Cannabis Bill Tracker

As the cannabis industry anxiously awaits direction from the White House, it appears that states are not going to be as patient. As more states move forward with cannabis bills, we’ll continue providing relevant updates on the latest cannabis laws and legislation that affect our industry and your business. Something we missed? Let us know here and we’ll make sure to include it in next week’s update!

October 16th, 2017

Several pro-cannabis pieces of legislation received additional support over the last few days. Most notably, HR 1810, which would amend the 280e tax penalties for state legal cannabis businesses, received 4 new cosponsors bringing the total to 38. With 14 Republicans supporting the bill, it’s further proof that conservatives are coming around on cannabis.

The CARERS Act of 2017, originally introduced by Steve Cohen (D-TN), received 3 more cosponsors for a total of 19. The bill has nearly equal support from both parties and will receive attention from the Energy and Commerce Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Legislation that would regulate cannabis like alcohol is up to 16 cosponsors. Anti-prohibition stalwart Dana Rohrabacher stands as the lone Republican supporter of HR 1841.

2 pieces of legislation created to protect state legal cannabis operations received new supporters- HR 3534 and HR 331 each received 1 additional cosponsor. The bills would create a waiver from federal interference which states could apply for and reduce the ability to seize assets without due process.

Meanwhile, in Michigan, representatives are urging the Drug Enforcement Agency and federal prosecutors to either enforce federal prohibition or amend the Controlled Substances Act and allow States to regulate per the will of the voters.

October 9th, 2017

California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed 2 bills designed to restrict cannabis businesses and decrease social use. AB1120 and AB350 were struck down last Friday.

A Colorado bill to exempt retail cannabis sales from the 2.9% general sales tax failed last week. The Senate Committee on Transportation has postponed further evaluations of SB 001 indefinitely.

The District of Columbia is considering reciprocity rules for medical cannabis. PR22-0526 was introduced last week and has been referred to the Health Committee for review.

Legislation impacting how physicians and patients in Florida interact might have major repercussions for the cannabis industry. S 0280, which would establish telehealth standards, is under review in the state’s Health and Human Services Subcommittee.

Legislators in Massachusetts have introduced a new version of S819, which would eliminate mandatory minimums for drug-related offenses. The efforts are in direct contrast with Attorney General Sessions recent suggestion of increasing enforcement.

Check back next Monday for our Cannabis Bill Tracker updates!

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Learn more about BioTrackTHC’s Seed-to-Sale Tracking and Cannabis Business Solution that can help business owners stay compliant with all of their state’s respective regulations and compliance codes.