Mar 06 2025

New York Bill Would Let Parolees and Probationers Work in the Legal Marijuana Industry

A bill introduced in the New York Senate today would remove barriers preventing individuals on parole, probation, or other forms of state supervision from working in the legal marijuana industry.

Senate Bill 6181, sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker (D), has been referred to the Investigations and Government Operations Committee for consideration. The measure updates state law to ensure that individuals required to be employed as a condition of their supervision can meet that requirement by working at a licensed marijuana business—unless their specific terms of supervision explicitly prohibit it.

The bill adds language stating that a person under state supervision “may fulfill such employment requirement through employment at any licensee under this chapter unless the terms and conditions of said parole, probation, or state supervision explicitly prohibit such person’s employment at such licensee.”
Continue reading

Mar 06 2025

Nearly $20 Million in Legal Marijuana Sold in Rhode Island So Far in 2025, Over 500,000 Transactions

Licensed marijuana retailers in Rhode Island have recorded nearly $20 million in sales so far in 2025, with more than 500,000 transactions processed.

In February, total marijuana sales reached $8.98 million, with $7.40 million coming from recreational purchases and $1.57 million from medical sales. Combined with the $9.57 million sold in January, the state has seen $18,549,963 in total marijuana sales this year. The average transaction amount of $35.14 indicates that 527,887 transactions occurred as of February 28.

The total sales so far in 2025 are close to the $18.89 million recorded during the first two months of 2024. January’s sales of $9.57 million represented a slight drop from the $10.11 million recorded in December but showed a small increase from the $9.50 million sold in January 2024. Of the January total, $7.89 million came from recreational purchases, while $1.68 million was from medical marijuana sales.
Continue reading

Mar 06 2025

Study: 96% of Vermont Primary Care Providers Are Neutral or Agree Psychedelics Have High Therapeutic Potential

A new study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs finds that 96% of Vermont primary care providers are either neutral or in agreement that psychedelics have high therapeutic potential.

The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Vermont, highlights a growing openness among healthcare professionals toward the medical use of substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA.

For the study, researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of 770 Vermont primary care providers (PCPs) about their familiarity and concerns with psychedelics, as well as opinions on access and therapeutic value.
Continue reading

Mar 05 2025

North Dakota House Approves Bill to Legalize Medical Marijuana Edibles

The North Dakota House of Representatives has approved a bill that would legalize edible marijuana products for medical patients and caregivers.

(Photo credit: New Food Magazine)

House Bill 1203, sponsored by Representative Steve Vetter (R-Grand Forks), passed with a 67 to 25 vote. A similar bill was rejected by lawmakers in the previous legislative session.

The bill would allow licensed manufacturers to produce and sell regulated edible marijuana products to registered patients. It now moves to the Senate, where a similar measure, Senate Bill 2294, has already passed with a 35 to 11 vote. A key difference between the two is the allowable THC content—HB 1203 sets a limit of 10 grams per edible, while SB 2294 caps it at 5 grams.
Continue reading

Mar 05 2025

Maine Bill Would Allow Seniors and Veterans to Access Medical Marijuana Without Doctor’s Approval

A newly filed bill in Maine would expand medical marijuana access for seniors and veterans by eliminating the need for a doctor’s certification.

House Bill 929, introduced today by a group of seven lawmakers—including five Democrats, a Republican, and an Independent—has been referred to the Joint Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee for further consideration.

The measure proposes allowing individuals aged 65 and older, as well as veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, to qualify as medical marijuana patients under the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act without requiring a written certification from a healthcare provider. If enacted, this would remove a key barrier to access, allowing these groups to obtain medical marijuana without going through the typical approval process.
Continue reading

Mar 05 2025

New Mexico Committee Approves Bill to Mandate Insurance Coverage for Medical Cannabis

A key committee in the New Mexico House of Representatives has given approval to legislation that would require insurance coverage for medical cannabis.

House Bill 527, sponsored by State Representative Cristina Parajón (D), was given approval today by the House Health and Human Services Committee. The proposal would require health insurance providers to cover medical marijuana as they do other prescription medications.

If enacted, the measure would amend the Health Care Purchasing Act, the Public Assistance Act, and the New Mexico Insurance Code to mandate insurance coverage for an “adequate supply” of medical marijuana for individuals with qualifying conditions. The bill defines an adequate supply as a three-month allotment of marijuana obtained from an in-state retailer. It also establishes a direct payment or reimbursement system for cannabis retailers and qualifying patients.
Continue reading

Mar 05 2025

Idaho House Passes Resolution to Strip Voters of Power to Legalize Marijuana

The Idaho House of Representatives has approved House Joint Resolution 4, a measure seeking to amend the state constitution to grant the Legislature exclusive authority over the legalization of marijuana and other psychoactive substances.

Idaho State Capitol.

HJR 4, which was approved 58 to 10, proposes removing the public’s power to legalize such substances through ballot initiatives. As a resolution, it must go before voters before taking effect, asking whether the constitution should be amended to grant sole legalization authority to the Legislature. To pass, the amendment requires approval from a majority of voters. Before that, it must first be approved by the state’s Senate.

If the measure is approved by the legislature and isn’t vetoed by Governor Brad Little, the proposal would be placed on the November 2026 general election ballot.
Continue reading

Mar 05 2025

Recreational Cannabis Tax Rates Across the United States

Recreational cannabis is now legal in 23 U.S. states, each with its own tax structure and regulations.

Below is a state-by-state overview of current tax rates for both recreational and medical cannabis sales in these 23 states, along with possession limits and the year recreational use was legalized in each. Delaware and Minnesota have set their tax rates but do not yet have operational adult-use markets. Virginia is excluded as it legalized possession but has no retail sales.

Continue reading

Mar 05 2025

West Virginia Legislature Approves Bill Banning Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3 Food Dyes

West Virginia’s House of Representatives and Senate have both given approval to legislation that would ban the distribution of numerous food dyes.

House Bill 2354, filed last month by Delegate Adam Burkhammer (R) and seven cosponsors, was given approval today by the Senate in an overwhelming 31 to 2 vote. The Senate’s approval comes less than a week after the House voted 93 to 5 to pass the bill. The measure will now go back to the House for one final vote of concurrence before being sent to Governor Patrick Morrisey, who has the option of signing it into law, allowing it to become law without a signature, or vetoing it.

If the proposal becomes law, which seems likely at this point, it would ban the sale of foods containing Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3. These dyes are commonly used in processed foods, candies, and beverages.
Continue reading

Mar 05 2025

Alaska House Committee Schedules Public Hearing on Bill to Seal Minor Marijuana Convictions

House Bill 81, which would restrict the release of certain marijuana-related criminal convictions, has been scheduled for a public hearing in the House State Affairs Committee.

(Photo credit: Shutterstock.com).

Introduced by Representatives Nelson, Gray, and Prax, the bill would limit the public release of criminal justice information for individuals convicted of minor marijuana possession offenses. Specifically, it prohibits agencies from disclosing records related to cases where a defendant was convicted solely of possessing less than one ounce of a Schedule VIA controlled substance, was at least 21 years old at the time of the offense, and faced no other criminal charges in the case. Additionally, individuals meeting these criteria may request that their records not be released.

The hearing will take place on March 6 at 3:15 p.m. in Gruenberg 120.
Continue reading