Anthony Martinelli is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Marijuana Herald, a daily marijuana news and information website that launched in 2018. You can reach Anthony at [email protected].
Anthony Martinelli
Author's posts
Jan 19 2025
Marijuana Sales in Vermont Reach $10.86 Million in November, Bringing 2024 Total to Above $125 Million
There was $10.86 million in legal marijuana sold in Vermont in November, according to data released by the Vermont Department of Taxes. These sales brought the state $1.52 million in excise tax revenue. For 2024, marijuana sales now stand at $127, with all-time sales surpassing $260 million. Vermont legalized marijuana in 2018, becoming the first …
Jan 19 2025
Philip Morris International, World’s Largest Tobacco Company, Expands Into Medical Marijuana
Philip Morris International (PMI), the world’s largest tobacco company, has deepened its involvement in the cannabis sector. Through its subsidiary, Vectura Fertin Pharma (VFP), PMI announced a partnership with Avicanna Inc., a Canadian biopharmaceutical company specializing in cannabinoid-based products. The collaboration, highlighted in a recent press release, focuses on advancing medical cannabis research and improving …
Jan 19 2025
Over 3,000 Remain in Federal Prison for Marijuana, Some for Life: Biden Has 24 Hours to Free Them
Thousands remain in federal prison due to nonviolent marijuana-related crimes. President Biden, who says no one should be in jail for marijuana, has just a day to commute their sentences. In 2022, Biden pardoned thousands of marijuana offenses, clearing the records of those charged federally with marijuana offenses. However, none of these pardons actually reduced …
Jan 18 2025
Record Number of Psychedelics Bills Filed in Massachusetts
Massachusetts lawmakers have filed a record number of bills related to psychedelics for the 2025 session, more than of any US state in history. According to Massachusetts for Mental Health Options (MMHO), the group behind Question 4 which was successfully placed on the November 2024 ballot but didn’t receive enough votes to be enacted, Massachusetts …
Jan 18 2025
Virginia Delegate Files Marijuana Resentencing Bill
House Bill 2555, introduced by Delegate Rozia Henson, would allow sentence modifications for individuals convicted of marijuana-related offenses in Virginia prior to the state’s legalization of marijuana. The proposed legislation would establish a legal process for reviewing and potentially modifying sentences for individuals who remain incarcerated or under community supervision for felony convictions involving marijuana …
Jan 18 2025
Maryland Bill Would Protect Gun Rights for Medical Marijuana Patients, Hearing Set for February 5
Maryland lawmakers are set to discuss a proposal that would safeguard gun rights for medical marijuana patients. House Bill 336, introduced by Delegate Robin Grammer (R) on January 13, is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on February 5 at 1 p.m. The bill would ensure that individuals authorized to use …
Jan 18 2025
Legislation Filed in Hawaii Would Protect Medical Marijuana Patients From Workplace Discrimination
A group of eight Hawaii State Representatives, led by Jeanne Kapela (D), filed House Bill 325 this week to address employment discrimination against medical marijuana patients. The bill seeks to establish explicit workplace protections for registered medical marijuana patients while maintaining safety standards for specific occupations. Since legalizing medical marijuana in 2000 and launching a …
Jan 18 2025
Minnesota Bill Seeks to Protect Gun Rights of Medical Marijuana Patients
A new bill filed in the Minnesota Senate would safeguard the firearm rights of medical marijuana patients. Senate Bill 313, introduced by Senator Mark Koran (R), has been referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee for further consideration. The proposed legislation would ensure that individuals who qualify as medical marijuana patients are not denied …
Jan 18 2025
Hawaii Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Put Recreational Marijuana Legalization to a Public Vote
Hawaii Representatives Gene Ward (R) and Kim Iwamoto (D) have introduced House Bill 519, a measure proposing a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. If approved, the bill would allow voters to decide the issue, potentially aligning Hawaii with the 24 states that have already legalized recreational marijuana. Last …
Jan 17 2025
Kratom Bills Filed in Seven States So Far in 2025
Kratom legislation has been introduced in seven states so far in 2025. Kratom has been used for thousands of years, beginning in Southeast Asia, where it has been valued for its medicinal properties. The leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant are often consumed as tea or in powdered form, providing effects that range from mild …
