Author: Marijuana Moment

[ad_1] “We are the only state really left in the country that is requiring extracts in their products.” By Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch Iowa medical cannabis manufacturers told Iowa lawmakers Tuesday that allowing the sale of raw cannabis flowers in the state’s medical cannabidiol (CBD) program would reduce costs for patients. But representatives of state agencies who spoke at a House subcommittee meeting said the change could cause problems for law enforcement and safety on state roads. Iowa lawmakers advanced House Study Bill 532 through a three-member subcommittee Tuesday. The bill would change Iowa’s definition of “medical cannabidiol” to…

[ad_1] “Though symbolically important, the president’s general pardon for simple marijuana possession and related offenses was destined to have a marginal impact.” By Erik Luna, Arizona State University & Weldon Angelos, The Weldon Project On October 6, 2022, President Joe Biden issued a historic general pardon for all previous crimes of simple marijuana possession in violation of federal law and the D.C. Code, both of which are misdemeanors. A few weeks ago, the president extended the general pardon to cover offenses for marijuana use and attempted simple possession, which are also misdemeanors. In all likelihood, the most important part of…

[ad_1] “The current loophole that allows these dangerous products to be sold to children needs to be closed as soon as possible.” By Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) wants the state to either ban or regulate delta-8 THC products. But since there’s nothing he can do administratively, he is urging lawmakers to do something in regards to intoxicating hemp products like delta-8. “I would be very happy to have a ban,” DeWine said during a press conference, holding up packages of delta-8—one resembling Frosted Flakes, another looking like Cocoa Puffs and a third that looks…

[ad_1] “It’s a bipartisan bill that supports Montana values and benefits Montanans all across our great state.” By Darrell Ehrlick, Daily Montanan The Montana governor has the power to veto legislation, and the Montana Legislature has the power to override those vetoes, things that a Lewis and Clark County district court judge said are not ambiguous. And even though a small gap could be created by the timing of the veto or when the Legislature adjourns, Judge Mike Menahan said the Constitution’s framers were clear that both branches should be able to equally exercise their powers. In a ruling handed…

[ad_1] “The ceiling falls in on me, and I get tested as a result of it… Now I have it in my system, and they’re going to cut my benefits by 50 percent. That is possible under this bill, correct?” By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent If Missouri employees ask for workers’ compensation after an on-the-job injury, employers can require them to take a drug test for marijuana. If they test positive—even if they hadn’t consumed marijuana for days—their compensation and death benefit may be reduced by 50 percent. That didn’t change when Missouri legalized recreational marijuana because it’s still a…

[ad_1] “I have not done any kind of research to see how far along we are. We just continue to do it every day.” By Rebecca Rivas, Missouri Independent Missouri circuit courts have cleared more than 100,000 marijuana charges from people’s criminal records so far—a mandate that was a big selling point for those who voted to pass the constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana in 2022. However, court officials say it’s hard to determine how many more charges are left because many court records are not digitized. Missouri court officials are set to request another $3.7 million to complete…

[ad_1] “This Court and our state Supreme Court have repeatedly held that the odor of marijuana alone provides probable cause to search the object or area that is the source of that odor.” By Kelan Lyons, NC Newsline The North Carolina Court of Appeals issued a ruling Tuesday reversing a trial court’s decision to suppress evidence that police obtained during a traffic stop, despite still-unanswered legal questions over whether the smell of marijuana is, by itself, a sufficient reason for police to search a person’s vehicle. An officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department pulled over Antonio Demont Springs on May…

[ad_1] Democratic lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would also allow misdemeanors for drug possession, but with smaller potential penalties than those proposed by the Republicans. By Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon House Republican lawmakers on Thursday released details of a proposal that would end Measure 110 by mandating misdemeanor penalties for drug possession and treatment to avoid jail. House Republicans want to make possession of small amounts of fentanyl, heroin and meth a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $6,250, or both. Under the bill, users could avoid…

[ad_1] “Criminalizing substance use disorder and the possession of drugs just disrupts more and more lives, making it harder for people to live healthy and productive lives.” By Evan Popp, Maine Morning Star Lawmakers and advocates kicked off a campaign last week to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs and invest in treating substance use disorder rather than punishing it—a push that comes as Maine remains in the grips of a deadly overdose epidemic. The bill advocates are supporting, LD 1975, was introduced last year but carried over to this year’s legislative session. If passed, the measure…

[ad_1] “It reduces barriers and streamlines processes so qualifying patients can access the medicines and treatment options that best serve them.” By Hunter Field, Arkansas Advocate A marijuana industry group on Friday proposed a constitutional amendment to improve patient access to medical cannabis and legalize the drug for recreational use in Arkansas if it becomes legal under federal law. Arkansans for Patient Access said it was submitting ballot language to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin (R) on Friday for the Arkansas Medical Cannabis Amendment of 2024. The ballot initiative would make it legal for patients to grow their own cannabis…

[ad_1] Because the Office of Medical Cannabis doesn’t have the power to regulate raw flower, inspectors can’t take samples to see if it is legal or illegal. By Peter Callaghan, MinnPost This story was originally published by MinnPost. Minnesota’s cannabis regulators say they have a plan to fill a gap in state law that could be letting some hemp retailers sell marijuana flower without consequence. Charlene Briner, the interim director of the new Office of Cannabis Management, said Thursday that she is working with other agencies to provide a temporary method to inspect and test raw cannabis flower to make…

[ad_1] “The court also notes that all three rounds of awards have been challenged as legally infirm.” By Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) discussed its ongoing legal battles in a virtual hearing Thursday morning. In its first gathering since a delay issued by the court on January 3, the AMCC said that Montgomery County Circuit Judge James Anderson also granted a motion for expedited discovery, allowing plaintiffs to take six recorded live testimonies from the commission. The Commission objected to discovery during the ongoing hearings, and the judge has since stayed the deadlines for the…