New Jersey’s push to legalize recreational marijuana stalls
5 years, 9 months ago

New Jersey’s push to legalize recreational marijuana stalls

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey lawmakers dealt a blow to the prospects of legal recreational marijuana use in the state Monday, when the state Senate president postponed a vote after his and the governor’s lobbying campaign failed to muster enough support in the chamber. In a statement, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said he was “disappointed” the measure didn’t get enough support and said he’s committed to continue working to get it passed. New Jersey’s Statehouse was a hive of supporters, opponents and TV cameras covering the stalled vote on the measure to allow those 21 and over to possess or buy up to an ounce of marijuana. The expungement provisions, which Murphy says would set New Jersey apart from any other state with legal weed, waive any fee for expungement processing and permit clearing of records for possession up to 5 pounds.

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History of this topic

Could America’s divide on marijuana be coming to an end?
3 months, 4 weeks 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 …

For years, crumbs of cannabis impacted a Maryland man’s life. Now he sees a clearer future
6 months, 3 weeks ago

For years, crumbs of cannabis impacted a Maryland man’s life. Now he sees a clearer future

Associated Press  

BALTIMORE — For years, a few crumbs of cannabis played an outsized role in shaping Shiloh Jordan’s life. “It was a gargantuan step forward in recognizing the harms of the war on drugs, the racist war on drugs,” said Somil Trivedi, chief legal and advocacy director for Maryland Legal Aid. On Monday, hours after Moore signed an executive order granting …

Massachusetts governor to pardon those convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Massachusetts governor to pardon those convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession

Associated Press  

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday said she would issue pardons for tens of thousands of people convicted of misdemeanor marijuana charges going back decades in the latest example of a state ambitiously seeking to forgive low-level drug offenders. If approved, the pardons will apply to all adult Massachusetts state court misdemeanor convictions before March 13, 2024, for …

One state has a shortage of marijuana. Its neighbour had too much
11 months ago

One state has a shortage of marijuana. Its neighbour had too much

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Marijuana retailers in Connecticut …

Ohio marijuana legalization question falls short on signatures for fall ballot, gets 10 more days
1 year, 5 months ago

Ohio marijuana legalization question falls short on signatures for fall ballot, gets 10 more days

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. Read our privacy policy A proposal to legalize adult …

New Hampshire governor offers path to legalize marijuana
1 year, 7 months ago

New Hampshire governor offers path to legalize marijuana

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — A day after New Hampshire legislators rejected the latest attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, Gov. “In the past, I said now is not the time to legalize marijuana in New Hampshire,” Sununu said in a statement. Sununu said that this path “helps to keep substances away from kids by ensuring the state of New …

Minnesota bill to legalize marijuana gets major rewrite
1 year, 9 months ago

Minnesota bill to legalize marijuana gets major rewrite

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Legislation to legalize recreational marijuana for adults in Minnesota underwent a major rewrite Tuesday with the addition of new language to regulate and protect the state’s burgeoning industry in low-potency edibles and drinkables. “It has had incredible costs for our communities, especially for communities of color.” The 142-page amendment adopted Tuesday deals extensively with regulatory and …

Minnesota lawmakers start down path to legalizing marijuana
1 year, 11 months ago

Minnesota lawmakers start down path to legalizing marijuana

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Legislature embarked on a path toward legalizing recreational marijuana for adults Wednesday when a legislative committee held the first hearing of the year on a bill that backers say is designed to avoid the pitfalls experienced by states that have already legalized it. “Minnesotans deserve the freedom and respect to make responsible decisions about …

Rhode Island latest state to allow recreational pot sales
2 years, 1 month ago

Rhode Island latest state to allow recreational pot sales

Associated Press  

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Customers started lining up to buy recreational marijuana in Rhode Island on Thursday, a little more than six months after Gov. Five stores are currently allowed to sell recreational cannabis products, but the state could eventually have as many as 33 stores, according to the law. “This milestone is the result of a carefully executed process to …

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 approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri
2 years, 2 months ago

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri

Associated Press  

— Voters approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in two other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalization even in conservative parts of the country. “State-level legalization victories are what’s necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level.” The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. “It’s pretty clear North …

Marijuana legalization on the ballot in these states: Here’s what voters decided
2 years, 2 months ago

Marijuana legalization on the ballot in these states: Here’s what voters decided

CNN  

Washington CNN — Ballot measures to legalize recreational marijuana use will fail in three states and pass in two, CNN projects, as momentum has grown nationwide to push for lifting penalties once associated with cannabis. Here’s what voters decided in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota on Tuesday: Arkansas Arkansas voters on Tuesday will reject a constitutional amendment …

Missouri voters set to weigh in on recreational marijuana
2 years, 5 months ago

Missouri voters set to weigh in on recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

— A campaign to legalize recreational marijuana in Missouri gathered enough signatures to make it on the November ballot, Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced Tuesday. Efforts to allow recreational marijuana use have failed to pass Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature for years, prompting advocates to go to voters for approval instead. Local NAACP chapters, the American Civil Liberties Union of …

Governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana
2 years, 7 months ago

Governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island’s governor signed legislation Wednesday making the state the 19th in the nation to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana, an issue that some lawmakers have been working on for years. McKee’s said the legislation accomplishes the priorities of making sure legalization is “equitable, controlled and safe.” Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey called it “a momentous day for …

Delaware Gov. John Carney vetoes marijuana legalization bill
2 years, 7 months ago

Delaware Gov. John Carney vetoes marijuana legalization bill

Associated Press  

John Carney on Tuesday vetoed a bill to legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults for recreational use, drawing the wrath of fellow Democrats who have fought for years to make weed legal. “I recognize the positive effect marijuana can have for people with certain health conditions, and for that reason, I continue to support the …

Marijuana legalization bill clears Delaware House
2 years, 8 months ago

Marijuana legalization bill clears Delaware House

Associated Press  

— The Delaware House voted Thursday to approve a bill legalizing possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults for recreational use. The bill approved Thursday was introduced in late March as stand-alone legislation after a failed effort to pass broader legislation creating a state-regulated and taxed marijuana industry. “I’m grateful to the House for passing this bill …

New Jersey to start recreational marijuana sales April 21
2 years, 8 months ago

New Jersey to start recreational marijuana sales April 21

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — Recreational marijuana sales in New Jersey for those 21 and older will begin April 21, Democratic Gov. The news comes just three days after state regulators greenlighted permits for seven facilities, which already sell medical cannabis, to begin retailing recreational marijuana. New Jersey’s recreational sales are slated to begin ahead of New York, where sales are not …

NJ approves 7 facilities for recreational cannabis sales
2 years, 8 months ago

NJ approves 7 facilities for recreational cannabis sales

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey regulators gave a green light Monday to seven facilities that already sell medical marijuana to also sell recreational cannabis, although it’s not clear exactly when sales would begin. Sales could start in a matter of weeks or longer, but a specific date wasn’t set at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s vote during a remotely …

Connecticut governor signs recreational marijuana into law
3 years, 6 months ago

Connecticut governor signs recreational marijuana into law

Associated Press  

HARTFORD, Conn. — Gov. People age 21 and older will be allowed to possess and consume marijuana beginning on July 1 under the new law, which also lays the groundwork for a new cannabis industry in the state and attempts to address racial inequities stemming from the nation’s war on drugs. “We had a chance to learn from others, and …

House passes marijuana legalization bill, sends it to Senate
3 years, 6 months ago

House passes marijuana legalization bill, sends it to Senate

Associated Press  

HARTFORD, Conn. — Proponents of legalizing the adult use of marijuana in Connecticut dodged a threatened veto on Wednesday, advancing a revamped bill that Gov. “We take the next step, as this chamber, in recognizing the war on drugs has failed us and the criminalization of cannabis was the wrong course of action for our state and for our nation.” …

New Mexico to end taxes on medical pot, revise grow limits
3 years, 8 months ago

New Mexico to end taxes on medical pot, revise grow limits

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico will stop charging sales taxes on limited amounts of medical marijuana and begin revising current limits on pot cultivation June 29 in the first steps toward legalization of recreational marijuana, top health and licensing regulators announced Wednesday in a letter to authorized cannabis businesses. The letter also indicates that medical cannabis patients won’t be …

Pot producers eager to ramp up, as legalization approaches
3 years, 8 months ago

Pot producers eager to ramp up, as legalization approaches

Associated Press  

— Several medical marijuana providers on Wednesday warned of a potential cannabis shortage in late June, when the first provisions of a new law go into effect to legalize recreational marijuana in New Mexico. But several medical marijuana businesses, led by Ultra Health, say there could be a run on medical marijuana supplies in late June of this year when …

New Mexico governor signs bill to legalize recreational pot
3 years, 8 months ago

New Mexico governor signs bill to legalize recreational pot

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation Monday legalizing recreational marijuana use within months and kicking off sales next year, making it the seventh state since November to put an end to pot prohibition. New Mexico voters ousted ardent opponents of legalization from the state Senate in the 2020 Democratic primary, opening the way for …

New Jersey moves closer to recreational marijuana market
3 years, 9 months ago

New Jersey moves closer to recreational marijuana market

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey is moving closer to opening its recreational marijuana market with plans slated for the first public meeting with the state’s new cannabis commission, Gov. The commission must establish regulations for the new recreational marijuana marketplace that voters ratified in an overwhelming vote in November. The commission’s meeting comes after a fitful several years of lawmakers’ …

New York is latest state to legalize recreational marijuana
3 years, 9 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 …

Virginia governor seeks to accelerate marijuana legalization
3 years, 9 months ago

Virginia governor seeks to accelerate marijuana legalization

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Adults in Virginia could legally possess and grow small amounts of marijuana beginning in July, about three years sooner than initially envisioned, under changes the governor proposed Wednesday to legislation passed earlier this year. “Virginia will become the 15th state to legalize marijuana — and these changes will ensure we do it with a focus on public …

New York Legalises Recreational Marijuana; Records Of Those With Related Convictions Will be Expunged
3 years, 9 months ago

New York Legalises Recreational Marijuana; Records Of Those With Related Convictions Will be Expunged

News 18  

New Yorkers can now possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis under a legalization bill signed Wednesday by Gov. New York will start automatically expunging the criminal records of individuals with certain past marijuana-related convictions, and law enforcement in the state wont be able to arrest or prosecute individuals for possession of marijuana up to 3 ounces. New York Police …

NY lawmakers pass pot legalization, sending bill to governor
3 years, 9 months ago

NY lawmakers pass pot legalization, sending bill to governor

Associated Press  

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York would legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, launch programs to help communities that bore the brunt of the national and state drug war and eventually allow marijuana sales to people over the age of 21 under a sweeping bill that lawmakers passed Tuesday. Criminal justice reform groups and advocates for minority communities where pot …

New York state passes bill legalising recreational cannabis
3 years, 9 months ago

New York state passes bill legalising recreational cannabis

Al Jazeera  

US state government estimates that the change could net an additional $350 million in annual tax revenues and create tens of thousands of jobs. New York state legislators have passed a bill legalising recreational cannabis, with Governor Andrew Cuomo saying he would sign the legislation into law. New York will join 14 other US states and the District of Columbia …

New York lawmakers agree to legalize recreational marijuana
3 years, 9 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 …

Marijuana takes center stage in New Mexico special session
3 years, 9 months ago

Marijuana takes center stage in New Mexico special session

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico lawmakers are embarking on an unusual legislative session that may focus entirely on the legalization of recreational marijuana. Successful legislation would extend legal recreational cannabis sales across the American Southwest, from California to the New Mexico state line with Texas, which still prohibits nonmedical pot. His bill emphasized support for communities where the criminalization …

Delaware marijuana legalization bill clears House committee
3 years, 9 months ago

Delaware marijuana legalization bill clears House committee

Associated Press  

— A bill legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults in Delaware cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday as a Democratic-led committee voted along party lines, with one lone GOP vote, to send the measure to the House floor. The bill establishes a marijuana tax, described as a “control enforcement fee” of 15% at the point of sale, which sponsors contend …

NY lawmaker says deal ‘imminently close’ on pot legalization
3 years, 9 months ago

NY lawmaker says deal ‘imminently close’ on pot legalization

Associated Press  

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York lawmakers are finalizing an agreement to legalize recreational marijuana sales to adults over the age of 21, a state legislative leader said Wednesday. Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, the second-highest ranking Democrat in the chamber, said the bill is being drafted and will likely be brought up for a vote next week. “An agreement is …

Advocates back legislative effort to legalize marijuana in New York
3 years, 10 months ago

Advocates back legislative effort to legalize marijuana in New York

Live Mint  

Proponents of legalizing recreational marijuana in New York are putting their weight behind a bill in the state legislature, saying they prefer it to the competing framework that Gov. The governor said in a Saturday night statement that he never acted inappropriately toward Charlotte Bennett, a 25-year-old former aide who said Mr. Cuomo asked questions about her sex life that …

Virginia lawmakers vote to legalize marijuana in 2024
3 years, 10 months ago

Virginia lawmakers vote to legalize marijuana in 2024

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia lawmakers gave final approval Saturday to a bill that will legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, but not until 2024, when retail sales of the drug would also begin. “It’s been a lot of work to get here, but I would say that we’re on the path to an equitable law allowing responsible adults to use …

EXPLAINER: What can, can’t you do with cannabis in NJ now?
3 years, 10 months ago

EXPLAINER: What can, can’t you do with cannabis in NJ now?

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s recreational marijuana market is now voter approved and in effect under legislation signed last week by Democratic Gov. Here’s a closer look at New Jersey’s emerging marijuana reality: ___ WHEN AND WHERE CAN I BUY MARIJUANA? It’s no longer a violation of state law to have 6 ounces or less of marijuana or about three-fifths …

Lamont making big push for marijuana legalization this year
3 years, 10 months ago

Lamont making big push for marijuana legalization this year

Associated Press  

Ned Lamont is making a major push to legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana after COVID-19 upended the 2020 legislative session, arguing now is the time to finally enact a regulated system that generates new state and local revenue while addressing racial equity issues. Rep. Michael D’Agostino, D-Hamden, co-chairman of the General Assembly’s General Law Committee, said he believes …

After long wait, New Jersey moves ahead on recreational pot
3 years, 10 months ago

After long wait, New Jersey moves ahead on recreational pot

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — A recreational marijuana marketplace, cannabis decriminalization and looser penalties for underage possession of the drug and alcohol became law Monday in New Jersey, more than three months after voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question to legalize adult use of the drug. Phil Murphy cast aside critics’ attacks the legislation was about filling the state’s coffers with tax …

Bill that could loosen cannabis logjam advances in NJ
3 years, 10 months ago

Bill that could loosen cannabis logjam advances in NJ

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — A bill in the New Jersey Legislature aimed at breaking up a logjam delaying marijuana legalization legislation got approval in a state Senate committee on Friday, setting up additional votes on Monday. The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Sen. Nicholas Scutari, said in an interview he thinks the legislation has enough support to pass Monday. Specifically, the new legislation …

Cuomo again pushes for legal recreational marijuana in NY
4 years ago

Cuomo again pushes for legal recreational marijuana in NY

Associated Press  

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Cuomo’s latest legalization proposal follows two unsuccessful attempts in 2019 and 2020 to fully legalize marijuana, which both fell short despite Democrats’ 2018 win of both chambers of the Legislature. “It is time for lawmakers in Albany to step up, stop the harm and start repairing the damage to Black and Brown New Yorkers …

Illinois erases 500,000 low-level cannabis charges
4 years ago

Illinois erases 500,000 low-level cannabis charges

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The governor of Iliinois …

COVID-19, recreational marijuana top New Jersey’s stories
4 years ago

COVID-19, recreational marijuana top New Jersey’s stories

Associated Press  

TRENTON, N.J. — COVID-19 altered the daily routine in New Jersey in 2020 and sewed a thread through the state’s other top stories. Along the way, other stories shared attention with the pandemic: Voters and lawmakers cleared the way for recreational marijuana; a federal judge’s family was shattered by a gun-toting lawyer with a grudge; and the justices on the …

New Jersey lawmakers give blessing to marijuana marketplace
4 years ago

New Jersey lawmakers give blessing to marijuana marketplace

Associated Press  

New Jersey lawmakers passed a measure Thursday setting up a recreational marijuana marketplace, sending the legislation to Democratic Gov. Support for legalized marijuana in New Jersey centered on what Murphy and advocates called social justice, meaning correcting years of uneven application of marijuana prohibition, which led to Black residents facing charges more frequently than white people. “This will usher in …

Virginia governor pushes to legalize marijuana
4 years, 1 month ago

Virginia governor pushes to legalize marijuana

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Ralph Northam is pushing to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Virginia, which could be the first Southern state to do so. The Democratic governor said he is going to propose legislation during next year’s legislative session, a process he said could take up to two years. A new legislative report issued Monday showed that the …

Capitol Watch: Fate of pot sales in New York is unclear
4 years, 10 months ago

Capitol Watch: Fate of pot sales in New York is unclear

Associated Press  

ALBANY, N.Y. — Disagreements over revenue and reparations have held up proposals to legalize recreational marijuana in New York, but opportunities for compromise could come up in the weeks ahead. “How do we legalize marijuana while correcting wrongs?” Cuomo said in a radio interview this week that it isn’t clear yet whether lawmakers have the political will to make New …

New Mexico bid for recreational marijuana is all but doomed
4 years, 10 months ago

New Mexico bid for recreational marijuana is all but doomed

Associated Press  

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico’s bid to become the 12th U.S. state to legalize recreational use of marijuana abruptly fell flat after state senators in a legislature dominated by Democrats rejected a bill that would have forced permission for sales in all of the state’s cities and towns. In a late-night committee vote Wednesday, two Democratic senators joined with …

Medical marijuana may be more accessible in New Jersey
5 years, 6 months ago

Medical marijuana may be more accessible in New Jersey

Associated Press  

FREEHOLD, N.J. — New Jersey expanded its medical marijuana program, including increasing the number of illnesses eligible for cannabis use, boosting the amount that can be dispensed and raising the number of cultivator permits, under a broad new law. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act on Tuesday at a tavern in Freehold known …

Illinois now the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana
5 years, 6 months ago

Illinois now the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana

CNN  

Washington CNN — Illinois is now the 11th state in the United States to legalize the purchase and possession of recreational marijuana. The measure, which passed the Illinois General Assembly earlier this month, also pardons individuals with nonviolent convictions for amounts of cannabis up to 30 grams. “In the past 50 years, the war on cannabis has destroyed families, filled …

Illinois advances legalized pot after home growing settled
5 years, 7 months ago

Illinois advances legalized pot after home growing settled

Associated Press  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois lawmakers working to legalize recreational marijuana hit a snag that other states have wrestled with: whether to allow people to grow a few pot plants for personal use. The 10 states that have legalized recreational marijuana have different “home grow” rules, with Michigan allowing individuals to grow as many as 12 plants and Washington state not …

A look at efforts to make legal pot foster social justice
5 years, 7 months ago

A look at efforts to make legal pot foster social justice

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Questions about marijuana and social justice have played a prominent role this year in several U.S. states’ debates about pot legalization. A look at some initiatives around the country: ____ CALIFORNIA When voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, they also invited people to petition to have old pot convictions expunged or reduced. ___ MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts’ 2016 recreational …

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