Brittney Walker: 2019

Thursday, 2 May 2019

New Hampshire: Lawmakers Advance Legislation Permitting Patients to Home Cultivate

Members of the House and Senate have approved versions of House Bill 364, which allows qualified patients the option to grow marijuana at home. Members of both chambers must now finalize the language in conference committee before sending the bill to Republican Gov. Chris Sununu.

The Governor has not publicly commented on the bill, but has previously spoken out against broader legalization efforts.

The measure permits registered patients (or their designated caregivers) to cultivate up to three mature plants in a private location that it not subject to public view.

An estimated 6,500 patients are authorized with the state to access medical cannabis via one of the state’s four operational dispensaries. In 2018, lawmakers passed legislation to raise the cap on the total number of dispensaries statewide.

NORML has long opined that patients ought to have the legal option grow their own cannabis as an alternative to purchasing it from licensed commercial producers.

For additional information on pending legislation, visit NORML’s ‘Take Action Center’ here.

Colorado: Lawmakers Approve Home Deliveries For Cannabis

Marijuana Hemp Legislation is before Democratic Gov. Jared Polis to regulate the home delivery of cannabis and cannabis-infused products.

House Bill 1234 establishes regulations for the delivery of cannabis products from state-licensed retailers. Under the plan, deliveries are limited to one per day per household, and are only permitted in municipalities that explicitly allow such activities. Deliveries to college campuses are prohibited.

The delivery of medical cannabis products would begin on January 2, 2020, while retail cannabis sales would begin on January 2, 2021.

Wednesday, 1 May 2019

NORML Chapter Newsletter – April 2019

Everyday NORML Chapters from around the country invest countless hours in advocating for meaningful marijuana law reforms on the local, state and federal level! Below is a brief rundown of some of their most recent accomplishments.

NORML Announces Plans for 2019 Conference and Lobby Day

“This September, we invite you to join NORML members from across America to learn effective strategies, hear the latest scientific and political advancements, and meet in person with influential members of Congress.”

Washington: Lawmakers Pass Legislation Facilitating Expungement Of Past Marijuana Convictions

House and Senate lawmakers this week approved legislation, Senate Bill 5605, facilitating the expungement of past low-level marijuana convictions. The legislation now awaits action by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, who has previously called for pardoning those with criminal records for marijuana violations.

The measure provides the courts with the discretion to vacate any misdemeanor marijuana conviction. Those seeking to have their records expunge will need to petition the sentencing court for the vacation of their records.

Governor Inslee has previously stated that he “believes that forgiving these convictions will allow people to move on with their lives without these convictions causing additional burdens on people, their families, their employers and their communities.”

Once signed, the new law goes into effect on July 27, 2019.

For additional information on pending marijuana legislation, visit NORML’s ‘Take Action Center’ here.

Tuesday, 30 April 2019

Hawaii: Lawmakers Pass Legislation Decriminalizing Low-Level Possession Offenses

House and Senate lawmakers have finalized and passed legislation, House Bill 1383, decriminalizing low-level marijuana possession offenses and vacating past convictions. The legislation now awaits action from Democratic Gov. David Ige.

The measure reduces penalties involving the possession of up to three grams of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a $1,000 fine and a criminal record, to a non-criminal violation – punishable by a $130 fine.

It also provides a mechanism for the courts to grant an expungement order for those previously convicted of a marijuana possession offense involving no more than three grams.

The measure also establishes a task force to review cannabis policy and to make recommendations to the legislature by 2021.

To date, 23 states and the District of Columbia have either legalized or decriminalized (eliminated the possibility of jail time) the adult possession and personal use of marijuana.

For additional information on pending marijuana legislation, visit NORML’s Take Action Center online here.

My Legislation On Veterans Cannabis Access Was Just Heard

A poll commissioned by the American Legion showed that more than 1 in 5 veterans self-reported using marijuana to alleviate a medical or physical condition. VA healthcare providers, however, are prohibited from providing the paperwork necessary to complete a state-legal medical cannabis recommendation, forcing military veterans to seek the advice of a private, out-of-network physician. Seeking care is hard enough, and we should not make it even harder for our veterans.

That’s why I testified today to the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health regarding my legislation, the Veterans Equal Access Act, HR 1647, which would lift this prohibition.

The reefer madness days are done and it’s time for Congress and the VA to face the facts surrounding marijuana — most pointedly, its medicinal benefits for veterans. More and more veterans are reportedly using cannabis to help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, and several other ailments.

Join me in sending a message to Congress now in support of veterans healthcare rights.

I introduced the Veterans Equal Access Act because it is my responsibility as a Member of Congress to ensure that all Americans have access to medical treatment as recommended by their physicians.

Today, you can make a difference and show your true support for veterans and the efficacy of medical cannabis. Tell your members of Congress now to support the Veterans Equal Access Act – because our veterans need more from our government than words of support, we need action.

Courage,
Earl

Earl Blumenauer
Member of Congress

North Dakota: Lawmakers Pass Language Reducing Marijuana Possession Penalties

House and Senate lawmakers have passed legislation, House Bill 1050, reducing marijuana possession penalties. The measure now awaits action from Republican Gov. Doug Burgum.

Under the proposal, the possession of up to one-half ounce (14.175 grams) of cannabis or marijuana-related paraphernalia for a first-time offender is reclassified from a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, to a criminal infraction – punishable by a fine but no possibility of jail time. Those charged with subsequent infractions over the course of a calendar year may face the possibility of misdemeanor charges.

In 2016, North Dakota ranked sixth in the nation in per capita marijuana possession arrests.

Separate provisions in the measure reduce penalties for the possession of up to 500 grams of cannabis from a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, to a class B misdemeanor. Penalties for the possession of greater amounts are amended from a felony to a Class A misdemeanor.

If signed into law, the new penalties will take effect on August 1, 2019.

For more information about pending legislation, visit NORML’s ‘Take Action’ Center here.

Monday, 29 April 2019

House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee To Hear Three Cannabis Bills

On April 30, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing for multiple pieces of legislation, including the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, the Veterans Equal Access Act and the Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act.

In the last Congress, the previous iteration of the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act was passed by the Committee, yet was not advanced to the floor by the Republican leadership of the time. The legislation “would direct VA to conduct clinical research with varying forms of medicinal cannabis to evaluate the safety and effects of cannabis on health outcomes of veterans with PTSD and veterans with chronic pain.”

The Veterans Equal Access Act has been introduced for a number of sessions now by Representative Earl Blumenauer, the co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, yet has yet to receive consideration until now. Presently, V.A. doctors are forbidden from providing the paperwork necessary to complete a recommendation, thus forcing military veterans to seek the advice of a private, out-of-network physician. Passage of this bill would lift this prohibition.

The Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act similar legislation the Veterans Equal Access Act and is the first time that is has been introduced to Congress.

You can send a message in favor of the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act to your lawmakers by clicking HERE.

You can send a message in favor of the Veterans Equal Access Act to your lawmakers by clicking HERE.

Iowa: Lawmakers Approve Medical Cannabis Expansion Legislation

House and Senate lawmakers have approved legislation, House File 732, to expand the state’s medical cannabis access program. The measure now awaits action from Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Under existing law, licensed dispensaries may only dispense plant-derived extracts possessing CBD and no more than three percent THC. House Fill 732 eliminates the THC cap. It also permits physician assistants and/or advanced registered nurses to make medical cannabis recommendations, and expands the pool of patients eligible for cannabis therapy to include those with “severe or chronic” pain.

The new measure imposes restrictions regarding the total amount of THC a patient may possess in a 90-day period (25 grams). However, this limit may be waived at the advice of a health practitioner.

About 1,000 Iowans are currently authorized to access low-THC cannabis oils.

For additional information regarding pending marijuana legislation, visit NORML’s ‘Take Action’ Center here.

Friday, 26 April 2019

Weekly Legislative Roundup 4/26/19

At the state level, Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota signed a package of bills into law to expand the state’s medical cannabis access program. Among the changes are: allowing physicians assistants to recommend medical cannabis to their patients, adding several new qualifying conditions, and authorizing cancer patients to possess greater quantities of cannabis than typically allowed.

Republican leaders in Wisconsin’s state legislature said that Governor Evers’ medical cannabis and decriminalization budget proposals will not be passed through the legislature this session.

Maine regulators are finally moving forward with draft regulations to implement the state’s 2016 voter-approved initiative legalizing the commercial production and retail sale of marijuana.

After Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota vetoed a bill to regulate industrial hemp production last month, the legislature is set to study the topic during the interim session.

At a more local level, the Jefferson County (population: 658,000) Sheriff’s Office announced that local law enforcement will begin citing, rather than arresting, low-level marijuana offenders. Days later, the Chief Deputy announced that the cite and release program will be put on hold, without further details.

Nassau County, New York voted to prohibit retail cannabis sales in the county once it becomes legal in New York state. A bill to remove certain restrictions on social cannabis consumption sites was killed in Denver, Colorado’s city council. Meanwhile, members of the Fairbanks, Alaska city council approved an ordinance to allow on-site cannabis consumption at licensed retail outlets.

Following are the bills that we’ve tracked this week and as always, check NORML’s Action Center for legislation pending in your state.

Don’t forget to sign up for our email list, and we will keep you posted as these bills and more move through your home state legislature and U.S. Congress. Another great way to stay up to date is Marijuana Moment’s daily newsletter, which you can subscribe to HERE.

Your Highness,
Carly

Actions to Take

Federal

End Prohibition: The Marijuana Justice Act would (1) remove marijuana from the US Controlled Substances Act, thereby ending the federal criminalization of cannabis; (2) incentivize states to mitigate existing and ongoing racial disparities in state-level marijuana arrests; (3) expunge federal convictions specific to marijuana possession; (4) allow individuals currently serving time in federal prison for marijuana-related violations to petition the court for resentencing; (5) and create a community reinvestment fund to invest in communities most impacted by the failed War on Drugs.

Send a message to your federal lawmakers in support of this important legislation

Alabama

Legislation is pending, House Bill 96 / Senate Bill 98, to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The measure would reduce the penalty for the possession of one ounce of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $6,000, to a non-criminal violation punishable by a maximum fine of $250.

Update: HB 96 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary on 5/1/19 at 1:30pm.

AL resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of decriminalization

House Bill 243, as well as Senate Bill 236, would provide registered patients with regulated access to medical cannabis via licensed providers.

Update: SB 236 was approved by the Senate Committee on Judiciary on 4/25/19.

AL resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis access

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 225, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: SB 225 was heard by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on 4/24/19.

AL resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Arizona

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 1286, to expand patient access to medical cannabis in Arizona.

The measure would allow additional dispensaries to operate in unincorporated areas of the state that are not within 25 miles of an existing dispensary.

Update: SB 1286 was heard in the House Rules Committee on 4/25/19.

AZ resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 1494, to require the Department of Human Services to establish standards related to testing medical cannabis products.

The measure would establish a licensing scheme for third party testing laboratories.

Update: SB 1494 was heard in the House Rules Committee on 4/25/19.

AZ resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical cannabis testing standards

California

Legislation is pending, AB 286, to temporarily reduce tax rates imposed on the retail sale and commercial cultivation of cannabis.

Update: AB 286 was heard by the Assembly Business And Professions Committee on 4/23/19.

CA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of lower taxes

AB 1465 (Bloom) would allow licensing of cannabis consumption cafés and lounges in California.

Update: Ab 1465 was approved by the Assembly Business And Professions Committee on 4/23/19.

CA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of social consumption lounges

SB 51 seeks to assist financial institutions in safely conducting transactions with licensed cannabis businesses.

Update: SB 51 was heard in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee on 4/24/19.

CA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of banking access

Colorado

Legislation is pending, House Bill 19-1230, to allow the social consumption of cannabis by adults in licensed and regulated establishments.

The measure would establish a license permit process for hospitality spaces to allow cannabis products to be legally purchased and consumed on site.

Update: HB 19-1230 was approved by the Senate Finance Committee on 4/25/19.

CO resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of social consumption sites

Legislation is pending, House Bill 19-1234, to allow licensed marijuana businesses to deliver both medical and adult use marijuana to private residences.

The measure would establish a licensing system for such delivery services and also require training for delivery permit holders.

Update: HB 19-1234 was heard by the Senate Finance Committee on 4/25/19.

CO resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of cannabis delivery services

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 19-220, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: SB 19-220 was approved by the House Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs on 4/24/19, and was then approved by the House Committee on Appropriations on 4/25.

CO resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Connecticut

Senate Bill 893 would establish a pilot program for the purpose of studying the growth, cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp.

Update: SB 893 was approved by the Senate on 4/2519, and will now be transmitted to the House.

CT resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp research

Florida

Legislation is pending, H. 333, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Separately, SB 1020 would also regulate industrial hemp production, and a third measure, SB 7102 would allow for the retail sale of hemp extracts.

Update: SB 1020 was approved by the Senate on 4/24/19, and now will be transmitted to the House.

FL resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Iowa

Legislation is pending, HF 754 and SF 599, to establish an industrial hemp program to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: HF 754 was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on 4/18/19, and SF 599 was approved by the House of Representatives on 4/23, and will now head back to the Senate for concurrence on House amendments.

IA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Louisiana

Legislation is pending, House Bill 358, to give qualified patients the option to inhale herbal cannabis for medical purposes.

Update: HB 358 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Committee on Health & Welfare on 5/1/19 at 9am.

LA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of this effort

Legislation is pending, House Bill 138, to remove hemp and “cannabidiol when contained in a drug product approved by the FDA,” from the state’s list of controlled substances.

Update: HB 138 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Committee on Criminal Justice on 5/1/19 at 9am.

LA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of descheduling hemp

House Bill 579 and House Bill 491 seek to regulate the production of industrial hemp in Louisiana, in compliance with new federal hemp regulations.

Update: HB 491 was approved by the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development on 4/25/19.

LA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Nevada

Legislation is pending, Assembly Bill 192, to allow individuals to get their records vacated for offenses that are no longer a crime in Nevada.

Update: AB 192 was approved by the Assembly on 4/23/19, and now heads to the Senate.

NV resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of vacating prior conviction records

Legislation is pending, AB 132, to protect cannabis consumers from employment discrimination.

This measure prohibits employers from arbitrarily discriminating against prospective employees who legally consume cannabis off-the-job in accordance with state law.

Update: AB 132 was approved by the Assembly on 4/23/19, and now heads to the Senate.

NV resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of employment protections

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 347, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: SB 347 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 4/22/19, and now heads to the Assembly.

NV resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

New Hampshire

Legislation is pending, House Bill 364, to permit qualifying patients to cultivate personal use quantities of cannabis for therapeutic purposes.

The measure would permit patients to grow up to three mature plants and 12 seedlings, and to possess up to two ounces of home-grown medical cannabis.

Update: HB 364 was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on 4/23/19.

NH resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of home cultivation

Oklahoma

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 868 / House Bill 2628, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: HB 2628 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 4/15/19, and will now go back to the House for concurrence on Senate amendments.

OK resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Oregon

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 420, to expand upon Oregon’s expungement law.

The measure would direct the Department of Justice to automatically conduct a review of past misdemeanor cannabis convictions, and to “set aside” offenses that are no longer a crime under state law.

Update: SB 420 was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/23/19.

OR resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of expungement

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 970, to protect state-sanctioned medical cannabis patients, as well as those with prior or pending cannabis convictions, from housing discrimination.

Update: SB 970 is scheduled for a work session in the House Human Services and Housing Committee on 4/29/19.

OR resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of housing protections

Texas

House Bill 63 would reduce penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana from a class B misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail to a civil offense punishable by a $250 fine only.

Update: HB 63 was debated on the floor of the House of Representatives on 4/25/19.

TX resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of decriminalization

House Bill 1325 is pending to establish a state-licensed industrial hemp program.

Update: HB 1325 was approved by the House of Representatives on 4/23/19, and now heads to the Senate.

TX resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp

Vermont

S. 54 is pending to establish a regulatory framework for the regulation of a commercial, adult use marijuana market.

Update: S. 54 was heard by the House Committees on Government Operations; Human Services; and Judiciary this week.

VT resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of regulation

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 58, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: S. 58 was heard by the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry each day the committee met this week.

VT resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Washington

Legislation is pending, House Bill 1095 / Senate Bill 5442, to allow medical cannabis to be administered to patients at school.

Update: HB 1095 was approved by the House on a concurrence vote on 4/19/19, and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

WA resident? Click here to email your governor in support of allowing medical cannabis for patients in schools

Legislation is pending, HB 1401 / SB 5719, and Senate Bill 5276, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: SB 5276 was approved by the House on 4/23/19 and the Senate for concurrence on 4/24. The bill will now be transmitted to the governor.

WA resident? Click here to email your governor in support of industrial hemp production

Wisconsin

Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) introduced LRB 0154, to regulate the use, growing, and distribution of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes.

The measure permits adults to possess two ounces of cannabis and grow up to six cannabis plants. It also establishes regulations for the production and retail sale of marijuana to anyone over the age of 21, in addition to establishing a regulated system for medical marijuana production and sales for qualified patients.

The bill also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees because of their off-the-job use of cannabis, provides for the expungement of prior convictions, and allows insurance providers to provide coverage for patients’ use of medical marijuana.

WI resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of legalization

Michigan: State Supreme Court Rules Police Search Of Passenger’s Personal Property Is Unconstitutional

Marijuana Laws The warrantless search of a passenger’s personal property during a traffic stop is unconstitutional, according to a ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court. The judgement overturns a 2007 decision that barred passengers from challenging similar searches by members of law enforcement.

Justices unanimously opined that the driver’s voluntary consent to allow the police to search her vehicle did not extend to the passenger’s personal belongings. They determined: “In this case, defendant had a legitimate expectation of privacy in his backpack. Defendant asserted a clear possessory interest in his backpack by clutching it in his lap, and the officer believed that the backpack belonged to defendant because of the way defendant was holding it. Therefore, although defendant had no (and claimed no) legitimate expectation of privacy in the interior of the driver’s vehicle, he had a legitimate expectation of privacy in his backpack that society is willing to recognize as reasonable.”

Justices concluded, “A passenger’s personal property is not subsumed by the vehicle that carries it for Fourth Amendment purposes.”

The defendant’s backpack held marijuana and methamphetamine. He had already served nearly three years in prison for the offenses prior to this week’s verdict.

The case is People v. Mead. A summary of the opinion is online here.

Thursday, 25 April 2019

North Dakota: Governor Signs Medical Cannabis Expansion Laws

Marijuana CBD Oil Republican Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation on Wednesday amending and expanding the state’s nascent medical cannabis access program.

House Bill 1283 permits physician assistants to recommend cannabis to qualified patients. House Bill 1417 permits patients with cancer to possess enhanced amounts of cannabis flower (up to six ounces) when explicitly authorized by a recommending health care provider. House Bill 1519 significantly expands the pool of patients eligible for medical cannabis therapy to include those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, migraine, anorexia, and Tourette Syndrome, among other debilitating conditions.

Though approved by voters in November 2016, the state’s medical cannabis access program is not yet fully operational. A single dispensary opened in Fargo in March, and additional licensed facilities are anticipated to open later this summer.

For more information on pending state legislation, visit NORML’s Take Action Center here.

Wednesday, 24 April 2019

Texas: Marijuana Decriminalization Bill to be Considered on House Floor

On Thursday, April 25, members of the Texas House of Representatives are scheduled to consider a marijuana decriminalization bill.

House Bill 63 would reduce penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana from a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail, to a civil offense punishable by a $250 fine only.

The bill was approved by the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee last month by a 5-2 vote.

Thursday will be the first time in decades that marijuana decriminalization will be discussed on the House Floor. It is essential to continue to build momentum behind this important piece of legislation so that minor marijuana possession offenders, many of them young people, are no longer saddled with a criminal record and the lifelong penalties and stigma associated with it.

Click here to send a message to your Texas state representatives now in support of decriminalization, and urge them to co-author HB 63

The consideration of HB 63 on the House floor comes just days after the state’s House of Representatives approved an industrial hemp production bill, and after a separate House committee approved a bill to expand access to medical cannabis for Texas patients.

Governor Greg Abbott (R) has expressed his opposition to legalizing adult use marijuana, but has also stated that he is open to reducing low-level marijuana possession penalties.

For additional information on marijuana reform efforts in Texas, visit the Texas NORML website.

Tuesday, 23 April 2019

Maine: Regulators Moving Forward With Rules to Govern Retail Marijuana Sales

After multiple delays, regulators are finally moving forward with draft regulations to implement the state’s 2016 voter-approved initiative legalizing the commercial production and retail sale of marijuana.

Regulators are now deliberating over a 73-page draft of rules governing the adult use marijuana market. The rules will not be finalized until regulators receive input from the public and they are approved by a majority of lawmakers.

Under the proposed rules, commercial licenses will only be granted initially to state residents. Those with a felony drug conviction within the past ten years will be ineligible for a license.

The proposed regulations also impose limits with regard to THC content and the appearance of cannabis-infused edible products. Retailers will not be permitted to sell customers more than 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana and/or five grams of concentrate in a single day. Retailers will need to first receive local approval prior to applying for a state operators license.

Maine voters initially approved the legalization of cannabis sales in November 2016, but lawmakers – led by former Republican Gov. Paul LePage – have repeatedly taken steps to delay the law’s implementation.

Newly elected Gov. Janet Mills (D) is on record stating that lawmakers “must follow the will of the people [and] implement the [voter-initiated marijuana] law.”

Monday, 22 April 2019

Alabama: Jefferson County Police To Cite, Rather Than Prosecute, Minor Marijuana Violators

Cannabis Penalties A spokesperson for the Jefferson County (population: 658,000) Sheriff’s Office announced today that local law enforcement will begin citing, rather than arresting, low-level marijuana offenders.

Under the new policy, police will issue a summons to those who possess personal amounts of marijuana or cannabis-related paraphernalia. Offenders will no longer be arrested or booked. Those cited and released will still have to either pay a fine or appear in court at a later date. Those with prior cannabis violations will still be eligible to receive a summons.

Under state law, marijuana possession is classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to one-year in jail and a $6,000 fine.

Similar cite and release programs are in place in other cities and counties around the country, including in Palm Beach County, Florida and in Harris County (Houston), Texas.

Additional information is available from NORML’s ‘Local Decriminalization’ report, online here.

Sunday, 21 April 2019

Weekly Legislative Roundup 4/20/19

NORML's Legislative US Map Welcome to the 4/20 edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup! I’d like to wish everyone a very Happy Holidaze, and remember to consume responsibly!

At the state level, Governor Brian Kemp (R) signed legislation into law to facilitate regulations governing the licensed production and distribution of oils and other products containing limited amounts of plant-derived THC.

Governor Laura Kelly (D) of Kansas signed industrial hemp production legislation into law.

A decriminalization bill was defeated in the Missouri House of Representatives this week.

At a more local level, The city commissioners of Daytona Beach voted to decriminalize up to 20 grams of marijuana possession.

Following are the bills that we’ve tracked this week and as always, check NORML’s Action Center for legislation pending in your state.

Your Highness,
Carly

Actions to Take

Federal

Send a message to your federal lawmakers in support of this important legislation

Alabama

Legislation is pending, House Bill 96 / Senate Bill 98, to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Update: SB 98 was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/17/18.

AL resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of decriminalization

California

Legislation is pending, AB 286, to temporarily reduce tax rates imposed on the retail sale and commercial cultivation of cannabis.

Update: AB 286 is scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Business And Professions Committee on 4/23/19

CA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of lower taxes

Senate Bill 34, which would exempt compassionate care programs from paying state cannabis taxes when they are providing free medical cannabis to financially disadvantaged people living with serious health conditions.

Update: SB 34 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee on 4/22/19.

CA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of compassionate care programs

AB 1465 (Bloom) would allow licensing of cannabis consumption cafés and lounges in California.

Update: Ab 1465 is scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Business And Professions Committee on 4/23/19.

CA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of social consumption lounges

SB 51 seeks to assist financial institutions in safely conducting transactions with licensed cannabis businesses.

Update: SB 51 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee on 4/24/19.

CA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of banking access

Colorado

Legislation is pending, House Bill 19-1230, to allow the social consumption of cannabis by adults in licensed and regulated establishments.

The measure would establish a license permit process for hospitality spaces to allow cannabis products to be legally purchased and consumed on site.

Update: HB 19-1230 was approved by the House Committee on Appropriations on 4/16/19, and was then approved by the House of Representatives on 4/18. The bill now heads to the Senate.

CO resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of social consumption sites

Legislation is pending, House Bill 19-1234, to allow licensed marijuana businesses to deliver both medical and adult use marijuana to private residences.

The measure would establish a licensing system for such delivery services and also require training for delivery permit holders.

Update: HB 19-1234 was approved by the House Committee on Appropriations on 4/16/19. and was then approved by the House of Representatives on 4/18. The bill now heads to the Senate.

CO resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of cannabis delivery services

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 19-220, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: SB -220 was approved by the Senate on 4/15, and will now be transmitted to the House.

CO resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Delaware

Senate Bill 37 would reform the expungement processes for individuals convicted of non-violent marijuana-related offenses.

If enacted, the bill would expand the pool of those eligible to seek expungement to include those convicted of a single misdemeanor or felony charge related to marijuana.

Update: SB 37 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 4/17/19, and now awaits action in the House.

DE resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of expungement

Florida

Legislation is pending, H. 333, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Separately, SB 1020 would also regulate industrial hemp production, and a third measure, SB 7102 would allow for the retail sale of hemp extracts.

Update: H. 333 was unanimously approved by the House State Affairs Committee on 4/18/19, SB 7102 was heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on 4/18.

FL resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Hawaii

Legislation is pending, House Bill 673 / Senate Bill 1430, to expand medical cannabis access.

The measure would protect registered medical cannabis patients from employment discrimination by prohibiting employers from arbitrarily discriminating against employees who legally consume medical cannabis off-the-job in accordance with state law.

Update: HB 673 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 4/9/19, but the House disagreed with the Senate amendments, so the bill will now go to a conference committee for reconciliation.

HI resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Legislation is pending, House Bill 1353, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: HB 1353 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 4/9/19, but the House disagreed with the Senate amendments, so the bill will now go to a conference committee for reconciliation.

HI resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Iowa

Legislation is pending, HF 754 and SF 599, to establish an industrial hemp program to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: SF 599 was approved by the Senate on 4/15/19, and was then heard in the House Appropriations Committee on 4/18/19.

IA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Nebraska

Legislation is pending, LB 657, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: LB 657 was approved by the Senate on 4/15/19.

NE resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

Nevada

Legislation is pending, SB 430, that would expand the pool of individuals eligible for medical cannabis.

The measure would permit physicians to recommend cannabis therapy to those diagnosed with anxiety, autism, opioid addiction or dependence, anorexia, among others.

Update: SB 430 was approved by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services on 4/16/19, and was then approved by the Senate on 4/18.

NV resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Senate Bill 228:

Allows service providers such as massage therapists and reflexologists to administer hemp and CBD products for therapeutic purposes; and
Allows veterinarians to administer hemp and CBD products to animals

Update: SB 228 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 4/16/19, and now awaits action in the Assembly. The bill was amended to remove provisions concerning prohibiting a practitioner from refusing to prescribe a controlled substance to a patient solely because the patient uses marijuana and establishing a Cannabis Control Commission to oversee the state’s medical marijuana access program. Provisions allowing veterinarians to administer hemp and CBD products to animals.

NV resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

New Hampshire

Legislation is pending, House Bill 481, to allow for the use, possession, and retail sale of marijuana by adults.

The pending measure permits adults 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and/or up to five grams of concentrate, and to grow up to six marijuana plants.

Update: HB 481 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/23/19.

NH resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of legalization

Legislation is pending, HB 350, to expand medical cannabis access.

The measure expands the pool of medical professionals who are eligible to recommend medical cannabis by permitting physician assistants to issue recommendations to their patients.

Update: HB 350 was approved by the Senate on a voice vote on 4/18/19, and now awaits action from the Governor.

NH resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of medical expansion

Legislation is pending, House Bill 459, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: HB 459 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on 4/23/19.

NH resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production

North Carolina

Legislation is pending, S. 58 / H. 766, to expand upon the state’s decriminalization law and also to provide for the expungement of certain prior cannabis convictions.

Under current law, the possession of 1.5 ounces of cannabis is classified as a misdemeanor. These proposals raise that threshold to four ounces. The bill would also allow those with past marijuana possession convictions to petition the court to expunge their record.

NC resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of expanded decriminalization

Oregon

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 970, to protect state-sanctioned medical cannabis patients, as well as those with prior or pending cannabis convictions, from housing discrimination.

Update: SB 970 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Human Services and Housing Committee on 4/22/19.

OR resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of housing protections

Tennessee

Legislation is pending, SB 256/HB 235, to decriminalize the possession small amounts of marijuana in Tennessee.

The measure would remove criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana.

Update: SB 256 is scheduled for consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/23/19.

TN resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of decriminalization

Legislation is pending, SB 260/HB 234, to allow out-of-state medical cannabis patients to legally possess their medicine while visiting Tennessee.

Under this measure, patients who are registered to use medical cannabis in those 33 jurisdictions that permit its therapeutic use may legally possess up to a half-ounce of cannabis while visiting Tennessee.

Update: SB 260 is scheduled for consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee on 4/23/19.

TN resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of out-of-state protections

Vermont

S. 54 is pending to establish a regulatory framework for the regulation of a commercial, adult use marijuana market.

Update: S. 54 was heard by the House Committee on S. 54 was heard by the House Committees on Government Operations; Judiciary; and Commerce and Economic Development this week.

VT resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of regulation

Washington

Legislation is pending, HB 1401 / SB 5719, to amend the state’s existing industrial hemp law to be in compliance with the new federal hemp regulations.

Update: HB 1401 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 4/15/19. The bill will now head back to the House for concurrence on Senate amendments.

WA resident? Click here to email your lawmakers in support of industrial hemp production