Legal
Massachusetts top Dems argue over what to fix first: state budget or marijuana bill
The state's top Democratic lawmakers clashed Wednesday over who's to blame for the failure to pass two key pieces of legislation: an overdue state budget and a highly-watched bill making changes to the state's voter-approved recreational marijuana law. Read Full...
In the DEA's words: Agency stance on CBD, hemp products and the Farm Bill
In a time of vibrant debate on cannabis legalization and in the wake of a new federal rule on marijuana extracts, the Drug Enforcement Administration has stood firm on its position that marijuana and its derivatives remain illicit. The DEA has made several statements...
Massachusetts lawmakers still seeking middle ground on marijuana bill
BOSTON -- House and Senate negotiators on Beacon hill are planning to resume talks they hope will lead to a compromise on a marijuana bill. The six-member conference committee missed last Friday's self-imposed deadline, but was scheduled to resume talks at the...
Massachusetts cannabis legislation talks appear to stall as deadline nears
Talks between the House and Senate over a compromise marijuana law appeared stalled Friday, even as lawmakers faced a self-imposed deadline for delivery. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Massachusetts cannabis legislation talks appear to stall as deadline nears
Denver finalizes first-in-nation marijuana social use rules, dropping some restrictions
Denver's top licensing official unveiled final rules for a pilot program to allow patrons of some businesses to use marijuana in a social setting. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Denver finalizes first-in-nation marijuana social use rules, dropping some restrictions
Legal marijuana states see dramatic decreases in car searches at traffic stops for all races
New data on traffic stops in Colorado and Washington show that after the states legalized marijuana, car searches for all races declined sharply. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Legal marijuana states see dramatic decreases in car searches at traffic stops for all...
How advocates are inspiring members of Congress to champion national CBD oil legalization
Cannabist Special Report: CBD, TBD || Multiple pieces of federal legislation seek to open research the non-psychoactive cannabis compound touted for its medicinal promise. Read Full Article at: Cannabist How advocates are inspiring members of Congress to...
Vermont marijuana legalization rests in hands of House Republicans
The fate of a Vermont bill to legalize the recreational use of marijuana is uncertain as lawmakers consider whether to approve a revised proposal. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Vermont marijuana legalization rests in hands of House Republicans
Arkansas just opened door to get into state's brand-new marijuana industry
The Arkansas medical marijuana program has made applications available for those who want to sell or grow medical marijuana. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Arkansas just opened door to get into state's brand-new marijuana industry
New Hampshire Senate joins House (and New England) in deciding weed should be decriminalized
New Hampshire is on a path to decriminalize marijuana, as Senators voted to remove criminal penalties for possessing small amounts. Read Full Article at: Cannabist New Hampshire Senate joins House (and New England) in deciding weed should be decriminalized
Vermont House votes to legalize marijuana, sends bill to governor
The Vermont House has voted to legalize recreational use of marijuana in the state. The bill now goes to Gov. Phil Scott, who has expressed reservations. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Vermont House votes to legalize marijuana, sends bill to governor
California Rep. Rohrabacher says he'll take medical marijuana fight to Supreme Court if need be
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher is confident the courts will back Congress’ right to determine how federal funds are spent, including protecting medical marijuana states. Read Full Article at: Cannabist California Rep. Rohrabacher says he'll take medical marijuana fight to...
Vermont marijuana legalization bills stay alive as lawmakers extend session
One day before legislative leaders plan to adjourn, the Senate approved a marijuana legalization bill that they say serves as a compromise. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Vermont marijuana legalization bills stay alive as lawmakers extend session
Louisiana Supreme Court chief justice blasts colleagues for upholding 'ridiculous' 18-year sentence for weed
Is 18 years in prison without possibility of parole too harsh for possession of 18 grams of marijuana? The Louisiana Supreme Court's chief justice thinks so. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Louisiana Supreme Court chief justice blasts colleagues for upholding...
Colorado legislators adopt one strategy to protect cannabis industry, reject another
Colorado's House has endorsed a bill to allow recreational pot growers and retailers to reclassify their product as medical marijuana if federal marijuana policy changes, and the Senate has rejected a bill to prohibit public employees from assisting federal agents in...
Medical marijuana for PTSD picks up steam in New York
New York state lawmakers are gaining momentum in a measure to expand medical marijuana coverage to those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. The Democrat-controlled Assembly approved a measure that adds PTSD to the list of state-approved ailments for which...
Florida House passes its version of medical marijuana regs
A bill approved in Florida's House would increase patient access to cannabis but supporters of Amendment 2 say that even more needs to be done. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Florida House passes its version of medical marijuana regs
Last New England state to decriminalize weed takes first step
CONCORD, N.H. -- Marijuana decriminalization is one step closer to passage in New Hampshire after lawmakers worked out a compromise that police chiefs can stomach. An amendment by Republican Sen. Jeb Bradley would remove criminal penalties for possessing up to...
California regulators release first draft of revised medical marijuana rules
California state regulators released draft regulations Friday intended to impose order on the loosely organized marketplace created over two decades ago. Read Full Article at: Cannabist California regulators release first draft of revised medical marijuana rules
Medical marijuana, hemp protections included in federal spending bill
A congressional spending bill to fund U.S. government through September includes provisions protecting industrial hemp and state medical marijuana programs. Read Full Article at: Cannabist Medical marijuana, hemp protections included in federal spending bill