Criminal Justice

Italy’s Constitutional Court threw out a voter initiative to allow home cannabis cultivation and ease penalties for other cannabis-related offenses.

Sentenced in 2014 to life in prison over a $20 weed deal, 39-year-old Kevin Allen has a shot at being set free under a new Louisiana law that allows district attorneys to reach post-conviction plea agreements with prisoners.

Alabama lawmakers are ready to consider a bill this week to reduce penalties for possessing two ounces or less of cannabis.

South Dakota’s Senate voted 25-10 to remove an “affirmative defense” provision from the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis program that would have helped patients avoid criminal charges for cannabis if they demonstrated a medical need for it.

Austin voters will get to decide during the upcoming May election whether to stop the enforcement of low-level cannabis possession charges and ban no-knock warrants by police.

London, England Mayor Sadiq Khan is looking to adopt a cannabis decriminalization pilot program that would offer guidance on drug use instead of arresting young adults between 18-24.

Ireland has seen a nearly 50% drop in cannabis possession charges and summonses following recent criminal justice reforms.

Starting January 2, the United Arab Emirates will initiate criminal justice reforms including reduced penalties for travelers who arrive with products containing THC and reducing minimum sentences for first-time drug offenders.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed legislation into law to double personal cannabis possession limits and expand criminal justice reforms in the state.

Gretchen Schmidt is the Faculty Program Director for Excelsior College’s Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control.