Drug War Issues
Politics & Advocacy
A bipartisan bill that would make marijuana federally legal in states that have legalized it has been filed, a key GOP committee chair blocks votes on marijuana amendments, the New York Assembly approves medical marijuana for opioid addiction and sealing past pot convictions, and more.
Cory Gardner, Elizabeth Warren File Bill to Make Marijuana Federally Legal in Legal Marijuana States. Two legal marijuana state US senators, Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on Thursday filed a bill that would federally legalize marijuana in states that have legalized it. Marijuana would remain federally illegal in those states that have not legalized it. The bill, which does not yet have a number, is the STATES Act (Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States).
House Rules Committee Blocks Votes on Marijuana Policy. One of the biggest roadblocks to drug law reform in Congress has struck again. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), chairman of the House Rules Committee, blocked four marijuana amendments from going to a House floor vote. Three of them related to veterans' ability to use medical marijuana, while the fourth was about water rights for marijuana and hemp growers.
New York Assembly Approves Sealing Marijuana Convictions. The Assembly on Wednesday approved A 2142, which would seal marijuana convictions for individuals who have been unjustly and unconstitutionally arrested for simple possession of marijuana in public view. Over the past 20 years, more than 800,000 New Yorkers have been arrested on such charges. A Senate companion measure has passed out of the Codes Committee and is currently before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Medical Marijuana
New York Assembly Approves Medical Marijuana for Opioid Addiction. The Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would let medical marijuana be used to treat opioid addiction. The bill is A 9016. A Senate companion measure has been stuck in the Health Committee since January.
Ohio Medical Marijuana Sales Delayed. The state Department of Commerce announced Wednesday that patients would not be able to buy medical marijuana on September 8, the anticipated start date for the program. Sales may not begin for weeks after that, and supply is likely to be initially limited.
International
Canada Senate Set to Pass Marijuana Legalization Bill Today. The Canadian Senate was expected to give final approval to the C-45 marijuana legalization bill Thursday. Because the bill has been heavily amended in the Senate, it will have to go back to the House for approval of those changes. After that, the implementation of marijuana legalization will begin.
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