Medical Marijuana Update

Medical marijuana is safe from the Justice Department for another few days, governors in New Jersey and Rhode Island make noises about expanding medical marijuana programs, Georgia voters are ready for a full-fledged medical marijuana law, and more.

Last Thursday, a House version of a bill aimed at encouraging medical marijuana research was filed. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) filed a House version of a bill aiming at encouraging medical marijuana research. Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch (R) filed the Senate version of the Marijuana Effective Drug Study Act, Senate Bill 1803, in the Senate in September.

On Monday, the congressional budget deal retained protections for state-legal medical marijuana. The short-term budget deal approved by Congress retains the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment, which bars the Justice Department from using its funds to go after medical marijuana patients and operations in states where it is legal. But the continuing budget resolution is only in effect until February 8.

Georgia

Last Wednesay, a poll found voters were ready for a full-fledged medical marijuana program. A new poll from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution finds that more than three-quarters of those surveyed want to see the state's limited medical marijuana program expanded. Some 77% said they want greater access to medical marijuana. The poll comes as the legislature considers a measure, House Bill 645, that would allow for medical marijuana dispensaries. The poll also found that support for recreational marijuana was at an all-time high in the state, with 50% saying legalize it.

Indiana

On Tuesday, a Senate panel approved a CBD bill. The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee voted 7-2 to approve Senate Bill 52, which would legalize CBD cannabis oil containing less than 0.3% THC. The state already has a CBD law, but that law is limited to epilepsy patients who are registered with the state. This bill would open up CBD use to anyone with a medical conditions.

On Thursday, the House called for a study of medical marijuana. The House voted unanimously in support of a resolution calling for a legislative committee to study medical marijuana. If the Senate concurs, a special council comprised of lawmakers from both parties would do the study over the summer.

Kentucky

On Wednesday, the House called on the feds to remove roadblocks to medical marijuana research. The House voted 73-5 to approve a resolution calling on the DEA and the FDA to "expedite research on the safety and effectiveness of the use of marijuana for certain health purposes."

New Jersey

On Tuesday, the governor ordered a review of the state's "constrained" medical marijuana program. Gov. Phil Murphy (D) ordered a 60-day review of the state's medical marijuana program, which he called "constrained." He said he would consider allowing home deliveries, allowing purchases beyond the current two-ounce limit, and expanding the number of dispensaries, but he did not mention expanding the list of qualifying medical conditions.

Pennsylvania

Last Wednesday, the state's first dispensary opened for business. Keystone Canna Remedies had its grand opening in Bethlehem -- but it doesn't actually have any product to sell. The dispensary said it will be doing educational workshops until it gets its first shipments of medical marijuana next month.

Rhode Island

On Wednesday, the governor proposed expanding the medical marijuana program. As part of her 2018-2019 budget plan, Gov. Gina Raimondo (D) is proposing quadrupling the number of dispensaries in the state from three to 12, adding "acute pain" to the list of qualifying conditions, and allowing Connecticut and Massachusetts cardholders to buy medical marijuana in the state.

Tennessee

Last Friday, a CBD medical marijuana bill was filed. A pair of Republican lawmakers have filed the Medical Cannabis Only Act, which would legalize the use of cannabis oil products, but not edibles or raw marijuana. The bill is not yet available on the legislative web site.

[For extensive information about the medical marijuana debate, presented in a neutral format, visit MedicalMarijuana.ProCon.org.]