Cannabis Legalization News

The U.S. House scheduled a vote this week for the MORE Act, which would federally legalize cannabis.

Iowa Senate Republicans rejected a Democratic bid to add an adult-use cannabis provision to a bill concerning heroin penalties.

New Mexico will open its first adult-use cannabis shops on April 1 with a requirement that retailers set aside 20% of their product for the medical cannabis program.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said that he doesn’t think it is the right time to legalize cannabis in the state because they are just getting the opioid crisis under control.

The Kentucky House Judiciary Committee passed a medical cannabis bill sponsored and supported by the state’s Republican lawmakers.

The so-called “Harris rider,” a Congressional rider preventing Washington D.C. from regulating its adult-use cannabis market, was included in this year’s omnibus spending package under the budget of President Joe Biden (D).

Global cannabis sales this year will reach more than $35 billion, according to cannabis industry analysts at BDSA.

Virginia Republicans in the House General Laws Subcommittee blocked a bill that would have allowed retail cannabis sales to begin this September, as opposed to mid-to-late 2023.

The Maryland House of Delegates passed a bill that would leave adult-use cannabis legalization up to voters in an upcoming election and reverse cannabis-related convictions.

The Oregon Senate Human Services, Mental Health, and Recovery Committee unanimously approved a measure to regulate the state’s emerging psilocybin program.

A bipartisan cannabis legalization proposal in Missouri includes provisions for adult-use sales, consumption lounges, expungement, and banking.

Kentucky Democratic lawmakers filed a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state and automatically expunge cannabis-related misdemeanor charges.

A new proposal in Wyoming would decriminalize the possession of up to three ounces of cannabis, reducing the fine from $1,000 to $100 and eliminating the chance for jail time.

The Pennsylvania Senate held the first hearing for an adult-use cannabis bill this week with the support of Gov. Tom Wolf (D).

Three campaigns to put a cannabis legalization question on Florida ballots have failed, meaning the state’s last path forward on the issue this year is its politically polarized Legislature.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) signed the state’s medical cannabis bill into law yesterday, making it the 37th state with a medical marijuana program.

David C. Holland is an NYC lawyer working to advance the cannabis movement through advocacy, litigation, and legal counseling for cannabis entrepreneurs.

Following advocates’ successful push for the state’s initiated statute process, Ohio lawmakers now have four months to consider a cannabis legalization bill or the campaign could push the issue to a vote on state ballots.

Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado vetoed a bill to legalize medical cannabis and industrial hemp over provisions related to personal use and consumption.

A Delaware proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis passed the House Health & Human Development Committee and moves next to the Appropriations Committee.

Amazon has endorsed a Republican-led federal cannabis legalization bill, noting that federal prohibition has a negative effect on their workforce.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) included $25 million in his supplemental budget for creating a Cannabis Management Office and asked lawmakers to approve adult-use reforms.

Mississippi’s medical cannabis bill will now advance to Republican Gov. Tate Reeves for signing after the Legislature approved a proposal with reduced patient purchasing limits.