Browsing United States

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Two legislators from Florida introduced identical initiatives Monday that would legalize medical marijuana. The move comes shortly after it was reported that similar legislation has qualified for the popular ballot in November. Senator Jeff Clemens (D) and Representative Joe Saunders (D) each introduced bills to legalize medical marijuana in attempt to make it easier to pass. They have been named Senate Bill 962 and House Bill 859. As written, the measure would specify tight state regulation for doctors to prescribe marijuana for treatment of conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) and other severe ailments.

ANCHORAGE, AK — The Alaska Division of Elections announced Tuesday that enough signatures have been gathered to place a legal cannabis initiative on the 2014 ballot. According to state election law, Alaska’s Campaign to regulate marijuana had to gather at least 30,000 signatures for their proposal to reach the ballot. The group submitted 46,000 signatures January 8th. Election officials reported Tuesday that more than 31,500 signatures had been validated. Further, signatures were gathered from at least 30 of the 40 House districts as required. Alaskan Voters Could Decide On Cannabis Legalization This Year …

WASHINGTON, DC — As previously reported, there was a movement to decriminalize cannabis for personal consumption in the District of Columbia. The proposal was passed Tuesday by the City Council. Proposed by Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) in 2013, The Simple Possession of Small Quantities of Marijuana Decriminalization Amendment Act of 2013, calls for fines in the case of simple cannabis possession (less than one ounce). Those 18 and over would be subject to a $25 fine for possession – not much different than a parking ticket. Those caught smoking in public would …

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — State Representative Chris Kelly (D) introduced a measure Wednesday to regulate cannabis like alcohol in Missouri. “It’s time for a better approach in the ‘Show-Me’ state.” – Chris Lindsay If passed, House Bill 1659 would permit Missouri residents to possess, consume, and cultivate limited amounts of cannabis. Following in the steps of Colorado, the measure would also establish regulations for retail cannabis throughout the state. “By regulating adult use, the state can replace the underground market, …

ATLANTA, GA — A measure to implement a restricted medical marijuana program is gaining momentum in Georgia. State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) introduced a bill Tuesday that would legalize a non-psychoactive strain of cannabis for a limited number of patients. A particular strain of medical marijuana with high concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) would only be made available to those suffering from severe seizure disorders, such as Dravet’s Syndrome. Rep. Peake Calls On CBD-Rich Cannabis …

PROVIDENCE, RI — Continuing the momentum in favor of cannabis policy reform, a recent poll conducted by Public Policy Polling reveals that a slight majority of Rhode Island voters would support cannabis legalization for those 21 and over. Participants were asked if they support or oppose changing state law to follow in the footsteps of Colorado and Washington. Of those questioned, 53 percent of voters said they were in favor of “changing Rhode Island law to regulate and tax marijuana similarly to alcohol.” Only 41 percent …

TRENTON, NJ — On Friday, Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (D) announced plans introduce an bill to legalize cannabis in New Jersey. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, Sen. Scutari’s initiative will move to tax and regulate cannabis like alcohol. Specific details of the measure are still in the works. “Anybody that looks at the facts, knows that the war on marijuana has been a miserable failure.’’ – Sen. Nicholas Scutari As noted in a recent press release, the senator explains that New Jersey’s current marijuana policies …

SANTA FE, NM — According to a release from the Drug Policy Alliance, New Mexico Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino (D-12th District) pre-filed Senate Joint Resolution 10 (SJR10), a ballot initiative that would legalize cannabis for adult-use. “New Mexico’s voters should be given the opportunity to decide on this issue.Other states’ experience can help us formulate an approach that will end the problems created by prohibition…” – Sen. Ortiz y Pino Following the lead of states like Colorado and Washington, Senate Joint Resolution 10 would allow for cannabis consumption and possession …

SALEM, OR — The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has posted their Final Temporary Rules for medical marijuana dispensaries. The state will begin accepting applications March 3, roughly eight months after House Bill 3460 was passed. Included in the rules are requirements for lab-testing, a “strong security system,” and yearly inspections from the Oregon Health Authority. According to the agency’s website, “the rules implementing Oregon’s medical marijuana dispensary law are intended to ensure …

ANNAPOLIS, MD — In a press conference held Thursday, Senator Jamie Raskin (D), Delegate Curt Anderson (D), and Delegate Sheila Hixson (D) launched an effort to pass a bill that would legalize cannabis for adult-use. “We got ourselves out of alcohol prohibition by regulating and taxing the product, and we should employ the same exit strategy with marijuana.” – Sen. Jamie Raskin “Our experiment with marijuana prohibition has failed,” Sen. Raskin explains. “We got ourselves out of alcohol prohibition by regulating and taxing the product, and we should employ the same exit strategy with marijuana.” Also announced Thursday …