New York Senator Michelle Hinchey has introduced a legislative proposal aimed at regulating cannabis events across the state. Senate Bill 9679, if passed, will amend the existing cannabis law by adding Section 130-a, which establishes a framework for cannabis event permits. The bill defines a “cannabis event” as an event where licensed retailers of adult-use …
Category: News
May 17 2024
Louisiana Governor Receives Bill to Extend Medical Marijuana Program to 2030
The Louisiana Legislature gave final approval this week to a bill that would extend the sunset period for Louisiana’s medical marijuana pilot program, sending it to Governor Jeff Landry. Senate Bill 228 passed through its third and final reading in the House of Representatives on May 13 by a vote of 89 to 1. The …
May 17 2024
US Congress: Defense Bill Includes Ending Marijuana Testing for Military Recruits
A federal defense bill expected to be passed by the US Congress in the coming weeks would end marijuana testing for military recruits and prospective officers. A defense bill released this week—which must be approved to continue funding the nation’s defenses and military operations—includes a provision prohibiting the military from requiring a cannabis test for …
May 17 2024
New Jersey Bill Would Require Workers’ Comp and Health Insurance to Cover Medical Marijuana
Legislation that “Requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage for the medical use of cannabis under certain circumstances” has been filed in the New Jersey Legislature. Assembly Bill 4371 was filed yesterday by Representative Herbert Conaway (D). The measure has been assigned to the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurances Committee. “Notwithstanding the provisions of …
May 17 2024
Nationwide Fox News Poll Finds 69% of Voters Support Legalizing Marijuana
According to a new Fox News Poll, roughly seven out of every 10 registered voters in the United States support legalizing marijuana. The poll found majority support for marijuana legalization among all political affiliations, including 81% of Democrats, 65% of independents and 55% of Republicans. The poll found that a majority supported legalization across all …
May 17 2024
Public Comment on Marijuana Rescheduling Begins Tuesday, May 21
Yesterday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published its proposed rules for rescheduling marijuana. These rules will be officially published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, initiating the legally required 60-day public comment period. The notice published yesterday by the DEA states that the agency plans to reclassify marijuana from its current status as a Schedule …
May 16 2024
New Hampshire Senate Approves Recreational Marijuana Bill
For the first time ever, the New Hampshire Senate has given approval to legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana. House Bill 1633 passed the full Senate today through its second reading by a vote of 14 to 9. It will now go to the Senate Finance Committee and then to a third and final reading …
May 16 2024
Maryland Governor Signs Psychedelics Bill Into Law
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed into law legislation that establishes a psychedelics task force. Senate Bill 1009 was passed unanimously through the full legislature, with the vote being 137 to 0 in the House of Representatives and 45 to 0 in the Senate. The new law will establish a “Task Force on Responsible Use …
May 16 2024
The DEA Has Published Rules to Reschedule Marijuana: Here’s What Comes Next
Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officially published its proposed rules that would move marijuana to Schedule III. Here’s a look at the next steps to make the change final. The 92-page notice published today by the DEA (a branch of the Department of Justice) states that the federal government plans to move marijuana from …
May 16 2024
119th US Lawmaker Joins as Sponsor to SAFE Banking Act
119 members of the United States House of Representatives are now sponsoring the SAFE Banking Act to allow marijuana banking. Yesterday, Congressmember Chris Deluzio (D-PA) signed on as a cosponsor for the SAFE Banking Act, bringing the total number of sponsors to 119 (109 more than when it was filed last April). The proposed law …