A.1617, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), has been re-introduced this legislative session. The bill would legalize the adult possession, use, and regulated sale of marijuana. Over the past twenty years, many New Yorkers have been negatively affected by the harms of prohibition in New York. With people of color accounting for nearly 85% of those arrested annually, the MRTA directs the benefits of taxing and regulating marijuana to these communities. Because structural racism is ingrained in marijuana prohibition, it’s important that the MRTA both ends marijuana prohibition and promotes racial justice. Significant steps are taken in the amended MRTA to ensure racial justice and a small business-friendly industry, including: Creating a micro-licensing structure, similar to New York’s rapidly…
Category: Cannabis News
New York: State legislature signals support for adult-use cannabis legalization
In news that bodes well for the future of cannabis legalization in the state of New York, both chambers of the state legislature have included legalization language in their annual budget proposals. Both budget proposals also address the expedited expungement of certain marijuana-related convictions, implementing social equity programs in the state’s growing marijuana industry, and diverting tax money earned through the legal cannabis industry to benefit communities that have borne the brunt of the most brutal aspects of marijuana prohibition and the war on drugs in New York. Though Governor Cuomo’s budget proposal does not allow for the personal cultivation of marijuana plants, the NY General Assembly’s budget proposal does promote home cultivation upon the legalization of adult-use and retail…
Medical Marijuana is Florida Law
NORML Board of Directors member Norm Kent discusses the current state of medical marijuana in the Sunshine State.
A #GivingTuesday Message from NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri
This #GivingTuesday can you chip in to help us keep the fight going? We have ten states (plus DC) that have legalized marijuana for adult use and are looking at more potentially joining that list in 2019, but we need the resources to help get those states across the finish line.
Vote for Cannabis Friendly Candidates in North Carolina this November
Voting supportive candidates into office and increasing the number of our allies in Raleigh is the first step towards cannabis law reforms in North Carolina. While its not an easy path, there is only one way we can do it. Get out and vote for candidates who are supportive of cannabis law reforms this November!
North Dakota Is Ready To End Criminalization
Can Measure 3 to legalize marijuana win this November? I went to North Dakota to see for myself.
NORML PAC Announces New Slate of Congressional Endorsements
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Political Action Committee (NORML PAC) has announced their most recent slate of bi-partisan reelection endorsements for incumbent members of the United States House of Representatives.
Access to Marijuana Shows Promise in Combating America’s Opioid Crisis
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day! Data proves the enactment of marijuana laws is playing a positive role in combating America’s opioid crisis by reducing opioid overdose fatalities, misuse, dependency, and opioid-related hospitalizations. Help us spread the word and contact your lawmakers today!
New Jersey: Momentum Grows For Passage Of Adult Use Marijuana Legalization
Nearly two-thirds of New Jersey voters support legalizing the adult use of marijuana and expunging past criminal convictions associated with the substance, according to statewide polling data released today by Quinnipiac University.
Kentucky NORML: Seniors and Cannabis
Older Americans are using cannabis more frequently than ever before, according to a review of demographic data published in the journal Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.