Breaking News:Dangerous Delays: What Washington State (Re)Teaches Us About Cash and Cannabis Store Robberies [REPORT]

CA Governor Vetoes Weed Labeling Bill, OR Supreme Court Rules on "Possesion with Intent," More... (10/10/23)

Some of the usual suspects line up against the Ohio marijuana legalization initiative, California's governor vetoes a "what about the kids?" marijuana labeling bill, and more.

Cocaine, meth, and MDMA will be effectively decriminalized in Australia's New South Wales. (Pixabay)
Marijuana Policy

California Governor Vetoes Marijuana Labeling Bill Opposed by Industry. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has vetoed a labeling bill opposed by the industry as too onerous, Assembly Bill 1207, the Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act. The bill would have banned the sale, distribution or manufacturing of cannabis products with packaging and labeling deemed "attractive to children." That would have included promotional material displaying fictional humans, animals, fruits and vegetables.

The industry lobbied for the veto and instead supported Senate Bill 540, which also passed the legislature and which Newsom has now signed into law. That bill instructs the state Department of Cannabis Control to revisit packaging and labeling restrictions "in line with evolving science" and to create "a brochure encouraging responsible cannabis use."

"We're enormously grateful for the governor's thoughtful and nuanced approach to cannabis advertising," said Tiffany Devitt, who manages government affairs for CannaCraft, a Santa Rosa producer. "By vetoing AB 1207 and signing SB 540, he's taken a science-based approach to safeguarding consumers while preserving the ability of California cannabis companies to compete in the national market."

Ohio Business Groups Oppose Marijuana Legalization Initiative. Several influential state business organizations have come out against Issue 2, the marijuana legalization initiative that will appear on the ballot next month.

Citing concerns over workplace safety and company's ability to find workers who can pass drug tests, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Business Roundtable and the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association are opposing the measure.

Legalization presents "No upside for businesses that I can see," said Steve Stivers, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce.

Tom Haren, a spokesperson for Ohio’s pro-legalization sponsor, the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, dismissed the business groups’ worries as "Reefer Madness type scare tactics."

Drug Policy

Oregon Supreme Court Rules Mere Possession of Large Quantities of Drugs Not Sufficient to Prove Intent to Sell. The state Supreme Court ruled last Thursday that mere possession of a large amount of drugs is not enough to justify charges of possession with intent to distribute drugs. The high court said more evidence was required to show "possession with intent to sell."

The ruling comes in the midst of growing debate over state drug policy, with a joint legislative committee reviewing drug treatment and enforcement efforts and two different initiative campaigns seeking to roll back or otherwise modify Measure 110, the 2020 initiative that decriminalized drug possession in the state.

One of initiatives proposed to change the 2020 law contains language to restore the "possession with intent to sell" standard established through a 1988 decision by the Court of Appeals. That standard had been sufficient to prove "attempt transfer" until the Supreme Court's ruling.

"It is sufficient for us to say what an ‘attempted transfer’ is not: It is not established by evidence that a person possessed a large quantity of a controlled substance and had a general intent to transfer it at an undetermined future time," the court held. "Some additional evidence that the person made an effort to engage in the act of transferring is required. The question of what sort of additional evidence might be sufficient is one that we decline to address in the abstract, as we expect that courts will face it in a great variety of fact patterns.

"In this case, the record is legally insufficient to prove that defendant made an effort to transfer fentanyl. The record shows that defendant possessed a nonuser amount of fentanyl and that some of the fentanyl was packaged in a manner consistent with an intent to deliver it. What the record lacks is evidence that defendant had taken additional steps to engage in conduct that would cause the fentanyl to change hands."

The Supreme Court did not dismiss the case but sent it back to Washington County Circuit Court, where prosecutors could present additional evidence.

International

Australia's New South Wales Joins Rest of Country in Relaxing Drug Laws. State government officials have announced that as of New Year's Day, people caught with small amounts of drugs will have the option of paying a fine or getting counselling rather than be arrested and subjected to court proceedings. That will bring the state in line with the rest of the country's states and territories.

The new policy will apply to the possession of up to a quarter-gram of MDMA and a gram of cocaine or methamphetamine. The state already applies the policy for up to 30 grams of marijuana.

Police still maintain the discretion to make an arrest, a move that activists denounced about data showed that the diversion scheme was applied less often for indigenous people.

Legislation to effect the change will be introduced in parliament this week.

Permission to Reprint: This article is licensed under a modified Creative Commons Attribution license.
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Data Macau in Action: Transforming Information into Knowledge

In the fast-paced realm of technological advancement, Macau stands as a testament to the transformative power of data. At the intersection of tradition and innovation, Data Macau takes center stage, evolving from a mere collection of information to a catalyst for knowledge creation and strategic decision-making. Data Macau, in its essence, is not static but dynamic, a living entity that thrives on the constant influx of information from various sources. Its transformative journey begins in the gaming industry, where the colossal volumes of data generated by casinos are harnessed to gain profound insights. Player behaviors, game preferences, and operational metrics converge to form a comprehensive understanding of the gaming landscape, enabling businesses to make informed decisions that transcend mere chance. The financial sector, a cornerstone of Macau's economic prowess, experiences the metamorphosis of data into knowledge. Data Macau within the financial realm is a key driver of risk management, fraud detection, and strategic planning. As financial institutions delve into the intricacies of transactional data, they unlock the power to foresee market trends, adapt to changing consumer behaviors, and navigate the complex landscape of global finance. Tourism, another vibrant sector in Macau, witnesses the dynamic utilization of Data Macau. The preferences and patterns of tourists, derived from data analytics, empower businesses to tailor experiences and offerings. From personalized hospitality services to targeted marketing strategies, the insights generated from Data Macau create a symbiotic relationship between the city and its visitors, transforming raw data into a knowledge reservoir that fuels innovation. Healthcare, a realm where precision is paramount, experiences a paradigm shift with the infusion of Data Macau. Patient data, coupled with advanced analytics, becomes a tool for optimizing medical services, predicting health trends, and driving research breakthroughs. The healthcare sector in Macau exemplifies how data, when in action, transcends information to become a powerful agent of positive change. In the broader context, Data Macau is not just about accumulating data points; it is about unlocking the latent knowledge embedded in the vast sea of information. It is a journey from raw data to actionable insights, from mere observation to strategic foresight. The city becomes a living laboratory where data is not just collected but actively employed to shape the future. In conclusion, Data Macau in action epitomizes the synergy between information and knowledge. It is a journey of transformation, where data becomes a valuable currency that propels industries forward. From gaming to finance, tourism to healthcare, Data Macau exemplifies the city's commitment to harnessing the power of information for the collective betterment of its residents and the enhancement of its global standing.satta king result

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