Cannabis Legalization News

While Germany’s efforts to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis suffered a minor blow following last week’s revelations, the country remains on track to launch a five-year adult-use cannabis pilot program and, in the meantime, intends to decriminalize cannabis possession and home growing.

New Hampshire Senate President Jeb Bradley (R) said the chamber is unlikely to approve the adult-use legalization bill passed last week by the House, saying he thinks it’s unwise to pass the reforms “in the middle of a drug crisis.”

Germany announced the watering down of its cannabis legalization efforts after talks with EU officials but the plan is to still legalize possession, allow limited home grows, and establish members-only “cannabis clubs.”

The New Hampshire House voted this week to legalize adult-use cannabis. It was the body’s third such measure and the bill moves next to the Senate, which has never previously passed the reforms.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) last week signed the state’s medical cannabis legalization bill into law; the bill allows patients to access cannabis edibles and concentrates but stops short of permitting smokable products.

Kentucky lawmakers passed a bill to legalize medical cannabis in the state on Thursday, sending the proposal to Gov. Andy Beshear (D) who said he plans to “proudly” sign the legislation later today.

The Delaware Senate passed House-approved adult-use cannabis legalization bills yesterday, sending the legislation to Gov. John Carney (D) who vetoed a similar legalization measure last summer.

A North Carolina legalization proposal would expunge prior cannabis-related convictions, allow adult home grows of up to six plants, and carry a 20% excise tax on cannabis sales.

Pennsylvania’s latest adult-use cannabis legalization proposal would see state-licensed liquor stores control the retail cannabis market.

Lawmakers in Idaho — one of the country’s last remaining holdouts on medical cannabis reforms — may consider a medical cannabis legalization proposal as the year’s legislative session winds down.

Switzerland’s government approved a cannabis legalization trial with legal consumption and sales for 2,100 Zurich residents.

Kansas senators have tabled a medical cannabis legalization proposal in committee, likely killing the bill for the session.

Missouri’s legal system has expunged more than 15,000 cannabis misdemeanors and felonies since voters approved the state’s adult-use legalization proposal last year.

The Kentucky Senate this week passed a medical cannabis legalization proposal; the proposal moves next to the House, which has previously passed similar reforms.

Minnesota House and Senate committees considered and adjusted proposals to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state this week.

The United Nations’ International Narcotics Board recently criticized global cannabis legalization efforts, saying the reforms lead to “higher consumption, negative health effects and psychotic disorders.”

The Kentucky Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee yesterday voted to advance the state’s recent medical cannabis proposal to the full chamber for consideration.

The Kentucky Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee will hear a medical cannabis legalization proposal today.

A recent poll found that 70% of Florida voters support the legalization of adult-use cannabis.

Two days after voting to legalize cannabis for adults, the Delaware House of Representatives passed a bill that would create an adult-use cannabis marketplace.

Delaware’s House of Representatives passed legislation this week that would eliminate penalties for the use or possession of cannabis by adults.

Voters in Oklahoma opted out of a cannabis legalization ballot initiative during yesterday’s special election with a resounding 63% of voters coming out against the reforms.

The Hawaii Senate voted 22-3 in favor of an adult-use cannabis legalization proposal yesterday; the measure moves next to the House.

Missouri’s newly legal cannabis industry topped $100 million in sales during its first month of adult-use sales.