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This Wednesday, January 15th, at 10 am EST, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a legislative hearing entitled “Cannabis Policies for the New Decade.” MORE
Americans in 33 states and the District of Columbia have legal access to medical marijuana under a doctor’s authorization. But this same access is often lacking for many military veterans. That is because the current policy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explicitly prohibits V.A. MORE
Licensed storefronts are now eligible to engage in retail cannabis sales to adults. The first adult-use sales began on Sunday, December 1. Michigan voters last year approved a statewide initiative authorizing state officials to regulate the plant’s production, use, and sale. MORE
We also spoke with her attorneys, who explained why they believed the DEA broke the law by holding up long-promised medical marijuana research licenses. Dr. Sue Sisley. I first met Dr. Sue Sisley in person when she spoke in Las Vegas a few years ago. MORE
New Hampshire House lawmakers today approved legislation, House Bill 1648 , eliminating criminal and civil penalties for activities involving possession and home cultivation of personal use quantities of cannabis. Legislators passed the bill by a veto-proof majority, voting 236 to 112 in favor of it. MORE
Senate lawmakers have passed legislation, SB 420 , permitting state-authorized patients to home cultivate cannabis for their own personal use. MORE
Senate-backed legislation to regulate retail sales of marijuana to adults continues to advance in Vermont. Members of the House Ways and Means Committee voted 7 to 3 this week in favor of the bill, S. The proposal now awaits consideration from the House Appropriations Committee. MORE
Lawmakers are advancing legislative efforts to end criminal penalties for low-level marijuana possession offenses. MORE
Jobs in the state-licensed cannabis industry rose 15 percent during the past 12 months, and the industry now employs over 243,000 full-time workers, according to data compiled by Leafly.com. According to its 2020 report , the regulated cannabis industry added 33,700 new jobs over the past year. MORE
Governor Andrew Cuomo has included a plan to “regulate, restrict, and control” the responsible adult use of cannabis in New York, known as the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (“CRTA”). MORE
Twelve percent of US adults self-identify as cannabis consumers, according to survey data compiled by Gallup. According to the survey, men (15 percent) were more likely than women (nine percent) to acknowledge “smoking marijuana.” MORE
More than two out of three US adults believe that the personal use of cannabis should be legal, according to nationwide polling data compiled and released today by the Pew Research Center. Sixty-seven percent of respondents say that the “use of marijuana should be made legal.” MORE
2019 was a record year for marijuana reform, with more NORML chapters holding lobby days than ever before. With the 2020 legislative session already in full swing in many states, NORML chapters across the country are organizing lobby days to advocate for sensible reform policies in their state. MORE
Select retailers will begin engaging in adult-use marijuana sales next month, according to an advisory issued by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency. MORE
The total number of persons arrested in the United States for violating marijuana laws rose for the third consecutive year, according to data released by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. MORE
State regulators have begun issuing the first of nearly 200 licenses to medical cannabis providers. This week, officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services began the process of confirming applicants. MORE
Preliminary data*, released on request from the Pennsylvania State Police Uniform Crime Reporting System, reveals that overall arrests for marijuana possession showed a decline in 2019. In 2018 there were nearly 24,000 adults arrested for less than 30 grams of cannabis. MORE
Members of the Kentucky House of Representatives voted by a margin of more than two to one in favor of legislation, House Bill 136 , facilitating medical cannabis access. The vote marks the first time that a legislative chamber in the state has ever advanced medicinal marijuana legislation. MORE
The New Jersey Superior Court has affirmed that an employee is eligible to have his medical marijuana costs reimbursed by his employer. MORE
Some four in ten adults who reported using both marijuana and opioids within the past year acknowledge either decreasing or ceasing their consumption of opioids as a result of substituting cannabis, according to an analysis of survey data published in the journal PLOS One. MORE
The enactment of adult-use marijuana legalization laws is not associated with any significant increase in cannabis-related activity in neighboring states and counties, according to a federally funded report published by the nonprofit Justice Research and Statistics Association and first reported by MarijuanaMoment.net. The study , entitled “Measuring the Criminal Justice System Impacts of Marijuana Legalization and Decriminalization Using State Data,” assessed the impact of adult-use regulation schemes on criminal justice resources in both legalization states and neighboring non-legalization states. Authors wrote: “The goal of this project was to analyze quantitative and qualitative data in eleven targeted states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, and Washington) to address three research questions: One: What are the impacts of marijuana legalization and decriminalization on criminal justice resources in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon?; Two: What are the impacts on criminal justice resources in states that border the states (Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah, and Kansas) that have legalized marijuana?; and Three: What are the impacts of marijuana legalization and decriminalization on drug trafficking through northern and southwest border states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington)?” They determined: “Analyses of the available data suggests that: One: Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana resulted in fewer marijuana related arrests and court cases; Two: Legalizing marijuana did not have a noticeable impact on indicators in states that bordered those that legalized; and Three: There were no noticeable indications of an increase in arrests related to transportation or trafficking offenses in states along the northern or southern borders.” Commenting on the report’s findings, NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said: “This federally funded report is further evidence that legalizing and regulating marijuana works largely as intended. It reduces arrests, and it does not lead to increased youth use or a rise in serious crime , and with these latest findings it is clear that these policies are not adversely impacting bordering states. It is time to let science and facts dictate public policy and end prohibition nationwide.” A disclaimer accompanying the report acknowledges: “While the report was carried out … using funding from the National Institute of Justice, … this resource has not been published by the US Department of Justice. This resource is being made publicly available through the Office of Justice Programs’ National Criminal Justice Reference Service. … Any analysis, conclusions, or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or policies of the Bureau of Justice Statistics or the US Department of Justice.” NORML’s Altieri said it was “unsurprising” that federal agencies would leave the report unpublished, stating that officials have seldom promoted findings that undermine federal anti-marijuana policy. The full text of the report is available online here. LAW ENFORCEMENT Legalization Policy Research SCIENCE arrests crime Department of Justice spillover MORE
Patients suffering from persistent pain conditions who frequently use cannabis are far less likely to use non-prescription opioids, according to longitudinal data published in the journal PLOS One. MORE
As President Trump travels around the nation to his various reelection rallies, a giant banner with the slogan “Promises Made, Promises Kept” is always displayed prominently behind him. A quick review of a 2016 radio interview provides even more evidence that this is not true. MORE
Photo by Gage Skidmore. In a recently released recording of a conversation that President Trump had with Lev Parnas and others, a short conversation about marijuana can be heard where the President espouses long-debunked claims that echo from the propaganda film Reefer Madness. MORE
Activities involving the personal possession and/or cultivation of cannabis in private are no longer subject to either criminal or civil penalties in the Australian Capital Territory, in accordance with legislation that took effect last week. MORE
Members of the House of Representatives voted 321 to 103 in favor, representing 79% of the vote of HR 1595: The SAFE Banking Act, which amends federal law so that explicitly banks and other financial institutions may work directly with state-legal marijuana businesses. MORE
Nearly Two-Thirds of US Governors Receive a Passing Grade on Cannabis Policy. NORML has released its 2020 Gubernatorial Scorecard. MORE
The enactment of state-specific medical cannabis access laws is associated with a decline in workers’ compensation claims, according to data published in the journal Health Economics. MORE
A proposed measure legalizing medical cannabis access in Mississippi has qualified for the 2020 ballot. MORE
For the first time ever, a congressional committee has approved a piece of legislation to end marijuana prohibition in the United States. MORE
Today, you were a part of making history. The House Judiciary Committee just approved the MORE Act on a bipartisan vote of 24-10. This is legislation that tens-of-thousands advocated for by sending messages, making phone calls, and meeting with lawmakers in DC and district offices. MORE
Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup! The US House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a legislative hearing entitled “Cannabis Policies for the New Decade.” MORE
Federal prosecutions for marijuana-related crimes fell significantly from September 30, 2018 to September 30, 2019, according to a recently released report from Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. MORE
House and Senate lawmakers have passed legislation decriminalizing minor marijuana possession offenses. MORE
NORML
FEBRUARY 21, 2020
Members of the Kentucky House of Representatives voted by a margin of more than two to one in favor of legislation, House Bill 136 , facilitating medical cannabis access. The vote marks the first time that a legislative chamber in the state has ever advanced medicinal marijuana legislation.
NORML
FEBRUARY 20, 2020
New Hampshire House lawmakers today approved legislation, House Bill 1648 , eliminating criminal and civil penalties for activities involving possession and home cultivation of personal use quantities of cannabis. Legislators passed the bill by a veto-proof majority, voting 236 to 112 in favor of it.
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NORML
FEBRUARY 11, 2020
As President Trump travels around the nation to his various reelection rallies, a giant banner with the slogan “Promises Made, Promises Kept” is always displayed prominently behind him. A quick review of a 2016 radio interview provides even more evidence that this is not true.
NORML
FEBRUARY 21, 2020
The 2020 Presidential campaigns are in full swing. Candidates are hitting the campaign trail, and blasting you with ads social media, radio, and television, vying for your votes.
NORML
JANUARY 29, 2020
Nearly Two-Thirds of US Governors Receive a Passing Grade on Cannabis Policy. NORML has released its 2020 Gubernatorial Scorecard.
NORML
FEBRUARY 18, 2020
It’s been three years and counting but President Trump is once again threatening to derail the progress we’ve made in reforming marijuana laws across this country.
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NORML
JANUARY 28, 2020
Preliminary data*, released on request from the Pennsylvania State Police Uniform Crime Reporting System, reveals that overall arrests for marijuana possession showed a decline in 2019. In 2018 there were nearly 24,000 adults arrested for less than 30 grams of cannabis.
NORML
FEBRUARY 11, 2020
The enactment of state-specific medical cannabis access laws is associated with a decline in workers’ compensation claims, according to data published in the journal Health Economics.
NORML
NOVEMBER 25, 2019
Patients suffering from persistent pain conditions who frequently use cannabis are far less likely to use non-prescription opioids, according to longitudinal data published in the journal PLOS One.
NORML
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
Today, you were a part of making history. The House Judiciary Committee just approved the MORE Act on a bipartisan vote of 24-10. This is legislation that tens-of-thousands advocated for by sending messages, making phone calls, and meeting with lawmakers in DC and district offices.
NORML
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
For the first time ever, a congressional committee has approved a piece of legislation to end marijuana prohibition in the United States.
|
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NORML
JANUARY 27, 2020
Photo by Gage Skidmore. In a recently released recording of a conversation that President Trump had with Lev Parnas and others, a short conversation about marijuana can be heard where the President espouses long-debunked claims that echo from the propaganda film Reefer Madness.
NORML
FEBRUARY 12, 2020
House and Senate lawmakers have passed legislation decriminalizing minor marijuana possession offenses.
NORML
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
More than two out of three US adults believe that the personal use of cannabis should be legal, according to nationwide polling data compiled and released today by the Pew Research Center. Sixty-seven percent of respondents say that the “use of marijuana should be made legal.”
NORML
NOVEMBER 11, 2019
Americans in 33 states and the District of Columbia have legal access to medical marijuana under a doctor’s authorization. But this same access is often lacking for many military veterans. That is because the current policy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explicitly prohibits V.A.
NORML
FEBRUARY 19, 2020
Jobs in the state-licensed cannabis industry rose 15 percent during the past 12 months, and the industry now employs over 243,000 full-time workers, according to data compiled by Leafly.com. According to its 2020 report , the regulated cannabis industry added 33,700 new jobs over the past year.
NORML
FEBRUARY 4, 2020
Twelve percent of US adults self-identify as cannabis consumers, according to survey data compiled by Gallup. According to the survey, men (15 percent) were more likely than women (nine percent) to acknowledge “smoking marijuana.”
NORML
DECEMBER 2, 2019
Licensed storefronts are now eligible to engage in retail cannabis sales to adults. The first adult-use sales began on Sunday, December 1. Michigan voters last year approved a statewide initiative authorizing state officials to regulate the plant’s production, use, and sale.
NORML
JANUARY 14, 2020
The New Jersey Superior Court has affirmed that an employee is eligible to have his medical marijuana costs reimbursed by his employer.
NORML
FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Senate-backed legislation to regulate retail sales of marijuana to adults continues to advance in Vermont. Members of the House Ways and Means Committee voted 7 to 3 this week in favor of the bill, S. The proposal now awaits consideration from the House Appropriations Committee.
NORML
JANUARY 16, 2020
Federal prosecutions for marijuana-related crimes fell significantly from September 30, 2018 to September 30, 2019, according to a recently released report from Supreme Court Justice John Roberts.
NORML
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
Select retailers will begin engaging in adult-use marijuana sales next month, according to an advisory issued by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency.
NORML
JANUARY 19, 2020
Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup! The US House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a legislative hearing entitled “Cannabis Policies for the New Decade.”
NORML
FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Governor Andrew Cuomo has included a plan to “regulate, restrict, and control” the responsible adult use of cannabis in New York, known as the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (“CRTA”).
NORML
FEBRUARY 3, 2020
Activities involving the personal possession and/or cultivation of cannabis in private are no longer subject to either criminal or civil penalties in the Australian Capital Territory, in accordance with legislation that took effect last week.
NORML
FEBRUARY 7, 2020
Senate lawmakers have passed legislation, SB 420 , permitting state-authorized patients to home cultivate cannabis for their own personal use.
NORML
OCTOBER 1, 2019
The total number of persons arrested in the United States for violating marijuana laws rose for the third consecutive year, according to data released by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
NORML
SEPTEMBER 25, 2019
Members of the House of Representatives voted 321 to 103 in favor, representing 79% of the vote of HR 1595: The SAFE Banking Act, which amends federal law so that explicitly banks and other financial institutions may work directly with state-legal marijuana businesses.
NORML
SEPTEMBER 20, 2019
We also spoke with her attorneys, who explained why they believed the DEA broke the law by holding up long-promised medical marijuana research licenses. Dr. Sue Sisley. I first met Dr. Sue Sisley in person when she spoke in Las Vegas a few years ago.
NORML
OCTOBER 10, 2019
Some four in ten adults who reported using both marijuana and opioids within the past year acknowledge either decreasing or ceasing their consumption of opioids as a result of substituting cannabis, according to an analysis of survey data published in the journal PLOS One.
NORML
JANUARY 9, 2020
2019 was a record year for marijuana reform, with more NORML chapters holding lobby days than ever before. With the 2020 legislative session already in full swing in many states, NORML chapters across the country are organizing lobby days to advocate for sensible reform policies in their state.
NORML
JANUARY 13, 2020
This Wednesday, January 15th, at 10 am EST, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a legislative hearing entitled “Cannabis Policies for the New Decade.”
NORML
OCTOBER 9, 2019
The enactment of adult-use marijuana legalization laws is not associated with any significant increase in cannabis-related activity in neighboring states and counties, according to a federally funded report published by the nonprofit Justice Research and Statistics Association and first reported by MarijuanaMoment.net. The study , entitled “Measuring the Criminal Justice System Impacts of Marijuana Legalization and Decriminalization Using State Data,” assessed the impact of adult-use regulation schemes on criminal justice resources in both legalization states and neighboring non-legalization states. Authors wrote: “The goal of this project was to analyze quantitative and qualitative data in eleven targeted states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, and Washington) to address three research questions: One: What are the impacts of marijuana legalization and decriminalization on criminal justice resources in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon?; Two: What are the impacts on criminal justice resources in states that border the states (Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah, and Kansas) that have legalized marijuana?; and Three: What are the impacts of marijuana legalization and decriminalization on drug trafficking through northern and southwest border states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington)?” They determined: “Analyses of the available data suggests that: One: Legalizing the recreational use of marijuana resulted in fewer marijuana related arrests and court cases; Two: Legalizing marijuana did not have a noticeable impact on indicators in states that bordered those that legalized; and Three: There were no noticeable indications of an increase in arrests related to transportation or trafficking offenses in states along the northern or southern borders.” Commenting on the report’s findings, NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said: “This federally funded report is further evidence that legalizing and regulating marijuana works largely as intended. It reduces arrests, and it does not lead to increased youth use or a rise in serious crime , and with these latest findings it is clear that these policies are not adversely impacting bordering states. It is time to let science and facts dictate public policy and end prohibition nationwide.” A disclaimer accompanying the report acknowledges: “While the report was carried out … using funding from the National Institute of Justice, … this resource has not been published by the US Department of Justice. This resource is being made publicly available through the Office of Justice Programs’ National Criminal Justice Reference Service. … Any analysis, conclusions, or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or policies of the Bureau of Justice Statistics or the US Department of Justice.” NORML’s Altieri said it was “unsurprising” that federal agencies would leave the report unpublished, stating that officials have seldom promoted findings that undermine federal anti-marijuana policy. The full text of the report is available online here. LAW ENFORCEMENT Legalization Policy Research SCIENCE arrests crime Department of Justice spillover
NORML
FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Lawmakers are advancing legislative efforts to end criminal penalties for low-level marijuana possession offenses.
NORML
JANUARY 8, 2020
A proposed measure legalizing medical cannabis access in Mississippi has qualified for the 2020 ballot.
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