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Texas Democrats Push to Legalize Marijuana to Tackle Economic Crisis
news4sanantoni - With a state budget devastated by the coronavirus, some Democratic lawmakers are hoping the economic crisis could become an opportunity to coax Texas into joining a growing number of states opting to legalize — and tax — recreational marijuana use.
The chances are slim.
State Sen. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio and state Rep. Joe Moody of El Paso filed bills this week in advance of the 2021 legislative session that would legalize, regulate and tax personal cannabis use. State Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg has proposed putting the question of legalization to Texas voters.
Medical Cannabis Processor Given Permit to Operate in Huntington
herald-dispatch - A cannabis processing facility has been given final state approval to operate in Huntington.
Trulieve, a medical cannabis company based in Florida, will process medical cannabis plant material into products allowed by law and sell them to permitted dispensaries for purchase by certified patients.
Israel to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Use
globes - Minister of Justice Avi Nissenkorn has announced that he will promote the legalization of recreational cannabis use in Israel. From age 21, people will be allowed to use cannabis at home and at special stores. Allowing cannabis use in public places will be examined at a later stage.
The reform will be by way of regulation rather than outright decriminalization.
Michigan's Marijuana Regulatory Agency Becomes Founding Member of the Cannabis Regulators Association
saultonline - The Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA), a non-partisan organization, announced its formation to better share institutional knowledge and regulatory best practices.
Regulators from 19 states, including Michigan, will assist federal, state, and local jurisdictions that have either approved or are in the process of legalizing cannabis.
Adult-use Marijuana Licenses on Agenda for Approval by Lapeer Officials Monday
thecountypress - On Monday, the Lapeer City Commission will meet electronically due to COVID- 19 safety protocol during a time of increased cases and deaths in Lapeer County and Michigan. One of the action items up for consideration is the approval of four adult-use marijuana licenses to businesses already licensed to see medical marijuana products to the public.
Gallup Poll Indicates Record Support for Cannabis Legalization in America
candidchronicle - Support for cannabis legalization in the United States has reached a record high, according to a new Gallup poll.
The results have come less than two weeks after voters approved medical and adult-use cannabis legalization measures in New Jersey, Mississippi, Arizona, Montana, and South Dakota.
Virginia Lawmakers Say Door Is Open to Legalizing Marijuana in 2021
dailyprogress - Proposals to legalize recreational marijuana in Virginia are set to get their first serious hearings when the General Assembly convenes in January and, at least for now, it looks like there’s a decent chance they could succeed.
The movement in Virginia comes after voters in four states overwhelmingly approved referendums legalizing marijuana, bringing the nationwide total to 15. If lawmakers in Virginia move forward, the state would become the first in the South to authorize recreational use of the drug.
Appeals Leaves Missouri Medicinal Cannabis Businesses Waiting
newspressnow - Two years after Missouri residents voted to legalize medical marijuana, there are only a few fully functional dispensaries in the state.
While several businesses have been granted licenses to start selling their product in St. Louis and in Kansas City, others locally remain in limbo. 20 After 4 in St. Joseph is one business waiting on an appeals process after being a denied a request for a license.
"We are still in appeal with about 900 applicants and some other locals in St. Joseph," Andrew Hicks, owner of 20 After 4, said. "Just waiting on our court appearance at this point."
NJ State Senator Calls for Racial Impact Study before Marijuana Legalization
radio - A New Jersey senator is calling on the state to conduct a racial impact study before officially legalizing marijuana.
The senator said rather than being forced through, legalization "needs to be gently, diligently shepherded into enactment with social justice unmistakably at its core."
The senator said an impact study done on the racial disparities surrounding the drug "will go a long way toward that goal."
NZ Cannabis Advocacy Group Calls for Broader Amnesty
hempgazette - A medical cannabis patient advocacy group in New Zealand is again calling for an amnesty for compassionate providers, carers and their patients.
Auckland Patients Group (APG) says pharmaceutical cannabis products should not be the only way for patients to access cannabis, and an amnesty would offer a safer environment for them and their supporters.
