Public Opinion on Marijuana Legalization Continues to Evolve
6 years, 11 months ago

Public Opinion on Marijuana Legalization Continues to Evolve

CNN  

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has reversed Obama-era guidelines that stopped the federal government from enforcing its anti-marijuana laws in states that have legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use. This could set up a legal showdown between the federal government and the largest and richest US state, California, which has officially legalized recreational marijuana in the new year.

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Voters could make recreational cannabis legal in more than half of U.S. states
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Voters could make recreational cannabis legal in more than half of U.S. states

NPR  

Voters could make recreational cannabis legal in more than half of U.S. states toggle caption Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images Three more states are voting today on whether to legalize the recreational use of cannabis — and if more than one of the measures passes, it would mean a majority of U.S. states have recreational marijuana laws on the books. …

Florida rejects marijuana legalization measure, other states still pending
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Florida rejects marijuana legalization measure, other states still pending

Salon  

On Nov. 5, voters in four red states will cast their ballots for legalizing cannabis and marijuana, the extracts from the plant. “It’s certainly not crazy to think you might see some other very conservative Southern states follow along, if Florida adopts it.” North Dakota: Measure 5 In North Dakota, advocates are hoping the third time's a charm in legalizing …

Could America’s divide on marijuana be coming to an end?
3 months, 1 week ago

Could America’s divide on marijuana be coming to an end?

Associated Press  

The U.S. is divided when it comes to state and federal marijuana policy, but recent political developments could move the country toward a greater acceptance of cannabis. Both major presidential candidates have signaled support for a federal policy change to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, and voters in several additional states will get a say this fall on …

Biden administration proposes to reclassify marijuana as low risk drug
7 months, 1 week ago

Biden administration proposes to reclassify marijuana as low risk drug

Firstpost  

Marijuana has been classified since 1970 as a so-called Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act – the same level as heroin, ecstasy and LSD. That classification means it is deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse US President Joe Biden’s administration formally proposed on Thursday reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, …

Joe Biden says ‘No one should be in jail merely for using marijuana’ as US proposes reclassifying the drug as low-risk
7 months, 1 week ago

Joe Biden says ‘No one should be in jail merely for using marijuana’ as US proposes reclassifying the drug as low-risk

Hindustan Times  

US President Joe Biden's administration formally proposed on Thursday reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift that would bring federal policy more in line with public opinion. Biden administration moves to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug The proposal to reclassify cannabis was unveiled by the Biden administration at the end of April and the Justice Department …

As the US moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it?
7 months, 3 weeks ago

As the US moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it?

Associated Press  

As the U.S. government moves toward reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, there may be little immediate impact in the dozen states that have not already legalized cannabis for widespread medical or recreational use by adults. Following two previous failed attempts, a Nebraska group is gathering signatures to get two measures onto this year’s ballot: one to legalize medical …

US to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug in historic shift
7 months, 3 weeks ago

US to reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug in historic shift

Al Jazeera  

Shares of cannabis companies surge as much as 80 percent after move to classify drug as schedule three substance. The United States has moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in a historic shift that sent shares in cannabis firms soaring. The US Justice Department’s recommendation on Tuesday that cannabis be classified as a schedule three drug – …

Legalize Weed, but Not Like This
8 months, 1 week ago

Legalize Weed, but Not Like This

Slate  

On today’s episode of Hear Me Out: blaze it. Public opinion has warmed considerably to legal weed in the past few decades – both medicinal and recreational – even though it remains a Schedule 1 drug on the federal level. But some public health experts are still sounding the alarm, because this has all happened very quickly… and though hard-line …

Lawmakers seek to prop up Delaware medical marijuana industry after legalizing recreational use
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Lawmakers seek to prop up Delaware medical marijuana industry after legalizing recreational use

Associated Press  

— Senior citizens in Delaware will be able to get medical marijuana without a prescription or referral from a doctor under a bill heading to Democratic Gov. Instead, according to chief Senate sponsor Kyra Hoffner, doctors will be able to prescribe medical marijuana “as they feel fit.” Supporters of the bill, which earned only one Republican vote in the Democrat-controlled …

Wisconsin governor who called for marijuana legalization says he’ll back limited GOP proposal
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Wisconsin governor who called for marijuana legalization says he’ll back limited GOP proposal

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, who has pushed for full legalization of recreational marijuana, said Wednesday that he is open to a more limited medical marijuana legalization being promoted by Republicans. Vos said the proposal would be limited and modeled after the medical marijuana law that had been in place in neighboring Minnesota before it moved to full …

Maryland will begin recreational marijuana sales over the holiday weekend
1 year, 5 months ago

Maryland will begin recreational marijuana sales over the holiday weekend

Associated Press  

— Maryland is becoming the latest state to legally sell recreational marijuana, as businesses aim to tap into July Fourth festivities to kick off sales. “This is cannabis’ kind of Independence Day — over Independence Day weekend — and so it’s nice to be able to pull something together that makes it more of a celebratory occasion,” said Brandon Barksdale, …

What is better than chocolates and beer? Weed, says America
1 year, 7 months ago

What is better than chocolates and beer? Weed, says America

Firstpost  

US cannabis sales surpassed those of chocolate and beer, indicating more people are favouring marijuana these days than other delights. A recent report predicted weed sales may increase by Rs 295 million by 2024 and the industry is expected to be worth more than Rs 13.93 lakh crore annually by 2028 Although it’s commonly known that chocolate and marijuana go …

New Mexico recreational pot sales top $300M in 1st year
1 year, 8 months ago

New Mexico recreational pot sales top $300M in 1st year

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — Recreational cannabis consumers bought just over $300 million in pot in New Mexico since sales without a prescription were legalized a year ago, the state cannabis control division said Monday. New Mexico legalized recreational marijuana on April 1, 2022, and brought sales to the doorstep of Texas, the largest prohibition state. In New Mexico, marijuana entrepreneurs …

Maryland marijuana measure prioritizes social equity
1 year, 10 months ago

Maryland marijuana measure prioritizes social equity

Associated Press  

— Maryland is working toward creating a recreational marijuana industry with greater social equity, lawmakers said Friday, with more licenses for minority-owned businesses and proceeds directed to areas adversely impacted by the war on drugs. The measure before the General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, will enable the state’s existing medical marijuana businesses to sell recreational cannabis as well …

All-time high: Number of weed-using California seniors in ER jumps 1,800%
1 year, 11 months ago

All-time high: Number of weed-using California seniors in ER jumps 1,800%

Daily Mail  

The number of Californians aged 65 and older who end up in hospital from using pot has jumped 18-fold since 2005 — many of them startled at how much stronger cannabis is nowadays, researchers say. Emergency room visits by seniors getting high jumped 1,808 percent from 366 in 2005 to 12,167 in 2019, a period in which the state allowed …

NY opens its first legal recreational marijuana dispensary
1 year, 11 months ago

NY opens its first legal recreational marijuana dispensary

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The first legal dispensary for recreational marijuana in New York rung up its first sales on Thursday, opening up what is expected to be one of the country’s most lucrative markets for cannabis — underscored by the dozens of unauthorized shops that have operated in the open for years. “Today marks a major milestone in our efforts …

The potency of street cannabis has jumped from 4% to more than 15% since the 1990s
2 years ago

The potency of street cannabis has jumped from 4% to more than 15% since the 1990s

Daily Mail  

The potency of cannabis sold on America's streets has jumped from 4 percent to more than 15 percent in recent years, raising the risks of addiction and psychiatric disorders, according to a leaked report from Washington state. The leaked document features research from the federal government's National Institutes of Health on the potency of cannabis samples seized by the Drug …

After election, marijuana advocates look to next states
2 years, 1 month ago

After election, marijuana advocates look to next states

Associated Press  

— Law-abiding marijuana enthusiasts could find themselves in a bit of a predicament following voter approval of a recreational cannabis initiative in Missouri. Maryland residents will have to wait even longer — until the middle of next year — before a recreational marijuana measure approved this past week can take effect. After Democratic victories in last week’s legislative and gubernatorial …

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana
2 years, 1 month ago

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana

Firstpost  

The proposals are on the ballot in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota and follow moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana Arkansas: Voters in five states are deciding on Election Day whether to approve recreational marijuana, a move that could signal a major shift toward legalization in even the most conservative parts of the country. The …

US midterms: Legalising marijuana on the ballot in five states
2 years, 1 month ago

US midterms: Legalising marijuana on the ballot in five states

Al Jazeera  

Voters in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North and South Dakota deciding whether to OK recreational marijuana measures. Voters in five US states are deciding on election day whether to approve recreational cannabis, a move that could signal a major shift towards legalisation in even the most conservative parts of the country. The initiative has drawn the criticism of traditional legalisation opponents …

Medical marijuana firms lead donors for legal weed campaigns
2 years, 1 month ago

Medical marijuana firms lead donors for legal weed campaigns

Associated Press  

— The call went out from leaders in the medical marijuana industry: Money was needed for a Missouri ballot initiative to legalize recreational cannabis for adults. All told, marijuana legalization campaigns have raised about $23 million in five states — Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota. “This is something that is a positive for the industry, but it’s …

EXPLAINED: Which US States Put Marijuana On The Ballot in 2022?
2 years, 2 months ago

EXPLAINED: Which US States Put Marijuana On The Ballot in 2022?

News 18  

Recreational marijuana could be legal in half the country if the handful of states with cannabis measures on ballots this November pass them. Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota have measures on their ballots this fall for voters to consider legalizing recreational marijuana. The Arkansas Supreme Court cleared the way in September for voters to consider whether people …

EXPLAINER: Which states put marijuana on the ballot in 2022?
2 years, 2 months ago

EXPLAINER: Which states put marijuana on the ballot in 2022?

Associated Press  

Recreational marijuana could be legal in half the country if the handful of states with cannabis measures on ballots this November pass them. Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota have measures on their ballots this fall for voters to consider legalizing recreational marijuana. — The Arkansas Supreme Court cleared the way in September for voters to consider whether …

The stoned age: Nearly HALF of Americans aged 19-30 now use marijuana, report finds
2 years, 2 months ago

The stoned age: Nearly HALF of Americans aged 19-30 now use marijuana, report finds

Daily Mail  

Nearly half of young adults in the US use marijuana in some capacity, a federally-funded study suggests. A growing body of research has shown that chronic marijuana use can alter brain development in young adults and even raise the risk of mental health issues and even a lower IQ. Some 19 have legalized it for recreational use, while nearly all …

Marijuana use among US adults hits record high, survey finds
2 years, 3 months ago

Marijuana use among US adults hits record high, survey finds

Daily Mail  

More Americans are smoking marijuana than ever before, a survey has found — after a top scientist warned the drug could harm brain development in young adults. 'Cannabis use is more common among youth and adults in states where cannabis use is legal for recreational use,' Renee Goodwin, who leads Columbia University's research, told DailyMail.com. A total of 19 states …

Legalizing pot leads to greater use among teens and young adults
2 years, 4 months ago

Legalizing pot leads to greater use among teens and young adults

Daily Mail  

Teenagers in states that have legalized cannabis use more of it and are lured by colorfully-packaged candy-like products that leave them vulnerable to higher rates of dependency, psychosis and school dropouts, researchers warn. 'Cannabis use is more common among youth and adults in states where cannabis use is legal for recreational use,' Renee Goodwin, who leads Columbia University's research, told …

Medical pot proposal gets bipartisan support in NC Senate
2 years, 6 months ago

Medical pot proposal gets bipartisan support in NC Senate

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — Marijuana would be legalized for medical use in North Carolina with a physician’s prescription and purchased through dozens of tightly regulated dispensaries in a measure receiving initial approval Thursday in the Senate. The legislation, which received strong bipartisan support, could help people facing more than a dozen different “debilitating medical conditions” in which their doctor declares the …

Mississippi governor signs law allowing medical marijuana
2 years, 10 months ago

Mississippi governor signs law allowing medical marijuana

Associated Press  

— Mississippi is legalizing medical marijuana for people with debilitating conditions such as cancer, AIDS and sickle cell disease. “There are also those who really want a recreational marijuana program that could lead to more people smoking and less people working, with all the societal and family ills that that brings.” The National Conference of State Legislatures says 36 states …

GOP lawmakers try again to legalize medical marijuana
2 years, 10 months ago

GOP lawmakers try again to legalize medical marijuana

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — A group of Republican lawmakers resurrected a bill Wednesday to legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin, saying it’s time to at least talk about using the drug as a natural way to help the sick treat their ailments naturally. Sen. Mary Felzkowski and Rep. Patrick Snyder’s bill would create a new state commission that would regulate medical marijuana. …

The 25 most-read Los Angeles Times cannabis stories of 2021
3 years ago

The 25 most-read Los Angeles Times cannabis stories of 2021

LA Times  

In 1996, California became the first U.S. state to legalize access to medical marijuana, lighting the fuse on a movement that, a quarter of a century later, finds recreational cannabis use by those 21 and older legal in 18 states and the District of Columbia. In a nod to the Golden State’s 25-year-long experiment with legal weed, here’s a look …

Virginia marijuana legalization timetable has many confused
3 years, 6 months ago

Virginia marijuana legalization timetable has many confused

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia’s road to legalizing simple possession of marijuana has had some twists and turns, so it’s not surprising that advocacy groups have been flooded with calls from people trying to understand exactly what will be allowed under state law as of July 1. In each one, laws have legalized simple possession before establishing a legal marketplace for …

After 50 Years, U.S. Opens The Door To More Cannabis Crops For Scientists
3 years, 6 months ago

After 50 Years, U.S. Opens The Door To More Cannabis Crops For Scientists

NPR  

After 50 Years, U.S. "It is a big disconnect," says Dr. Igor Grant, a psychiatry professor and director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at University of California, San Diego. "We'll see a decade or more of explosive cannabis research and potential new therapies," says Dr. Steve Groff, founder and chairman of Groff North America, one of three companies …

New York is latest state to legalize recreational marijuana
3 years, 8 months ago

New York is latest state to legalize recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

New York adults over the age of 21 can now possess and use marijuana — even in public — under a legalization bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Passed after several years of stalled efforts, the measure makes New York the 16th state to legalize adult use of the drug, though South Dakota’s measure is in legal limbo. “By placing community …

New York lawmakers agree to legalize recreational marijuana
3 years, 8 months ago

New York lawmakers agree to legalize recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York is poised to join a growing number of states that have legalized marijuana after state lawmakers reached a deal to allow sales of the drug for recreational use. It has taken years for the state’s lawmakers to come to a consensus on how to legalize recreational marijuana in New York. Adam Goers, a vice president …

Colorado has sold about $10 billion worth of marijuana
3 years, 10 months ago

Colorado has sold about $10 billion worth of marijuana

Associated Press  

DENVER — Businesses in Colorado have sold about $10 billion of marijuana since the plant was legalized for recreational use in 2014, according to new data released by the state Department of Revenue. The figures released Tuesday indicate that marijuana sales in 2020 hit an all-time high for one year with $2.19 billion in total revenue, up from $1.75 billion …

Arizona, 15th state with legal pot, sees recreational sales
3 years, 11 months ago

Arizona, 15th state with legal pot, sees recreational sales

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Legal sales of recreational marijuana in Arizona started on Friday, a once-unthinkable step in the former conservative stronghold that joins 14 other states that have broadly legalized pot. The state Health Services Department on Friday announced it had approved 86 licenses in nine of the state’s 15 counties under provisions of the marijuana legalization measure passed by voters …

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