Federal Judge Questions Link Between Marijuana And Guns, Citing ‘Widespread State Legalization’
“Our current presumption has the practical effect of stripping those who use marijuana…of their Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.” By Carolina Journal The newest member of the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals used a North Carolina case Wednesday to discuss the potential legal impact of shifting attitudes about marijuana. Judge Nicole […]
Marijuana Rescheduling Foes Have ‘Pocketbook Interests,’ DOJ Says
For months, the loudest opponents of rescheduling have called reform a corporate payday. In a July 2 filing defending rescheduling, the Justice Department told a federal court the money is on the other side: the two groups trying to freeze the policy are guarding a commercial interest the drug laws were never written to protect. […]
Illinois Officials Update Marijuana Dispensaries On Increased Possession Limits And Ability To Add Drive-Thru Windows
Illinois officials have published guidance for marijuana businesses about a new law that doubles the amount of marijuana that adults can legally possess, allows drive-thrus and curbside pickups at dispensaries and lets them stay open for longer hours of operation, among other changes. The reforms are part of a large-scale cannabis omnibus bill that Gov. […]
AMA Says Marijuana Has Benefits And Risks For Older Adults, While Supporting A Ban On Flavored Cannabis Vapes
The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted two new marijuana-related resolutions—one that advocates for a ban on flavored cannabis vaping products and another that recognizes the risks and potential therapeutic benefits of use among older adults. AMA’s House of Delegates last month approved both measures—the latest in a line of drug policy-related resolutions the body […]
Tennessee Democrats Step Up Push To Legalize Marijuana As State Hemp Product Ban Takes Effect
“Republicans didn’t make cannabis go away—they just made it unsafe and untaxed. People will still find it, whether that means driving to Illinois or buying from someone with no license and no lab test.” By Sam Stockard, Tennessee Lookout As Tennessee’s new ban on popular hemp products takes effect Wednesday, two Democratic lawmakers are reigniting […]
Virginia Hemp Farmers And Businesses Worry About Changes Included In Newly Passed Marijuana Market Legislation
Legislators want to “change the law that they created, to clearly favor Wall Street corporations over Virginia farmers and small businesses.” By Charlotte Rene Woods, Virginia Mercury A legal cannabis market is set to take effect in Virginia next summer under the final state budget, but Mannassas-based Barbara Biddle has already given notice to her […]
Georgia’s Newly Expanded Medical Marijuana Law Could Triple The Number Of Registered Patients Within A Year
“In that former model, not only did it not allow for the potency but also the delivery methods that many of those patients are interested in consuming.” By Alander Rocha, Georgia Recorder A new state law that took effect Wednesday fundamentally changed Georgia’s medical cannabis program. The new law, named “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” […]
Idaho Medical Marijuana Campaign Submits Ballot Signatures For Final Review By State Officials Following County Verification
An Idaho medical marijuana campaign has announced that it submitted county-verified petitions for its proposed legalization initiative to state officials for a final review to determine whether the measure can appear on the November ballot. The press release from the Natural Medical Alliance of Idaho (NMAI), however, did not specify whether the already-completed county-level review […]
Transportation Groups Warn Feds Of Marijuana Rescheduling’s ‘Consequences’ For Drug Testing Of Truck Drivers And Pilots
A coalition of transportation and safety organizations say they have “serious safety concerns” surrounding the Trump administration’s move to federally reschedule marijuana. Led by the American Trucking Associations, the groups sent a letter on Monday urging federal officials to take steps to ensure that truck drivers, pilots, transit operators and other safety-sensitive workers will continue to […]
Nebraska Attorney General Signs Off On Medical Marijuana Rules Despite Personal Opposition
“The medical cannabis regulations do not clearly violate the state or federal Constitutions on their face.” By Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers (R) on Tuesday signed off on the constitutionality of regulations from the state Medical Cannabis Commission, a key step toward final approval. Hilgers, who has opposed the creation of […]