All articles tagged with #cannabis legalization
Originally Published 4 months ago — by The Guardian
Anutin Charnvirakul, a conservative and eclectic politician known for his support of cannabis legalization and a casual persona, has been elected Thailand's next prime minister amid a complex political landscape marked by court bans and shifting alliances, with plans for an election within four months.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by AARP
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that emergency room visits among older adults in Canada have increased significantly since the legalization of edible cannabis products. The trend is similar in the U.S., where older adults are experiencing more cannabis-related poisonings. Researchers attribute this to age-related physiological changes, polypharmacy, and a lack of age-specific dosing instructions. Experts emphasize the need for better education and counseling on the safe use of cannabis, particularly for older adults.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
Germany celebrated the legalization of recreational cannabis use with crowds gathering at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, where music, dancing, and cannabis-themed displays took place. The new legislation allows adults to possess small amounts for personal use, cultivate up to three plants, and join licensed not-for-profit clubs for cannabis consumption. The move makes Germany the third country in Europe to legalize recreational cannabis, following Malta and Luxembourg, and removes cannabis from the official list of banned substances.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Marijuana Moment
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is circulating a petition to garner support for the marijuana banking bill, emphasizing the need for comprehensive federal cannabis legalization. The Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, which aims to provide banking services to marijuana businesses, is gaining momentum in Congress. Schumer is urging people to sign the petition and support the bill, highlighting the challenges faced by legal marijuana businesses in accessing basic banking services. Lawmakers are optimistic about the bill's prospects, with negotiations ongoing to reach a final agreement and potential amendments to include provisions on state-legal cannabis expungements and gun rights for cannabis consumers.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by DW (English)
Germany's upper house, the Bundesrat, has approved the partial legalization of cannabis, allowing adults aged 18 and over to carry up to 25 grams for personal consumption, with public consumption permitted under certain conditions. The law, supported by the government and Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, will also allow home cultivation and the establishment of special cannabis clubs. The new policy is set to take effect on April 1, with the aim of addressing the failures of previous drug policies and reducing the black market.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
Germany's lower house of parliament has voted to legalize limited recreational cannabis use for adults, making it the third European country to do so. The new rules allow for possession of small amounts for personal use, cultivation of up to three plants, and establishment of licensed not-for-profit clubs. The move aims to reduce the black market and drugs-related crime, but has faced opposition from the conservative Christian Democratic Union and medical associations citing concerns about increased consumption and associated risks, particularly for young people.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by POLITICO Europe
German lawmakers have passed a marijuana decriminalization bill, paving the way for adults to legally possess and grow small amounts of cannabis, and for non-profit cannabis clubs to supply consumers. The legislation, part of an agreement by the country’s three-party coalition government, will remove cannabis as a narcotic substance in Germany, benefiting the country’s existing medical marijuana operators. The bill is now headed to the Bundesrat, and if there are no objections, the first part of the bill could be enacted on April 1, with the second part following on July 1.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Marijuana Moment
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania acknowledges that neighboring states are surpassing Pennsylvania in marijuana legalization due to GOP opposition to the "common sense" policy that is supported by the majority of voters. Fetterman emphasizes the bipartisan nature of the issue and argues that regulated legalization would provide safety, purity, and job opportunities while undermining illicit markets. He criticizes Republican lawmakers for hindering progress on cannabis reform and predicts that legalization is inevitable. Fetterman also advocates for equity provisions such as mass expungement to address the harm caused by prohibition.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by BBC.com
Ohio voters have approved Issue 2, a measure to legalize adult recreational marijuana use, making Ohio the 24th state in the US to do so. The new law allows adults over 21 to purchase and possess up to 2.5oz (70g) of cannabis and grow up to six marijuana plants at home. A 10% tax on sales will be imposed, with the revenue going towards addiction services, communities with cannabis facilities, and social equity and jobs programs. However, the law can be easily adjusted or repealed by state lawmakers, and some Republicans are already calling for changes. Ohio also voted in favor of amending the state's constitution to protect abortion rights.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Los Angeles Times
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have allowed cannabis dispensaries in the state to convert into cafes where they could sell food and host live concerts. The bill, known as the Cannabis Cafe Bill, aimed to provide the cannabis industry with an opportunity to create a more inviting lounge setting for customers. However, Newsom cited concerns about protecting workers' health and California's smoke-free workplace protections as reasons for his veto. The bill's author, Assemblymember Matt Haney, plans to address these concerns and reintroduce the bill next year.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Marijuana Moment
Minnesota officials provided updates on the implementation of the state's new marijuana law, including the search for an Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) director and the expedited rulemaking process. While possession and home cultivation of cannabis by adults is now legal, it is expected to be nearly two years before state-licensed retailers open. The state is also in the process of selecting members for a Cannabis Advisory Council and gathering public input on various topics such as business licensing, packaging, and labeling requirements. Tribal governments have also adopted legalization, with the first legal cannabis sale in Minnesota taking place on a reservation. The state is closely monitoring these sales as it prepares for potential compacts with tribes.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Marijuana Moment
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has signed a bill establishing a commission responsible for drafting legislation to legalize marijuana sales through state-run stores. The commission is expected to submit its proposal by December 1, 2023, for lawmakers to consider passing in 2024. In other news, an official from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration highlighted the complications caused by ongoing marijuana prohibition in ensuring worker safety in the cannabis industry. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning marijuana ads promoting "recreational" use, which could complicate matters if voters approve an adult-use cannabis legalization measure in 2024. Minnesota Republican lawmakers expressed disappointment with Governor Tim Walz and Democratic legislative leaders over their handling of the state's new marijuana legalization law. The Food and Drug Administration is seeking public input on whether to restrict nitrous oxide and other drugs under international drug control treaties.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KSTP
Two days into the legalization of recreational marijuana in Minnesota, businesses and law enforcement are already clashing over what products can be sold. Faribault Police Chief John Sherwin seized nearly two dozen plants from a tobacco shop, arguing that they are "an instrument of a potential crime" despite not yet producing THC. Matt Little, the founder of a licensed hemp company, disagrees, stating that the plants are legal and contain no THC. The confusion stems from the lack of specific language in the new law regarding immature plants. Both sides are consulting with attorneys and prosecutors to determine the legality of the situation.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Marijuana Moment
Lawmakers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) have passed a bill to end pre-employment marijuana testing for most government jobs. The legislation, which follows the territory's legalization of cannabis five years ago, aims to regulate marijuana use similar to alcohol use in the workplace. Government agencies would no longer be able to subject most applicants to THC testing, although random or suspicion-based testing for active employees could continue. Jobs involving federal contracts or safety-sensitive work would be exempt. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Marijuana Moment
Connecticut's adult-use marijuana market reached a new high in June, with combined medical and recreational cannabis sales totaling nearly $24 million, according to the Department of Consumer Protection. Since the launch of adult-use sales in January, Connecticut has seen a total of approximately $122 million in cannabis purchases. Adult-use sales exceeded medical marijuana purchases for the second consecutive month, with 313,510 recreational cannabis products sold compared to 303,293 medical marijuana products. The data also revealed that 53% of sales came from cannabis flower, 25% from vape products, and 10% from edibles. Connecticut is following the trend of other states, with the medical cannabis market gradually declining as the adult-use system expands.