Louisiana medical marijuana could reach pharmacies next week
5 years, 5 months ago

Louisiana medical marijuana could reach pharmacies next week

Associated Press  

— Louisiana’s first medical marijuana products are one step away from pharmacies, with final testing planned for this week. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, whose department oversees the therapeutic cannabis program, said that if the product collected Monday from GB Sciences is free of contaminants, medical marijuana could reach patients early next week. Strain has said his department had to start from scratch in developing the regulatory structure governing medical marijuana in Louisiana, and he said the rules aim to protect patient safety. Under a change passed earlier this year, Louisiana’s medical marijuana patients also will be allowed to use an inhaler, like asthma patients use.

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History of this topic

Kentucky to help connect patients with medical providers as part of its medical cannabis program
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Kentucky to help connect patients with medical providers as part of its medical cannabis program

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky will offer an online directory to help connect patients with medical providers as it prepares for the start of its medical cannabis program in 2025, Gov. So far, 154 doctors and advanced practice registered nurses are authorized to be medical cannabis practitioners, a number that is growing steadily, Beshear said. After years of setbacks for proponents …

A decision on a major policy shift on marijuana won’t come until after the presidential election
4 months, 1 week ago

A decision on a major policy shift on marijuana won’t come until after the presidential election

Associated Press  

Follow live: Updates from AP’s coverage of the presidential election. While it’s possible it could precede the end of President Joe Biden’s term, issuing it before Inauguration Day “would be pretty expedited,” said cannabis lawyer Brian Vicente. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, signaled support for a Florida legalization measure on Saturday, following earlier comments that he increasingly agrees …

Alabama approved a medical marijuana program in 2021. Patients are still waiting for it.
5 months ago

Alabama approved a medical marijuana program in 2021. Patients are still waiting for it.

Associated Press  

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — When Amanda Taylor lived in Arizona, she used medical cannabis to relieve the symptoms of her multiple sclerosis, gastroparesis and other ailments. While licensed cultivators have marijuana plants nearing maturity, cannabis products can’t be recommended or sold to patients in Alabama while the entire program remains on hold. But at this point, it’s anger because greed is …

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear endorses federal effort to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear endorses federal effort to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Biden administration’s push to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug won an endorsement Wednesday from Kentucky Gov. Beshear’s letter focused on marijuana’s medical uses, with Kentucky’s medical cannabis program set to begin Jan. 1. The proposed federal rule recognizes medical uses of cannabis and acknowledges it has less potential for abuse than some of the …

Maine has no testing requirement for medical cannabis. Public health advocates want that to change.
6 months ago

Maine has no testing requirement for medical cannabis. Public health advocates want that to change.

Associated Press  

Keri-Jon Wilson started as a hobbyist, making medical marijuana edibles on a small scale for patients suffering from chronic pain and cancer. Last fall, the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy released a report pushing for required testing in the medical cannabis program, but lawmakers instead pursued broad legislation intended to reduce stigma around the cannabis industry that largely loosened restrictions …

Kentucky to open applications for the state’s medical marijuana business
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Kentucky to open applications for the state’s medical marijuana business

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Businesses that want to sell, process or grow medical marijuana for Kentucky can start applying for permits starting Monday, part of an accelerated push to have products available in early 2025, Gov. Patients can apply for medical cannabis cards starting Jan. 1 if they have qualifying illnesses, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or …

Top U.S. drug agency a notable holdout in Biden's push to loosen federal marijuana restrictions
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Top U.S. drug agency a notable holdout in Biden's push to loosen federal marijuana restrictions

Hindustan Times  

In an isolated part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration headquarters known as the 12th-floor “bubble,” chief Anne Milgram made an unusual request of top deputies summoned in March for what she called the “Marijuana Meeting”: Nobody could take notes. Top U.S. drug agency a notable holdout in Biden's push to loosen federal marijuana restrictions Over the next half hour, …

Top U.S. drug agency a notable holdout in Biden's push to loosen federal marijuana restrictions
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Top U.S. drug agency a notable holdout in Biden's push to loosen federal marijuana restrictions

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “DEA has not yet made a determination as to …

Joe Biden says ‘No one should be in jail merely for using marijuana’ as US proposes reclassifying the drug as low-risk
7 months, 3 weeks 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 …

Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department on Thursday formally moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift in generations of U.S. drug policy. You have my word on it.” AP AUDIO: Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in historic shift AP correspondent Jackie Quinn reports the government effort to reclassify marijuana …

Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug

LA Times  

Marijuana plants for sale at a dispensary in Portland, Ore. A proposed rule sent to the Federal Register recognizes the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledges it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday formally moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, marking a historic shift …

Editorial: Biden’s plan to reschedule marijuana may finally end ‘Reefer Madness’
8 months ago

Editorial: Biden’s plan to reschedule marijuana may finally end ‘Reefer Madness’

LA Times  

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency plans to reclassify marijuana from the most restrictive category — Schedule I, up there with heroin — down to Schedule III, in the company of testosterone and Tylenol with codeine. It’s ridiculous that we lack the answers, especially considering that 24 states plus the District of Columbia have made marijuana legal for adult recreational use …

U.S. drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift
8 months, 1 week ago

U.S. drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift

LA Times  

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s proposal would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than other drugs. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift to generations of American drug policy that could have wide ripple effects across the country. “Right now, the …

Alabama judge puts a temporary hold on medical marijuana companies
1 year ago

Alabama judge puts a temporary hold on medical marijuana companies

Associated Press  

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A judge has temporarily blocked Alabama from issuing licenses to medical marijuana facilities amid an ongoing legal battle over how the state selected the winning companies. Montgomery Circuit Judge James Anderson issued a temporary restraining order late Wednesday to stop the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission from issuing licenses for “integrated” facilities that grow, transport and sell medical …

US regulators might change how they classify marijuana. Here’s what that would mean
1 year, 4 months ago

US regulators might change how they classify marijuana. Here’s what that would mean

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The news lit up the world of weed: U.S. health regulators are suggesting that the federal government loosen restrictions on marijuana. Specifically, the federal Health and Human Services Department has recommended taking marijuana out of a category of drugs deemed to have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” The agency advised moving …

US regulators might change how they classify marijuana. Here's what that would mean
1 year, 4 months ago

US regulators might change how they classify marijuana. Here's what that would mean

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Specifically, the federal Health and Human Services Department has …

Biden health agency recommends classifying marijuana as lower-risk, opening potential for major policy changes
1 year, 4 months ago

Biden health agency recommends classifying marijuana as lower-risk, opening potential for major policy changes

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The …

Legal fight continues over medical marijuana licenses in Alabama
1 year, 4 months ago

Legal fight continues over medical marijuana licenses in Alabama

Associated Press  

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The availability of medical marijuana remains on hold in Alabama as the legal fight continues over the process used to select companies for the lucrative licenses. Montgomery County Circuit Judge James Anderson on Thursday rejected a request from the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission to postpone a court hearing related to accusations that commissioners improperly deliberated in private …

Kentucky House gives final passage to medical marijuana bill
1 year, 9 months ago

Kentucky House gives final passage to medical marijuana bill

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Medical marijuana advocates achieved a long-sought victory Thursday, when Kentucky lawmakers gave final passage to a measure to legalize access to medical cannabis for people suffering from a defined list of debilitating illnesses. “This is a truly historic day here in the commonwealth and one that many people deserve — especially the constituents who’ve approached me over …

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 …

Biden wants to review marijuana’s schedule 1 status. That could help researchers.
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden wants to review marijuana’s schedule 1 status. That could help researchers.

Slate  

On Thursday, President Joe Biden made three pretty surprising statements regarding marijuana reform. “We then have to show the DEA that we’re going to store this incredibly dangerous product in a very safe way,” says Margaret Haney, the director of Columbia University’s Cannabis Research Laboratory. “This leaves us with a society in which we’re not getting the key answer to …

State: Medical marijuana would see decline if pot legalized
2 years, 3 months ago

State: Medical marijuana would see decline if pot legalized

Associated Press  

BISMARCK, N.D. — Legalizing recreational pot in North Dakota could cut the number of people who are registered to use the drug as medicine by at least 80%, due to access to bigger quantities and more varied products, a health official said Monday. The state has issued more than 8,200 identification cards to qualifying patients since North Dakota voters approved …

Health Department: Mississippi medical marijuana months away
2 years, 7 months ago

Health Department: Mississippi medical marijuana months away

Associated Press  

— It could be the end of the year before medical marijuana is available in Mississippi because businesses need time to receive licenses and to grow, test and prepare to sell the products, state Health Department officials said Monday. The department opened the licensing application process last week for patients and caregivers interested in using medical cannabis as allowed under …

Medical pot proposal gets bipartisan support in NC Senate
2 years, 7 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 …

Kentucky gov asks input, weighing action on medical cannabis
2 years, 8 months ago

Kentucky gov asks input, weighing action on medical cannabis

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. The Democratic governor said he’ll seek grassroots input as his legal team explores his potential options to make medical marijuana legally accessible. Republican Senate President Robert Stivers said Kentuckians should be concerned that the governor “thinks he can change statute by executive order.” “He simply can’t legalize medical marijuana by executive order; you can’t supersede a …

Bills to expand access to medical marijuana advance
2 years, 8 months ago

Bills to expand access to medical marijuana advance

Associated Press  

— Legislation aimed at expanding patient access to medical marijuana in Louisiana was advanced Tuesday by a state House committee. Rep. Joe Marino, an independent from Gretna, won approval of a bill that would expand the number of licenses from 10 to 25 with 30% of the new licenses set aside for minorities and women. Republican Speaker Pro Tempore Tanner …

Republican lawmakers unveil medical marijuana regulations
2 years, 10 months ago

Republican lawmakers unveil medical marijuana regulations

Associated Press  

OKLAHOMA CITY — Republicans in the Oklahoma House on Monday unveiled a package of new restrictions on the state’s booming medical marijuana industry, designed to crack down on illegal growers who sell cannabis on the black market. “If you’re an illegal operator in Oklahoma, you’re time is up,” said Rep. Scott Fetgatter, an Okmulgee Republican and a member of the …

Mississippi governor signs law allowing medical marijuana
2 years, 11 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 …

Medical marijuana moves 1 step closer in Mississippi
2 years, 11 months ago

Medical marijuana moves 1 step closer in Mississippi

Associated Press  

— Mississippi is moving closer to joining most other states in allowing people to use marijuana to relieve medical conditions. The state House voted 104-14 Wednesday to pass a bill that would create a medical marijuana program. When the bill passed the Senate, it said a person with a marijuana prescription could obtain up to 3.5 grams of the substance …

Medical marijuana advances with Mississippi senate vote
2 years, 11 months ago

Medical marijuana advances with Mississippi senate vote

Associated Press  

— Mississippi senators voted Thursday to advance a bill that would create a medical marijuana program, sending it to the House for more work. Blackwell has been one of the lead negotiators the past several months on creating a medical marijuana program for Mississippi residents with debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS and sickle cell anemia. Tate Reeves has …

Medical marijuana proposal moves to Mississippi Senate
2 years, 11 months ago

Medical marijuana proposal moves to Mississippi Senate

Associated Press  

— A bill to create a medical marijuana program is headed for debate in the Mississippi Senate in coming days. In November 2020, a wide margin of Mississippi voters approved an initiative to allow medical marijuana, and a program was supposed to be in place by the middle of 2021. In May, the state Supreme Court ruled that the initiative …

Louisiana lawmakers: Strain too slow on medical marijuana
3 years, 1 month ago

Louisiana lawmakers: Strain too slow on medical marijuana

Associated Press  

— Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain came under fire Thursday from state lawmakers who complained his regulatory agency was moving too slowly in expanding the medical marijuana products available to patients. The News-Star reports that Strain, a Republican, told a special legislative commission looking at the state’s medicinal pot program that he won’t compromise public safety to fast-track new products. …

Reeves: Work still happening on medical marijuana proposal
3 years, 2 months ago

Reeves: Work still happening on medical marijuana proposal

Associated Press  

Tate Reeves said Tuesday that he and legislative leaders are continuing to negotiate changes in a proposal to create a medical marijuana program, including putting tight limits on how much of the medicine one person could buy. “I believe very strongly that if we’re going to have a medical marijuana program, it’s very important that we get it done right,” …

Mississippi session requested on medical marijuana proposal
3 years, 3 months ago

Mississippi session requested on medical marijuana proposal

Associated Press  

— Mississippi legislative leaders said Friday that they are asking Republican Gov. Tate Reeves to call the House and Senate into special session to enact a medical marijuana program and approve financial help for hospitals. They also want legislators during the session to authorize death benefit payments for law enforcement officers and first responders who die of COVID-19 and set …

Mississippi negotiators reach proposal on medical marijuana
3 years, 3 months ago

Mississippi negotiators reach proposal on medical marijuana

Associated Press  

— Mississippi House and Senate negotiators said Thursday that they have agreed on a proposed medical marijuana program. “This is not a recreational thing.” Yancey said that if the bill becomes law, cities and counties would be have 90 days to opt out of allowing medical marijuana growing sites, processing facilities and dispensaries. Blackwell said if a city or county …

Georgia board picks 6 companies to sell medical marijuana
3 years, 5 months ago

Georgia board picks 6 companies to sell medical marijuana

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — A Georgia board tasked with overseeing the state’s efforts to get patients access to medical marijuana has approved the six companies that will be allowed to sell the drug, a major step to finally getting patients legal access to the medication. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission voted Saturday to pick six …

Mississippi lawmakers work toward medical marijuana program
3 years, 5 months ago

Mississippi lawmakers work toward medical marijuana program

Associated Press  

— Two Mississippi lawmakers say they’re continuing to work on proposals to create a medical marijuana program, two months after the state Supreme Court invalidated one that voters had approved. Yancey said a House bill would be similar to Initiative 65, which voters approved in November to allow medical marijuana use by people with some debilitating conditions. Initiative 65 was …

Wolf signs off on revisions to Pennsylvania medical pot law
3 years, 6 months ago

Wolf signs off on revisions to Pennsylvania medical pot law

Associated Press  

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Medical marijuana patients can continue to get a three month’s supply at a time, rather than one month’s, under revisions to the Pennsylvania program signed into law Wednesday by Gov. “This simply gives them a mechanism by which they can do that.” Chris Goldstein, a Pennsylvania regional organizer for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana …

After 50 Years, U.S. Opens The Door To More Cannabis Crops For Scientists
3 years, 7 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 …

South Dakota passed medical pot, but physicians hesitant
3 years, 7 months ago

South Dakota passed medical pot, but physicians hesitant

Associated Press  

— Medical marijuana advocates have convinced South Dakota voters that legalizing the drug for medical use is a good idea, but they are struggling to do the same with many of the state’s physicians. But Melissa Mentele, who launched the medical cannabis legalization campaign, said that reluctance from physicians and health care providers could result in a bumbling rollout of …

Mississippi lawmakers: Revive initiatives, marijuana program
3 years, 7 months ago

Mississippi lawmakers: Revive initiatives, marijuana program

Associated Press  

— Some Mississippi lawmakers say they want Gov. “We 100% believe in the right of the people to use the initiative process to express their views on public policy,” Republican House Speaker Philip Gunn said Monday in a statement that did not mention medical marijuana. Republican Sen. Jeremy England of Vancleave said Monday that “there seems to be a sense …

Alabama governor signs medical marijuana legislation
3 years, 7 months ago

Alabama governor signs medical marijuana legislation

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Kay Ivey signed medical marijuana legislation Monday as conservative …

Louisiana lawmakers weigh medical marijuana expansion, tax
3 years, 8 months ago

Louisiana lawmakers weigh medical marijuana expansion, tax

Associated Press  

— A House Republican leader’s bid to expand Louisiana’s medical marijuana program and allow smokable cannabis started to gain traction Thursday, as lawmakers advanced a bill that would tax the new therapeutic products. Houma Rep. Tanner Magee, the House’s second-ranking Republican, is proposing to authorize sales of raw, smokable marijuana for medical use — and to apply state sales tax …

Noem wants lawmakers to change medical marijuana rules
3 years, 9 months ago

Noem wants lawmakers to change medical marijuana rules

Associated Press  

Kristi Noem on Friday pitched lawmakers a proposal that would limit parts of a voter-passed law legalizing medical marijuana in South Dakota, but she conceded that the drug will become legal for patients on July 1. The Republican governor previously pushed the Legislature to delay implementation of the state’s medical marijuana program by a year so that a committee could …

Budget, smoke-outs and pot: Legislature enters its last days
3 years, 10 months ago

Budget, smoke-outs and pot: Legislature enters its last days

Associated Press  

— South Dakota lawmakers have just four more days to work out most of the details in this year’s legislative session. As deadlines loom — and issues from the budget to medical marijuana and self-defense laws remain unsettled — many lawmakers are expecting some long nights at the Capitol in Pierre. Meanwhile, House lawmakers are hoping the Senate approves $20 …

Medical pot advocates ask lawmakers for ‘compromise’
3 years, 10 months ago

Medical pot advocates ask lawmakers for ‘compromise’

Associated Press  

— Supporters of a successful ballot measure to make medical marijuana legal in South Dakota urged state lawmakers on Monday to allow users to avoid criminal charges during any delay in implementing the program. The Republican governor’s proposal to delay was another setback for pro-pot groups after they saw a voter-passed constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana struck down by a …

Illinois extends medical marijuana sales hours amid pressure
4 years, 11 months ago

Illinois extends medical marijuana sales hours amid pressure

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Illinois officials are allowing medical marijuana businesses to stay open later amid complaints that users have been at a disadvantage since a new state law allowing recreational sales took effect this year. The department also reminded retailers to prioritize medical cannabis patients during product shortages in a separate statement released last week. It also said retailers limiting the …

Utah medical marijuana program on track, starting small
4 years, 11 months ago

Utah medical marijuana program on track, starting small

Associated Press  

Associated Press — Utah’s new medical marijuana program will launch on time in the coming weeks, though health officials said Wednesday it will start small. To get the cards, they will need a recommendation from a doctor, which may be a challenge because the number of medical providers interested in recommending the drug has been “very limited,” said Marc Babitz, …

Louisiana medical marijuana grower releasing CBD products
4 years, 11 months ago

Louisiana medical marijuana grower releasing CBD products

Associated Press  

— Louisiana’s second medical marijuana grower, a contractor chosen by Southern University, hasn’t started selling therapeutic cannabis yet, but the company is offering an over-the-counter CBD product at the state’s marijuana dispensaries. Ilera Holistic Healthcare said it will sell CBD products nationwide, including at each marijuana pharmacy in Louisiana except for the one in Monroe. Southern and Ilera officials are …

Cannabis researchers say bad weed is hurting their work. The DEA may finally fix that
5 years, 4 months ago

Cannabis researchers say bad weed is hurting their work. The DEA may finally fix that

CNN  

San Francisco CNN Business — For more than 50 years, if a scientist wanted to conduct a clinical trial using cannabis and needed to obtain the drug, the University of Mississippi has been the only game in town. One entity that has previously applied to grow the drug for research, the Scottsdale Research Institute sued the DEA earlier this year, …

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