The 2019 end-of-year report finds that the number of federal defendants charged with cannabis-associated crimes declined 28 percent.
Author: Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Considers ‘Cannabis Policies for the New Decade’
“At a time when nearly 70 percent of all Americans want to end our failed federal policy of blanket cannabis criminalization, it is unfortunate to see so many participants at this hearing advocating largely for business as usual,” NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said.
New Jersey: Court Affirms Employer Must Reimburse Worker for Medical Marijuana Expenses
Justices opined, “Because we conclude the order does not require [employers] to possess, manufacture or distribute marijuana, but only to reimburse petitioner for his purchase of medical marijuana, we discern no conflict between the CSA (federal Controlled Substances Act) and MMA (the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act).”
Mississippi: Medical Cannabis Initiative Certified for 2020 Ballot
The proposed constitutional amendment establishes a state-licensed system of dispensaries to provide cannabis products to qualifying patients.
New York: Empire State NORML Files Suit Seeking Patients’ Access to Medical Cannabis While on Probation
Petitioners seek a declaratory judgment from the state Supreme Court against the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Services determining petitioners “rights and privileges under Public Health Law 3369(2).”
South Dakota: Adult-Use Marijuana Initiative Certified for 2020 Ballot
A proposed measure legalizing and regulating the adult use and retail sale of marijuana in South Dakota has qualified for the 2020 ballot.
Maine: Regulators Now Accepting Retail Marijuana Business Applications
State regulators have begun accepting applications from those wishing to open licensed retail cannabis facilities. Applications may be submitted online to the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy.
Hawaii: Minor Marijuana Possession Offenses to be Decriminalized Next Week
Legislation takes effect on Saturday, January 11, decriminalizing minor marijuana possession offenses.
Illinois: Governor Issues Over 11,000 Pardons Ahead of Marijuana Legalization
“The 11,017 pardons that Gov. Pritzker is granting today are thousands of lives forever changed — and hundreds of thousands more will be changed in the coming months. Those who were unfairly targeted by discriminatory drug laws can finally get ahead and build a new future for themselves and their families.”
Illinois: Retail Marijuana Sales Begin Next Week
Adults will be able to purchase cannabis from select retailers beginning Wednesday, January 1.