420 with CNW Archives - Page 191 of 316

WednesdayApr 14, 2021 4:20 am

420 with CNW — Legislators in Washington Hear Drug Decriminalization Bill After Supreme Court Ruling

Legislators in Washington state are weighing their options after a Supreme Court ruling annulled the state’s law that criminalizes drug possession. Of the many initiatives that have been introduced in response to the court’s February decision, it appears that Senate Bill 5476 will most likely be advanced before the end of the legislative session on April 25. If the bill passes, it would represent a shift toward a public health approach to substance use and abuse and away from the punitive war on drugs. Under the bill, the possession of “smaller” personal use amounts of controlled substances by individuals aged…

TuesdayApr 13, 2021 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Texas Legislative Committee Unanimously Approves Medical Cannabis Expansion Bill

Last week, a Texas House committee voted in favor of a bill to expand the state’s medical cannabis program. One of a number of cannabis reform bills discussed by the legislature last week, the legislation was sponsored by House Public Health committee chair Stephanie Klick. The bill is designed to significantly expand Texas’ already-limited medical marijuana Compassionate Use Program (“TCUP”), adding a couple more conditions to the list of diseases that qualify patients for a medical marijuana prescription. Patients suffering from chronic pain and any type of cancer, as well as veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, will now be able…

TuesdayApr 13, 2021 4:20 am

420 with CNW — West Virginia Medical Cannabis Edibles Bill Appears Stalled

Although West Virginia passed a bill to legalize medical cannabis back in 2017, the state still hasn’t launched a medical marijuana industry. Now it seems like a bill that would have expanded the space to include cannabis edibles has stalled in a state health committee. Bill SB 590, which was introduced by Senators Mike Woelfel, Stephen Baldwin, Shelley Moore Capito, Ron Stollings, and Richard David Lindsay II would have allowed the state’s medical cannabis program to incorporate edibles, but it looks like its chances of moving forward are slim. On March 24, the Senate overwhelmingly voted in favor of the…

MondayApr 12, 2021 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Activist Sues Governor Over Delay in Seeking Medical Cannabis Exemption

A cannabis activist from Iowa is suing the state’s governor based on the argument that the state’s Department of Health has taken too long to request for the federal exemption of the state’s medical marijuana program from the DEA as stipulated in a legislation that was signed in 2020. Carl Olsen claimed that Gov. Kim Reynolds had failed to make sure that the law was effectively carried out, adding that the state should submit a federal exemption request for its medical marijuana program promptly. Olsen filed the suit in a district court in the state a few days ago. The…

MondayApr 12, 2021 4:20 am

420 with CNW — Recreational Cannabis Bill Passes First Test in Connecticut

With more than 16 states already allowing the sale and consumption of recreational cannabis within their borders, Connecticut has now taken the first tentative steps towards establishing a legal recreational cannabis market. Last week, the state’s Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would legalize recreational cannabis with a 22 to 16 vote. Backed by Governor Ned Lamont, the legislation would legalize the sale and consumption of adult-use marijuana to individuals aged 21 and over. In his opening remarks, Judiciary Committee Chairman Steven Stafstrom mentioned that Connecticut has already legalized and regulated drugs such as alcohol and tobacco. He stated that…

FridayApr 09, 2021 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Colorado to Raise Money for Disability Fund Through Auction of Cannabis-Themed License Plates

The state of Colorado seems to be embracing its reputation as a cannabis state, with officials of the state working on an auction that will sell marijuana-themed license plates in an attempt to raise money for a disability fund. Between April 1—20, residents in the state will have the chance to place their bids on vanity plates that have terms such as ISIT420, HEMP, GOTWAX, GANJA and BONG engraved on them. Bids on some of these plates will begin at $420, which most will agree is particularly fitting. The auctions’ proceeds will go to the Colorado Disability Funding Committee, which…

FridayApr 09, 2021 4:20 am

420 with CNW — How New Cannabis Law in New York Could Impact Medical Marijuana

As March drew to a close, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in New York, making it the 15th state alongside the District of Columbia to allow adult-use cannabis. The legislation will allow adults over age 21 to possess up to 24 grams of cannabis concentrate and 3 ounces of cannabis flower; adults will also be allowed to grow up to six cannabis plants at home. Additionally, the bill will automatically expunge prior cannabis offenses that are now considered legal. Medical cannabis patients in New York will be happy to know that the adult-use…

ThursdayApr 08, 2021 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — New Poll Finds That 75% of Americans Support Legalization of Marijuana

A survey conducted recently by The Hill and HarrisX found that three in four voters in America support either letting individual states decide on policies governing cannabis or legalizing cannabis nationally. The survey interviewed 1,882 voters between March 24 and 26, and shows just how much public opinion has shifted; the majority of Americans now support the end of federal prohibition. The survey asked the respondents their views on marijuana policy and provided three options to choose from: Marijuana should be illegal everywhere. States should decide on marijuana legalization. The federal government should legalize marijuana. An estimated 38% of the…

ThursdayApr 08, 2021 4:20 am

420 with CNW — Mexico Cannabis Legalization Bill Passed by Key Senate Committee, Floor Vote Expected This Month

The Justice Committee of the Senate in Mexico has voted to approve the amended cannabis legalization bill as referred to the upper House by the Chamber of Deputies. This approval means that the bill now has to be cleared by two more Senate committees before it is sent to the floor for a final vote. That final floor vote is expected to happen this month. On Monday, the Justice Committee passed the bill with a 6 to 5 vote; the panel didn’t make any changes to the bill that was sent back to Senate after the lower legislative chamber made…

WednesdayApr 07, 2021 4:20 pm

420 with CNW — Schumer Says Senate Will Loosen Marijuana Policies Regardless of Biden’s Attitude

Although more than 30 states have legalized cannabis in various forms over the past decade, federal law still classifies cannabis as a controlled substance. With the House, Senate and White House in the Democratic Party’s hands, however, federal cannabis legislation has never had a greater chance of becoming law as it does right now. Unfortunately, President Joe Biden is staunchly against allowing adult-use cannabis, although he does support modest cannabis reform, including medical cannabis and expunging records of prior cannabis related offenses. But according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Biden’s views on the matter won’t hold him back, and…