicro Conference New England Cannabis Network O'Cannabiz Conference & Expo Tether BudTender Tether BudTender Appreciation Week

CannabisNewsWire Currently Accepts

Bitcoin

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Cash

Bitcoin Cash

Doge Coin

Dogecoin

Ethereum

Ethereum

Litecoin

Litecoin

USD Coin

USD Coin

Contact us: 303.498.7722