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!
Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) introduced a bipartisan bill that would allow states to regulate marijuana without federal interference. The STATES Act would amend the Controlled Substances Act to include a framework that says it no longer applies to those following state, territory, or tribal laws.
A bill legalizing medical marijuana for patients suffering from debilitating conditions passed on third reading in Missouri by a vote of 112-44. HB1554 will now be sent to the state Senate for consideration.
A medical marijuana bill for PTSD and pain has been signed into Georgia law. HB 65, adds PTSD and intractable pain to the list of conditions eligible for treatment by cannabis oil.
HB1476 has been stalled in Senate – it is likely the bill won’t make it to the floor again this legislative season. The New Hampshire bill would have allowed medical marijuana patients to grow their plants at home. Currently, patients have to purchase medical cannabis products from one of the states licensed dispensaries.
A slight partisan bill in New Hampshire is currently pending motion – HB1477 establishes a procedure and calls for the annulment of arrests or convictions for possession of 3/4 of an ounce of marijuana, or less.
A bipartisan bill addressing provisions concerning marijuana in respect to research licenses, local authority notifications, retail licensing processes, and jurisdictional requirements has been introduced to Washington Senate. Learn more about SB5131.
May 15
An Act to amend the penal law, in relation to de-criminalizing the personal possession of marijuana, has been issued in New York.
A bill has been scheduled for concurrence on 5/16/2018, filed by Louisiana legislators to authorize the therapeutic use of marijuana.
Learn more about HB579.
May 20
A bill in Minnesota has been introduced. HF4541 calling for marijuana use and possession to be authorized, commercial regulation provided, and sales tax imposed.
The House has passed the ‘Right to Try’ Bill, and sent it to Trump’s desk for approval. The Bill will allow terminally ill patients to try experimental drugs (like Cannabis).
A judge in Florida has ruled that the medical marijuana smoking ban is unconstitutional.
May 28
A bill aiming to allow cannabis sales and consumption at special events held on local fairgrounds. AB2641 was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee in a 13-2 vote Friday, is continuing its progress through California Legislature.
A non-binding referendum question concerning the use and possession of marijuana was submitted to the electors of Rhode Island. The question simply asks if they support marijuana use in users at least 21 years of age. Click here to learn more about HB7883
A bill has been introduced and postponed indefinitely in Vermont to establish alternative approaches to addressing low-level illicit drug use. H0167 aims to garner alternative approaches to the traditional criminal justice model for handling low-level illicit drug use if it is going to reduce the effects of addiction and addiction-related crime.
April 26
HB274 was drawn up by Louisiana legislators calling for the decriminalization of marijuana possession and distribution. The bill specifies the decriminalization of the possession of marijuana contingent upon development of a regulatory system and the establishment of a sales tax.
A notice of committee consideration has been requested for Senate Bill 7013 in the State of New York. S07013 de-criminalizes the personal possession of Marijuana; relating to certain pleas, and specifies requirements with respect to bills affecting correctional populations.
A resolution has passed in the Georgia House, urging the United States Congress to amend the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug. Click here to learn more about HR1363.
March 20
An act has been introduced in Maine to add addiction or dependency on Opiates or prescription drugs to the list of qualifying conditions for Medical marijuana use. To learn more about LD411 click here.
Legislators in Maine have also filed a bill that looks after children who have been prescribed medical marijuana. LD1098 would ensure reasonable accommodations for children whom medical marijuana has been recommended.
A bipartisan bill was introduced in New Hampshire on March 22, 2018, relative to the legalization and regulation of marijuana in the state. HB656 would allow home cultivation of marijuana plants and the possession of certain marijuana-infused products specifically with the concern to medicinal marijuana patients.
Ohio legislators have filed a bill requiring the Auditor of State to conduct and release a performance audit of the Medical Marijuana Control Program. SB264 calls to prohibit the Department of Commerce from issuing final cultivator, processor, or lab testing licenses until audit recommendations are implemented.
March 30
On March 30 Georgia legislators introduced HR340, which urges Georgia’s congressional delegation and the United States Congress to amend the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, to authorize the study of medical marijuana in Georgia – and for other purposes.
The general assembly of Connecticut has introduced an act authorizing and taxing the retail sale of marijuana. Introduced by Rep. Albis of the 99th District, HB05111 coincides with HB05112, which would permit the utilization of the retail taxation to fund substance abuse treatment, prevention, education and awareness programs.
A slightly bipartisan-backed resolution has been introduced, requesting Congress to consider legislation to de-schedule marijuana or otherwise allow the states and territories of the United States to determine for themselves the best means of regulating marijuana. Click Here to learn more about HR1040.
February 22
Legislators in New Hampshire brought forth HB1768, calling to establish a cannabis control commission. The bill outlines the hiring process and qualifications for appointing a Chairman for the commission, as well as how the group would be led to develop and maintain appropriate cannabis regulations and controls.
Rand Paul (R-KY) is attempting to include 2 amendments that would provide protections for state legal cannabis operations. The amendments, both attached to HR 195, would restrict the Department of Justice from interfering with state businesses or penalizing banking institutions that have cannabis customers.
Legislators in Hawaii have filed a bill that would protect patients from state and federal interference. SB 2217 clarifies that medical use of cannabis is not considered to be a state or federal crime.
Legislators in Massachusetts are joining other states in submitting bills to preclude state agencies from assisting federal attempts at interfering with cannabis businesses. The Refusal of Complicity Act argues that taxpayers should not bear the burden for enforcement efforts in conflict with voter preference.
A bipartisan group of legislators in Pennsylvania is seeking a resolution to gun ownership rights concerns from medical cannabis patients. SR 253 would amend the Gun Control Act of 1968 to protect the constitutional rights of patients.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott announced his intention to sign H 511, a bill that will legalize cannabis use for adults 21 and over. Once signed, the law will take effect on July 1st and permit the home cultivation of 2 plants.
A bill to replace jail time with a fine has been introduced in Virginia. SB 954 would also allow first-time offenses to be expunged. Fines collected would go to the Heroin and Prescription Opioid Experiment Fund.
Jan 15
In response to AG Jeff Sessions rescission of the Cole Memo, Democratic Representative Barbara Lee introduced the REFER Act of 2018, also known as the Restraining Excessive Federal Enforcement & Regulations of Cannabis Act. The act aims to expand the protection of Rohrabacher-Farr and ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to after state-sanctioned cannabis activities.
A group consisting of 69 bipartisan members sent a letter to congressional leaders expressing their concern with the recent moves from the Department of Justice. Rep Jared Polis, from Colorado, is urging leadership to include his amendment in the funding bill set to be voted on January 19th. If included, the amendment would preclude the DOJ from using funds to go after cannabis businesses in legal states.
HR 1227, an act that would end Federal cannabis prohibition, received 9 new cosponsors in the last week bringing the total to 24.
The Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2017, known as HR 975, is up to 39 cosponsors having added 15 new supporters in since the DOJ Cole Memo position was announced.
Senator Nicholas Scutari has introduced legislation that would legalize cannabis for adult use in New Jersey. If passed, the state would regulate cannabis similar to alcohol and tobacco with adult permitted, but not in public.
The New Hampshire House overwhelmingly passed a cannabis legalization bill last week 207-139. If approved by the Senate, persons at least 21 years old will be able to cultivate 3 plants at home and possess up to ¾ of an ounce of cannabis flower.
Legislators in Vermont moved a measure to legalize cannabis forward in spite of aggressive rhetoric from the DOJ. If passed, residents 21 and over would be allowed to possess up to an ounce of cannabis flower, cultivate 2 mature plants and have 4 immature plants.
In Florida, Democrat Randolph Bracy III put forth S1602, a bill that would create a civil violation for certain amounts of cannabis possession statewide. – This bill Died in Criminal Justice – 3.10.2018
Mississippi Republican Congressman Joel Bomgar introduced the MS Medical Marijuana Pilot Program. The therapeutic use program will allow up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis for patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma, HIV, seizures, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Intractable pain among in addition to other “serious medical conditions” added by the Department of Health. Click here for more on HB 391. – This bill Died In Committee – 1.30.18
New Mexico legislators have pre-filed State Joint Resolution 4, which would legalize adult use cannabis pending the passage of regulations that monitor the seed to sale production process. Taxes generated would go to the states general fund.
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Check here for previous cannabis bill tracker updates dating back to March 2017.
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