Cannabis, or marijuana, has come a long way on the road back to legitimacy in the United States, and it soon may pass an important milestone: rescheduling. That’s the technical term for reclassifying it as a less dangerous drug, which would loosen some restrictions around it at the federal level. Cannabis was widely used as …
Category Archives: Legalization
Bahamas to legalize medical and religious cannabis use
Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis announced on Monday his support for a series of bills aimed at legalizing cannabis for medical and religious purposes and decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis. Addressing Parliament, Davis endorsed the measures designed to regulate the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana and related products within the country’s …
Continue reading “Bahamas to legalize medical and religious cannabis use”
This Will Be The ‘Last 4/20 Celebration’ With Marijuana Still In Schedule I, Congressman Says, While Predicting House Action On Cannabis Banking Bill
This Saturday will be the “last 4/20 celebration that cannabis will be on Schedule I,” a Democratic congressman predicts, adding that he’s “quite confident” the GOP House will take up a bipartisan cannabis banking bill if lawmakers “break this loose in the Senate.” Rep. Earl Blumenauer, founding co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, spoke to reporters …
Germany legalises possession of cannabis for personal use
Germany’s parliament has passed a law allowing individuals and voluntary associations to grow and hold limited quantities of cannabis, making it the latest in a small group of countries and jurisdictions to legalise the drug, at least in part. The law passed by the chancellor, Olaf Scholz’s ruling three-party coalition, legalises cultivating up to three …
Continue reading “Germany legalises possession of cannabis for personal use”
Federal scientists conclude there is credible evidence for certain medical uses of marijuana
The Department of Health and Human Services concluded that marijuana is less harmful than other dangerous drugs and that there is some evidence of its medical benefits in recommending loosening federal restrictions on the drug. The agency on Friday released a 252-page review outlining the reasoning that the Food and Drug Administration used to come to this …
State Attorneys General Tell DEA To Reschedule Marijuana As ‘Public Safety Imperative’
A coalition of 12 Democratic state attorneys general is urging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to move forward with federal marijuana rescheduling, calling the policy change a “public safety imperative.” In a letter led by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) that was sent to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram on Friday, the top state law …
Wasted Weed: Canada’s Disposal of 3.7 Million Pounds of Cannabis Since 2018
In 2022 and the first half of 2023, Canada went through a whopping 611.7 million grams (yeah, that’s 1.3 million pounds) of cannabis dried bud, but not in a fun way. All of the marijuana in question was tossed out by licensed producers as the result of a disparity between how much is grown and how much …
Continue reading “Wasted Weed: Canada’s Disposal of 3.7 Million Pounds of Cannabis Since 2018”
11 States That Could Legalize Cannabis in 2024
While four states took giant leaps on the cannabis legalization front in 2023—including Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota and Ohio—a host of others have unfinished business lingering for 2024. Here at Cannabis Business Times, we’ve once again consulted with our crystal ball to determine the possibility of changing fortunes for 11 states on our legalization radar. This list …
Continue reading “11 States That Could Legalize Cannabis in 2024”
Where cannabis is legal in Europe
Where is weed legal in Europe? The majority of European countries have legalized medical marijuana in recent years, although access remains inconsistent across the continent. A growing number of countries have decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, transforming marijuana laws in Europe so that criminal penalties are largely a thing of the past. However, …
President Biden Issues Additional Cannabis Pardons
In an expansion of last year’s sweeping federal pardons for cannabis possession, President Joe Biden (D) on Friday issued additional pardons for thousands of individuals convicted of simple cannabis use and possession on federal lands and in Washington D.C., the Associated Press reports. http://www.ganjapreneur.com/president-biden-issues-additional-cannabis-pardons/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=biden_issues_new_cannabis_pardons_researchers_published_thousands_of_cannabis_studies_over_past_decade_and_more&utm_term=2023-12-26
hy illegal cannabis dispensaries call transactions ‘donations’
Have you ever wondered why unlicensed cannabis dispensaries call transactions ‘donations?’ Or why your purchase may come with a ‘gift?’ Well, there’s actually a pretty simple explanation. By the dispenser calling it a donation, or saying they’re gifting cannabis, they’re able to circumvent the law. Unlicensed dispensaries do this because they believe they’re not technically …
Continue reading “hy illegal cannabis dispensaries call transactions ‘donations’”
2024 California law to protect most workers using cannabis on own time
Starting Jan. 1, it will be illegal for employers to discriminate against hiring, firing or punishing someone based on their use of cannabis when not working and away from the worksite. Moving forward, employers can still test employees and potential employees for THC, the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that can indicate impairment. However, the law …
Continue reading “2024 California law to protect most workers using cannabis on own time”
True or False, Moving Cannabis to a Schedule 3 Drug Means Sending Weed Through the Mail, UPS, or Fed Ex Is Now Legal?
Certain cannabis industry leaders are optimistic that the federal government’s reclassification of marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act will clear the way for the interstate movement of cannabis goods. Legal experts in the marijuana industry, however, contend that this optimism is only partially justified. Schedule 3 and Schedules 4 and 5 …
Germany Will Likely Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis In 2024
The German coalition government is finalizing details for long-awaited cannabis legalization, including dates for cannabis cultivation and the establishment of cannabis clubs. Germany’s new agency, Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA), revealed further details yesterday regarding Germany’s cannabis policy. http://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2023/11/28/germany-will-likely-legalize-adult-use-cannabis-in-2024/?sh=731f088032e8
Poll Finds Record 70% Of Americans Support Cannabis Legalization
The results of a new Gallup poll released last week reveal record support for cannabis policy reform in the US, with 70% of American adults surveyed saying that they believe the plant should be legal. The level of support for legalizing cannabis rose from the 68% in favor of ending prohibition recorded over the past …
Continue reading “Poll Finds Record 70% Of Americans Support Cannabis Legalization”
Can you travel with medical marijuana or CBD gummies? Airlines, cruise ships have rules
A Texas woman says she was banned for life from Carnival cruises for trying to board a ship in Miami with CBD gummies. Carnival said it’s following federal law, and that the gummies were against its policy. As the busy holiday travel season begins, take note: There are rules for cruising or flying with medical …
Ohio votes to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, becoming 24th state to do so
Ohio voters approved a ballot proposal legalizing recreational marijuana on Tuesday, defying Republican legislative leaders who had failed to pass the proposed law. Passage of Issue 2 makes Ohio the 24th state to allow adult cannabis use for non-medical purposes. The new law will allow adults 21 and over to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces …
Germany’s Cabinet Passes Adult-Use Cannabis Reforms
Germany’s cabinet on Wednesday passed a bill to legalize adult cannabis use and cultivation, Reuters reports. The measure still requires approval from parliament. Under the proposal, adults would be allowed to possess up to 25 grams, grow up to three plants, and acquire cannabis as associates of non-profit clubs. Young adults would be allowed to purchase up to …
Continue reading “Germany’s Cabinet Passes Adult-Use Cannabis Reforms”
Can Felons Have a Dispensary
If you have a criminal record, you may be wondering if you’re still eligible to open a dispensary? While having a felony conviction does limit your options, felons who were convicted of a cannabis-related crime are still allowed to obtain licenses to open dispensaries. In most states, they even have first priority. http://theemeraldmagazine.com/can-convicted-felons-have-a-dispensary/?utm_source=sendinblue&utm_campaign=May_22_2023&utm_medium=email
Minnesota Legalizes Recreational Cannabis
The latest to usher in a new era of legal adult-use cannabis legislation, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis on Tuesday. Gov. Tim Walz (D) signed the bill into law after the Senate approved the legislation on May 20. The governor was expected to sign the bill ahead of time, stating at the …
Continue reading “Minnesota Legalizes Recreational Cannabis”
Can you mail weed or edibles through the mail legally?
The short answer: mailing flower, edibles, vapes or any other cannabis product is federally illegal. Postal inspectors play a key role in helping wage the nation’s War on Drugs, including cannabis. As one of the country’s oldest law enforcement agencies, they work to identify and prosecute major drug mailers and intercept illegal drug proceeds that traffickers …
Continue reading “Can you mail weed or edibles through the mail legally?”
These European Countries are Pushing to Legalize Cannabis: The EU’s Stance and Challenges
In recent years, cannabis legalization has gained significant traction globally. While some countries have taken bold steps toward legalization, others remain hesitant to embrace the change. Several European countries are pushing for the legalization of cannabis, despite the European Union’s reservations. This article explores the current status of cannabis legalization in Europe, the reasons behind the push for …
You Can Now Buy Weed Online in Colorado, A Trend for the Industry?
Colorado Governor Jared Polis passed a ground-breaking law allowing the sale of marijuana products online. After a month of consideration, this landmark decision ushers in a new era for the state’s cannabis business. By embracing e-commerce, Colorado joins other progressive states at the forefront of integrating online platforms into the cannabis industry. This progressive move not …
Continue reading “You Can Now Buy Weed Online in Colorado, A Trend for the Industry?”
US Virgin Islands Just Legalized Adult-Use Cannabis And Will Expunge Former Crimes
The US Virgin Islands just passed two laws that will legalize adult-use cannabis and automatically expunge minor pot convictions. And immediately after signing these bills into law, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced that he will also issue a mass pardon to hundreds of people who have been arrested for minor pot possession. http://merryjane.com/news/us-virgin-islands-just-legalized-adult-use-cannabis-and-will-expunge-former-crimes
Missouri Now Has The Nation’s Most Liberal Cannabis Laws—Here Are Six Surprising Stats
Recreational marijuana will be available in Missouri starting sometime in “early February.” this year. That’s just three months after legalization. When Colorado and Washington state legalized it a decade ago, it took them nearly two years to get recreational dispensaries up and running. http://kansascitymag.com/news/missouri-now-has-the-nations-most-liberal-cannabis-laws-here-are-six-surprising-stats/
Germany Set to Ignite a Legal Marijuana Revolution in Europe
When Amsterdam pioneered “coffee shops” in the 1970s, the European capital was one of very few places where you could openly buy and smoke weed—and it quickly became a global mecca for marijuana enthusiasts. But over the last decade, the grass has grown greener on the other side of the Atlantic, with Colorado and Washington state legalizing recreational …
Continue reading “Germany Set to Ignite a Legal Marijuana Revolution in Europe”
Psilocybin and its Overlap With Cannabis use
Efforts to decriminalize psychedelics like psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in “magic mushrooms,” are gaining traction throughout the U.S. Psilocybin, exactly like cannabis, is a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. But despite the government’s disapproval, studies show that psilocybin can be an effective tool in treating anxiety, depression, and others from …
Continue reading “Psilocybin and its Overlap With Cannabis use”
POLITICSD.C. Mayor Signs Bill Allowing Tourists To Self-Certify For Medical Marijuana While Visiting The Nation’s Capital
The mayor of Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser, has signed a bill allowing non-residents to self-certify as medical marijuana patients while they’re visiting the nation’s capital without the need for any doctor’s recommendation—a move that supporters say could boost tourism. To self-certify, out-of-state applicants who are at least 21 years of age can apply online and pay …
Biden to pardon all federal offenses of simple marijuana possession in first major steps toward decriminalization
President Joe Biden is taking his first major steps toward decriminalizing marijuana, fulfilling a campaign pledge to erase prior federal possession convictions and beginning the process of loosening federal classification of the drug. He will pardon all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession, a move that senior administration officials said would affect thousands of …
Five States to Vote on Legal Cannabis: Ballots & Boundaries
Voters in 5 states, Arkansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Maryland will consider recreational marijuana initiatives this fall. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have passed laws by ballot measure or legislation. http://about.bgov.com/news/five-states-to-vote-on-legal-cannabis-ballots-boundaries/
