Commenting on the policy change, NORML Political Associate Tyler McFadden said: “Employment protections are critical to ensure that law-abiding adults are not unduly discriminated against in their efforts to be productive members of society solely because of their use of cannabis while off the job. This order provides clarity and guidance to employers and peace of mind to the employees who work in the District of Columbia.”
Author: Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
Cannabis Vaping Concerns Call for Increased Regulations and Oversight
Rather than use these unfortunate incidents as an opportunity to further drive these markets into the shadows, the administration should officially legalize cannabis and empower the FDA to better study, regulate, and oversee these emerging THC and CBD delivery devices — and to create regulatory standards for legal states to follow and enforce.
Mississippi: Proponents Turn In Signatures for 2020 Medical Cannabis Ballot Measure
Proponents of a 2020 statewide ballot measure to legalize and regulate medical cannabis access have submitted 105,686 signatures to the Secretary of State’s office. A spokesperson for the group backing the campaign, Mississippians for Compassionate Care, said that the measure “polls above 77 percent, with [majority support from] every age group, religious affiliation, [and] political affiliation.”
Vaping Products Linked with Rising Number of Hospitalizations
The US Centers for Disease Control has now identified over 450 cases of respiratory distress that may be associated with the use of disposable vapor cartridges used to consume certain e-liquids.
Report: Domestic Hemp Production Soaring in 2019
According to the report, “The number of acres of hemp licensed across 34 states totaled 511,442 in 2019 – more than quadruple the number of acres licensed from the previous year.”
POTUS: Feds “Allowing States” to Choose Legalization
Reacting to the President’s comments, NORML’s Political Director Justin Strekal said, “The reiteration of a non-enforcement policy from the president is a clear sign that states should continue to defy the federal government when it comes to marijuana prohibition.”
Study: Cannabis Retailers Associated with Drop in Localized Crime
“Our results are consistent with theories that predict that marijuana legalization will displace illicit criminal organizations and decrease crime through changes in security behaviors or substitution toward more harmful substances.”
New York: New Law Reducing Marijuana Possession Penalties Takes Effect Today
Legislation reducing marijuana possession penalties and facilitating the expungement of past cannabis convictions took effect today.
Oklahoma: Expanded Protections for Cannabis Patients to Take Effect
Legislation will take effect next week expanding and strengthening protections for state-qualified medical cannabis patients.
Arizona NORML, Partners File 2020 Statewide Legalization Initiative
A coalition of activist groups, including Arizona NORML, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the state chapter of the ACLU, have filed language with the Secretary of State seeking to legalize the adult use and dispensing of cannabis.