Marijuana Legalization

Third Time's The Charm? North Dakota Ballot Initiative Group Gets Green Light To Collect Signatures For Marijuana Legalization
Cannabis Reform A Priority For Congressional Progressive Caucus And More News From South Carolina, Utah, Montana & Maine
Tell-Tale Signs Led To Cannabis Bust In Maine As Feds Crack Down On International Criminal Organizations Growing Illegal Weed
Cannabis Reform A Priority For Congressional Progressive Caucus And More News From South Carolina, Utah, Montana & Maine
Tell-Tale Signs Led To Cannabis Bust In Maine As Feds Crack Down On International Criminal Organizations Growing Illegal Weed
GOP Bill Would Allow Medical Marijuana Patients In Pennsylvania To Own Guns
One In Two Biden Voters Want To Live In A Place Where Marijuana is Legal, One In Eight Trump Supporters Want The Same

Marijuana Legalization Recent News

Fed-Funded Study Finds Increase In Medical Marijuana Patient Enrollments, Chronic Pain Most Common Reason
The state-legal medical marijuana programs nationwide have seen an uptick in the number of new patients enrolled since 2020, according to newly published federal research in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. The study, conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the University of Michigan showed that there were 4.1 million registered medical cannabis patients in 2022 countrywide, compared to 3.1 million in 2020. That's a 33.3% increase over two years. The researchers proposed that the increase is simultaneous with "increasing cultural acceptance of cannabis, recognition of the harm of the ‘war on drugs' (for example, mass incarceration and related consequences, such as family separation, trauma, and economic loss), and interest in the potential therapeutic properties of cannabis," reported Marijuana Moment.
'Predatory Practices' In Missouri, Washington D.C. Mayor Declares 4/20 Tax Holiday On Medical Marijuana And More Cannabis Reg Updates
Massachusetts saw $154 million worth of cannabis products sold in March, representing a 2.3% year-over-year increase, according to the data from the Cannabis Control Commission. The sum included $136.8 million in recreational and $17.2 million in medical cannabis sales.Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) has signed into law an initiative enhancing the medical marijuana program by extending the tax holiday from April 15 through April 28, in honor of the 4/20 holiday.The first and only recreational dispensary in North Carolina is set to open on April 20, 2024. The move would follow last year's decision by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' (ECBI) members to legalize cannabis for recreational use.Missouri cannabis regulator recently revoked 9 social-equity cannabis licenses of the winners of 48 cannabis microbusiness licenses under Amendment 3, which legalized marijuana in 2022.
EXCLUSIVE: Fifteen New F1 Hybrid Cannabis Strains To Hit Shelves In US For 4/20 Under New Partnership
California-based I Love Growing Marijuana (ILGM), announced on Tuesday an exclusive new partnership with cannabis genetics and breeding company, Phylos Bioscience, that brings 15 new F1 hybrid strains to home growers across legal markets nationwide. ILGM is launching half the collection of strains that are "crafted for potency, flavor, and diversity" on its website just in time for marijuana culture's high holiday on 4/20. In doing so, the company is leveraging Phylos Bioscience's cutting-edge technology and extensive genetic library, which Benzinga has learned exclusively. Ernst Rustenhoven, CEO of ILGM, commented on the new partnership. "ILGM caters to a customer base of novice and veteran home growers on the hunt for increasingly unique strains of superior genetics, and we have been seeking an innovative partner to help elevate and diversify our product offerings," Rustenhoven said. "In forging a relationship with Phylos, we are taking our seed catalog to the next level with a highly curated selection of sought-after F1 hybrid strains."
This Cannabis Pioneer Is Ramping Up Its Presence In Germany As Weed Legalization Takes Effect
Flora Growth Corp. has been positioning itself on the international cannabis stage for years. The Canadian-based producer of cannabinoid organic oils, infused food, and beverage, pharmaceutical grad, medical, and cosmetic-grade derivatives is serving all 50 U.S. states and 28 countries with over 20,000 points of distribution around the world. The company's latest move to further cement its global footprint comes simultaneously with a new German cannabis law that went into effect this Monday, which partially legalized cannabis. Currently, it allows adults over 18 in Germany can legally possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis and cultivate up to three marijuana plants at home. Flora Growth, which through its wholly-owned subsidiaries has been active in Germany since 2017, revealed last week its plans to launch a cannabis home grow kit, and start up material seeds and cuttings in the European country as it enters the first phase of new recreational cannabis legalization law. This doesn't come as a surprise considering the cannabis recreational market, as per the company's expectations, has the potential to reach $4.2 billion upon legalization with the total European market forecasted to achieve revenues of $10.2 billion.
Weed Legalization In Germany Just Took Effect: Here's What You Need To Know
German legalization will one of the many hot topics at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Florida on April 16-17.
This Canadian Company Emerges Among Cannabis Giants As German Weed Legalization Goes Into Effect
The European cannabis scene is getting more and more interesting with markets like the U.K., Germany, Denmark, Portugal and the Netherlands growing in terms of diversity of products and players. Germany made headlines this past Friday thanks to a historic step towards cannabis legalization. Approvals from both the German Bundesrat and Bundestag made it possible for small possession of marijuana to become legal effective April 1, 2024. A slew of companies that are already established in the European country celebrated the regulatory move. Village Farms International, Inc. was among first to do it, which doesn't come as a surprise as the stage is practically set for Canadian exporters to capture their fair share of the German cannabis market which is projected to expand to €1.7 billion by 2025.
Controversial Bill Threatens Kentucky's Medical Marijuana Program, Hawaiian Lawmakers Divided On Weed Legalization & More Cannabis Updates
A measure that according to its sponsor would "clean some things up" within Ketucky's medical marijuana law is advancing through the legislature, reported Forward Kentucky. House Bill 829 from Rep. Jason Nemes (R-Middletown) seeks to ban those with drug possession convictions from joining the state's medical cannabis program among other things, was greenlighted by the state House last week, and is now up for review in the Senate.In the meantime, Discussion around the legalization of recreational cannabis in Hawaii is heating up.Senator Kurt Fevella are opposing the push, The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) has kicked off a new online licensing system on Monday, March 18. This first phase of the Cannabis and Alcohol Management Program (CAMP), will transition those with recreational marijuana program licenses from an online licensing system OLCC has had since 2016 into CAMP. Alcohol licensees will follow suit later in 2024, the agency said in a press release.
Cannabis Journalist Arrested For Weed Possession In Germany After Barcelona Assignment
The International Cannabis Awards (ICA), often dubbed the "Oscars" of the cannabis world, took place in Barcelona on Wednesday. The prestigious event gathered cannabis experts from all over the world. Shirley Ju, who hosted ICA, couldn't imagine that she would be detained at an airport in Munich, Germany, because of weed.This was definitely a lesson learned to never travel with weed again," the contributing writer for Cannabis Now, cannabis and music journalist and on-camera wrapped up her story she wrote while flying back to Las Angeles.
MA Gov. Healey Pardons Simple Cannabis Possession Convictions On Heels Of Biden's SOTU As Weed Sales Top $7B
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey (D) announced on Wednesday she is pardoning all people convicted of simple cannabis possession at the state level. The move that was approved by the governor's council, comes on the heels of President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech, during which he reiterated his stance that no one should be incarcerated for possessing cannabis."This is the most sweeping cannabis pardon ever proposed by any governor in the United States," the Democratic Gov. Healey said on Wednesday as it "will apply to all misdemeanor possession convictions in the state courts."Healey added pardons will be issued automatically. She said "Those eligible number in the hundreds of thousands," adding "they will not have to take any action themselves in the vast majority of these cases."
Biden Continues To Block Weed Sales In DC After Touting Marijuana Rescheduling And Pardons In SOTU
Washington, D.C. won't be able to legalize recreational cannabis sales as part of the budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025 that the Biden-Harris administration submitted to Congress on Monday. The D.C. cannabis provision has been blocking the nation's capital from using its local tax dollars to implement a legal recreational cannabis sales program, even though DC voters overwhelmingly approved cannabis legalization in 2014. President Joe Biden decided once again to exclude Washington, D.C. from legalizing recreational cannabis sales as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget request on the heels of last week's State of the Union speech, during which he reiterated his stance that no one should be incarcerated for possessing cannabis. Moreover, the Department of Health and Human Services, under Biden's direction, recommended moving marijuana from Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act, on Aug, 29 in a letter to Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) administrator Anne Milgram.
GOP Lawmakers Rally Behind Cannabis Social Equity Licenses In Arizona, Nation's Strictest Medical Marijuana Law And More
South Carolina lawmakers are pushing for medical cannabis policy reform, yet again. However, this time around, a measure green-lighted by the state Senate last month is called by many the "most restrictive cannabis law in the country." In the meantime, a measure that seeks to amend cannabis laws in Maine got a hearing on Tuesday in Augusta.According to the Office of Cannabis Policy, modifications to the state medical and adult-use cannabis programs that LD 40 proposes could put those under 21 at risk and pose additional issues when it comes to licensing, compliance, and program management. Cannabis activists in New Jersey are against a recently introduced bill that would oblige motorists suspected of driving under the influence of cannabis to provide a blood sample to police.They claim the measure from Sen. Shirley K. Turner would empower police in a way that may result in biased treatment towards minorities, reported New Jersey Monitor. Additionally, opponents argue the suggested testing methods are unreliable.GOP legislators in Arizona are showing support for Senate Bill 1262 from Sen. Sonny Borrelli (R) which seeks to address the misuse of the state's social equity program for marijuana dispensaries by large companies and private investors.
Virginia Advances Bill To Help Prior Cannabis Offenders, Now It's Up To Gov. Youngkin
Members of the Virginia House of Delegates have passed SB 696, a measure aimed at helping individuals with prior cannabis convictions. The bill, already approved by the state Senate, allows for resentencing hearings for those with past marijuana offenses. It gives the court the power to potentially reduce penalties, including time served and removal from community supervision, unless it conflicts with public interest. Additionally, other cannabis-related bills, like measures setting up marijuana sales, have been sent to Gov. Youngkin for review. While the governor's stance on the issue is unclear, Sen. Rouse expressed pride in the bipartisan effort behind the bills. An agreement had been reached to allow all retailers into the cannabis market by March 2025, but the launch date may be delayed to no earlier than May 2025 as per the latest version of SB 448.
Virginia Passes Marijuana Measures, Awaits Gov. Youngkin's Approval
Virginia lawmakers recently passed marijuana measures for Gov. Youngkin to review, including a bill allowing public-sector employees to use medical cannabis without job repercussions. The legislation, SB 391, now awaits the governor's decision. Additionally, bills HB 149 and SB 448, regulating recreational marijuana sales, were approved by both chambers, with only one Republican supporting each. Despite a previous agreement for a March 2025 sales launch, SB 448 now delays it until at least May 1, 2025. Governor Youngkin, however, expressed disinterest in the topic, emphasizing a focus on issues with broader consensus for Virginia's progress. The ongoing developments illustrate Virginia's advancing stance on marijuana policy, with lawmakers navigating various aspects of legalization while considering public and economic implications.
Minnesota Lawmaker Wants Young-Adults To Help Create New Cannabis Laws
Minnesota Democrat Sen. Susan Pha is advocating for more youth involvement in shaping cannabis policy as the state prepares for the launch of its legal marijuana marketplace next year. Sen. Pha is working on legislation to ensure young Minnesotans have a say in issues like preventing cannabis packaging that appeals to youth. She emphasizes the importance of youth representation on the Cannabis Advisory Council, aiming for two dedicated seats for individuals aged 18 to 25. With recreational marijuana legalization in August 2023, the state is gearing up to establish 381 dispensaries to meet the demand for retail shops. The initiative aims to promote responsible cannabis use and prevent targeting of young consumers in the emerging marketplace.
Job Corps' New Stance On Cannabis, Virginia Marijuana Bill Approved And More Reg Updates
A Virginia House panel green-lighted a revised "compromise" version of a bill to legalize and regulate retail marijuana sales in the commonwealth on Thursday. SB 448 from Sen. Aaron R. Rouse (D) advanced through the Senate earlier this month and was passed by the House General Laws Committee on a 12–10 vote. In the meantime, Job Corps, a drug-free and alcohol-free federal program, updated its marijuana drug-testing policy so that testing positive on cannabis would not be a reason for an automatic dismissal. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) said It will be adding Quick Response (QR) codes to mailed temporary receipts and registration cards by the end of February. New Jersey cannabis activists have gathered at the State House in Trenton on Thursday to celebrate the milestone of over 100,000 people of all ages having avoided being handcuffed over small amounts of cannabis.
Utah Considers Defunding Agencies That Discriminate Against Medical Marijuana Patients, Arizona Wants To Sell Weed Across State Lines & More Cannabis Regs
A new Arizona measure seeks to allow for cannabis to be sold across state borders. However, House Bill 2770 from Rep. Justin Wilmeth is contingent on the legalization of cannabis on the federal level. Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee is seeking to separate state and federal tax policy for the cannabis industry. Some states already opted for to bypass the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code known as 280E under which cannabis operators are not eligible for tax deductions for businesses as they work with Schedule I and Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). In Virginia, the two lawmakers behind competing bills that would set up marijuana sales, have come to an agreement that all retailers would be allowed to get into the cannabis business by March 1, 2025.In Utah, a measure that could strip cities from funding as a result of refusing to medical cannabis as a valid prescription drug is advancing through the state legislature.
So Close Yet So Far Away: Kansas Repels Marijuana Policy Reform As Arkansas Embraces It
While Kansas remains reluctant to change its stance on cannabis, with a recent attempt to remove it from the state's controlled substances law being defeated, Arkansas is moving forward with expanding its medical marijuana program. In Kansas, Rep. Silas Miller's amendment was rejected by House members. However, a majority of Kansans support legalizing recreational cannabis. To push for change, groups like the Kansas Cannabis Coalition and ACLU are advocating for policy reform. In contrast, Arkansas is making strides towards expanding its medical marijuana program with the approval of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2024. This proposal aims to broaden the eligibility of healthcare professionals to prescribe cannabis, expand the list of qualifying conditions, and extend the validity of medical marijuana cards. Activists must gather signatures to ensure the measure appears on the ballot.
DC's Weed Gifting Goes Legit, Nebraskans Want Medical Marijuana Legalized And More Cannabis Regs
Last week, Delaware's Office of the Marijuana Commissioner made publicly available draft regulations for the recreational marijuana market slated to kick off in 2025.The regulators opened the informal public comment period on the first batch of draft rules and will be open until March 29. According to a recent polling in Nebraska, 70% of those asked are ready to legalize medical marijuana statewide, Conducted by Neilan Strategy Group, the poll is similar to a separate one done by a group seeking to place the medical cannabis issue on the 2024 ballot, where according to the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana 80% of registered voters said they would green-light medical cannabis legalization.Last week, Hawaii House members weighed on a bill to increase how much marijuana someone can possess without facing a criminal penalty.According to The Outlaw Report, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) revealed a list of businesses looking to transition from D.C.'s I-71 gifting market to legal medical dispensaries. Out of 76 submitted applications, a total of 26 D.C. unlicensed retailers have been awarded placards, including 12 social equity applicants and 14 standard applicants.
GOP Lawmaker Behind Maine's Marijuana Legalization Calls On Cannabis Czar To Step Down
Maine cannabis czar is under attack by a member of the state's House of Representatives who claims Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) Director John Hudak is "unfairly and unjustly executing state law."Republican Rep. David Boyer is behind an online petition that calls on Gov. Janet Mills (D) to fire Hudak, and which has garnered over 600 signatures as of Monday afternoon. To make his point, Boyer listed several instances of Hudak improperly enforcing state legislation. Hudak allegedly targeted and retaliated against cannabis operators that raised concerns about cannabis regulations he imposed such as a $50,000 burden on small businesses.
South Dakota Tightens THC Job Rules, New York's Home Grow And Licenses, New Jersey's Road To A Billion-Dollar Cannabis Market
Governor Kristi Noem (R) signed a bill into law last week that allows employers in South Dakota to discipline workers in safety-sensitive roles, such as pilots, construction workers, healthcare professionals, teachers, nursing home employees, and truck drivers among others, who test positive for THC. As previously expected, New York cannabis regulators approved over 100 new marijuana business licenses for retailers, microbusinesses, cultivators, processors and distributors on Friday, alongside green-lighting draft rules for the home cultivation. New Jersey is paving its way toward reaching $1 billion in cannabis sales in 2024. That's according to New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's (NJ-CRC) Executive Director Jeff Brown.The top cannabis official in the state spoke about ways to boost the state's marijuana industry in the years to come, citing proposed rules to expand edible offerings at retailers as an example.
New York Regulators Will Issue Dozens Of Cannabis Licenses, Florida Regulates THC Content And More Reg Updates
The New York cannabis regulators are slated to approve 24 cultivators, nine distributors, 27 microbusinesses, 12 processors and 38 retailers at its Friday meeting.In Florida, state Senate members gave the green light on Thursday to a bill that regulates hemp products statewide.
Ukraine's Zelensky Signs Medical Cannabis Bill To Help Those Suffering From Trauma Amid War With Russia
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has signed a bill legalizing medical marijuana in the country. The move follows approval by the Ukrainian Parliament in December, but progress was initially delayed by an opposition faction. The new law will allow medical cannabis to be prescribed to patients suffering from cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It will come into effect in six months' time, at which point the Ministry of Health and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will establish the rules for the programe. While cannabis products cannot be imported yet, they may be imported before domestic production is possible, meaning patients may soon have access to medical cannabis. Zelensky had previously stated that Ukraine should legalize cannabis in order to help the country's citizens deal with the physical and mental pain associated with the Russo-Ukrainian War.
GOP Gov. Noem Signs Bill Compelling South Dakota's Medical Marijuana Patients To Acknowledge Federal Gun Ban
sure that requires South Dakotans seeking to register as medical cannabis patients to check off a box on card applications suggesting are aware that on federal level they are barred from owning a firearm was signed by Governor Kristi Noem on Monday. House Bill 1024 from Rep. Kevin Jensen (R) cleared the state legislature recently. Initially, it sought patients to sign their names on the application to affirm the rule, but the state Senate Health and Human Services Committee amended it before green-lighting it.