Good news for Virginia: The governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam along with some top lawmakers recently revealed a bill that would legalize marijuana in the state. So far, all signs indicate that legislators plan to move rapidly to advance it – and if successful, it will make Virginia the first Southern state to do so.With the Virginia Governor looking to legalize recreational cannabis, the new proposal allows adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to one ounce (27grams) of cannabis. In addition, adults are allowed to grow up to four plants for personal use, two of which can be in the flowering phase.The legislature decriminalized minor marijuana possession last year, and since then, advocates have kept their eyes set on more comprehensive reform. The time has seemingly come ...
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What Mexico Legalizing Cannabis Means For The US
Mexico will soon join Canada and Uruguay and become the third country to legalize cannabis fully. If it takes this step, the country's size will make Mexico the largest marijuana market in the entire world.This Latin American country made a significant step on January 12, 2021, when its health ministry published rules regulating medical marijuana use.Mexico's President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, signed off this new regulation that allows pharmaceutical companies to start conducting medical research on marijuana products.But, what does Mexico legalizing cannabis mean for the US? Worry no more! Keep reading this enlightening post to get all the answers to your questions.
Activities Authorized Under Mexico's Medical Marijuana Rules
Mexico created the medical ...Read More
Florida Lawmakers Pushing for Changes to Marijuana Laws
It’s official that gutsy lawmakers in the Sunny State of Florida are trying to make the future brighter for those who like to light up and smoke cannabis for whatsoever purpose. With many Florida lawmakers pushing for changes to marijuana laws, we are hoping to see recreational marijuana sooner than later.Orlando lawmaker Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith recently filed a bill in the state Legislature to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. His bill was joined with Sen. Jeff Brandes’ bill to introduce two respective laws.This article looks at Florida marijuana laws and how far they have come towards legalization. In order to understand current contentions of lawmakers, we thought it would suffice to initially look into the past of cannabis laws in Florida – also as related to the ...
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Recreational Marijuana Sales In Arizona Debut
Arizona sold its first legal recreational marijuana products in January, only just two months after the Arizonian voters approved cannabis legalization in the November votes.Arizona's health services department notified the public on January 22, 2021, that it had collected 79 requests to trade adult-use cannabis. As per that day, the department had licensed 73 of the total 79 businesses to trade recreational marijuana, while the remaining 6 were under review.While awarding the licenses, Arizona's health services department prioritized medical cannabis businesses already running in the State.
Marijuana Laws In Arizona
As per Proposition 207 terms, the ballot measure issue passed by Arizonian voters in November 2020, the state residents who are 21 years old and above can ...Read More
What Countries are Next to Legalize Cannabis in 2021?
With 33 states legalized in North America, we are prompted to wonder what countries are next to legalize cannabis in 2021?The legalization of Cannabis is a hot topic worldwide. With the U.S. leading the way, most of the world’s stronger countries are among the nations that are now looking forward to legalizing this (formerly) controversial herb.In October 2018, Canada became the second country to legalize Cannabis for its recreational purposes, and others are soon to follow.We gathered all the most relevant and latest information to secure our contentions regarding the following five countries that are likely to legalize cannabis this year.
5 Countries are Next to Legalize Cannabis in 2021
1. Mexico The Supreme Court in Mexico issued five rulings decrying ...Read More
Pennsylvania Governor Pushing for Marijuana Legalization
Gov. Tom Wolf recently argued and publicly stated that Pennsylvania should legalize recreational cannabis to raise funds for pandemic-related relief programs – among other things. Among the many arguments made for legalizing cannabis, raising state revenues as one of these cannot be denied.Even with the Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf pushing for marijuana legalization, accurate projections in terms of legalization are delicate, and often rely on uncertain expectations. A lot depends on how neighboring states and the federal government will react.
COVID and Legalization – What’s the Relevance?
The adverse effect of COVID-19 on businesses and state budgets has undoubtedly elevated cannabis legalization notions and actions by some very influential people in Pennsylvania.But ...Read More
Is France Close to Legalizing Cannabis?
Is France close to legalizing cannabis? As the world's seventh-largest economy, France has been slowly inching toward legalization (emphasis on slowly). As of late, it has taken a more proactive approach toward developing a route for legalization. While France’s medical cannabis and hemp markets lag behind others in Europe, it’s poised for success once it legalizes weed.
What's Legal and What's Not?
Possession Until recently, France had some of the strictest laws against cannabis use in Europe, despite having some of the highest cannabis usage rates on the continent. In 2018, France allowed citations instead of arrests and trials for possession of cannabis. Instead of going to jail, an individual would pay a €200 fine. In 2020, the punishment for cannabis consumption was ...Read More
Cannabis Policy and How Your World May Be Positively Impacted By Biden’s Cabinet
Many in the cannabis industry wonder how Biden's cabinet will impact cannabis policy. The Democratic party will control the House, the Senate and the presidency following Biden's inauguration.The cannabis industry is hoping that will be a catalyst for a positive shift in cannabis policy.
What’s on the Docket for Cannabis Policy?
The Democrat-controlled House made history last year by approving the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking (SAFE) and the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Acts.Both measures would have made huge strides in the legal industry if passed by the Republican-controlled Senate.Also considered was the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) Act, which would give states the right to handle ...Read More
Last Prisoner Project is Fighting Criminal Injustice and Reforming Drug Policy
In a country where over 15 million people have been arrested for cannabis offenses in the last decade, the Last Prisoner Project is fighting criminal injustice and reforming drug policy. An alliance of business leaders, lawmakers, and artists is actively petitioning for the release of cannabis inmates with an emphasis on re-entry resources. Here’s an overview of their work and how you can help.
A Team of Advocates
Long-time cannabis activists and co-founders of Harborside dispensary in Oakland, California, Steve and Andrew DeAngelo, are the founders of the nonprofit organization, Last Prisoner Project (LPP). Over the past few years, the two have assembled a team of industry leaders, criminal and social justice advocates, and policy and education experts to help free ...Read More
How Many States Have Recreational Weed in 2021
Are you wondering how many states have recreational weed in 2021? As of November 2020, 15 US states and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational weed in the US. Another 35 states have also legalized marijuana for medical uses. Compared to years before now, marijuana wasn't generally accepted.Here in this piece, we'll review 11 states in the US that have recreational weed use. However, this does not include the states that permit the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.It must also be noted that the federal government frowns upon growing and selling marijuana. President Barack Obama's administration planned to decriminalize small drug offenses. It also gave states the power to decide whether or not to allow medicinal and recreational use of ...
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How Many Marijuana Plants Can You Grow In California?
How many marijuana plants can you grow in California? If you plan on growing cannabis in California, there are few things to keep in mind. California allows for the medicinal and recreational use of cannabis. Home cultivation limits vary based on program, as well as city and county laws.Here's a breakdown of the number of marijuana plants you can grow in the state and local restrictions.
How Many Marijuana Plants Can a Medical Patient and Caregiver Grow in California
Under Proposition 215, qualified patients and caregivers can legally grow medical cannabis for personal use with a recommendation from a licensed physician. As long as you're growing for personal use, you're legally allowed to grow cannabis in an area that's 100 square ...Read More
4 States Legalized Adult-Use Cannabis: When Can You Buy It?
During the November 2020 election, 4 states legalized adult-use cannabis, but when exactly can you start buying it? Medical and recreational state programs have varying implementation time periods. Some states have taken a very long time to jumpstart their programs, while others have taken a more aggressive approach.During the last election, Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota approved the legalization of recreational cannabis. If you live in any of these states and are counting down the days until you can legally buy cannabis, here's when you can expect to do so.
Arizona
Arizona finally passed adult-use cannabis after coming close just four years ago. This year, 60% of voters were in favor of Prop 207 legalizing cannabis sales. Unlike many other states, ...Read More
US House Approves Federal Cannabis Legalization Bill
In a historic congressional vote, the US House of Representatives approved a bill to federally legalize cannabis. This marks the first time Congress has acted on a cannabis bill since the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.It's been a long time coming and is a symbolic win for the industry. However, the momentous marijuana bill isn't expected to pass the Republican-controlled Senate.
Is Weed Legal Now?
Despite the historic vote, cannabis is not yet federally legal.Now that the House of Representatives passed the bill, it must go through a voting process in the Senate. While a long shot, in this case, a Senate-approved bill would go to the White House for a presidential signature.What’s in the MORE Act?
The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and ...Read More
UN Removes Cannabis From List of Most Dangerous Drugs
In a historic victory for cannabis, the UN removes cannabis from list of most dangerous drugs in the world. On Wednesday, December 2nd, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) voted to remove cannabis for medicinal purposes from its list of controlled substances.
UN Reclassifies Cannabis as a Less Dangerous Drug
Based in Vienna, Austria, the CND includes 53 member states. At their latest session, they considered a number of recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). One of them was the reclassification of cannabis and its derivatives.The WHO recommended removing cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Under this ruling, the UN listed cannabis alongside addictive substances like opioids and ...Read More
Election 2020: Cannabis Legalization Wrap-Up
Our U.S Election 2020 cannabis legalization wrap-up covers all the major wins for weed law reform. Now that the U.S Election Day is over, it’s time to celebrate the passing of several pro-drug ballot measures. In 5 states, voters approved every pot-related bill on the ballot. In Oregon, voters decriminalized the possession of low amounts of illegal drugs. Washington D.C. voters also decriminalized psilocybin therapy. The war on drugs seems to be coming to a screeching halt.
New Jersey Approves Adult-Use Pot
New Jersey voters finally got what they’ve been fighting for for years. Public Question 1 passed with a wide margin. But, the fight isn’t over yet. From testing to license caps, officials must still go through the long process of setting up program rules. Despite ...Read More