House and Senate lawmakers this week approved legislation, Senate Bill 5605, facilitating the expungement of past low-level marijuana convictions. The legislation now awaits action by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, who has previously called for pardoning those with criminal records for marijuana violations.
Category: Washington
Report: Adult Use Legalization Associated With Increased Home Values
The passage of statewide adult use marijuana laws is associated with an immediate uptick in housing prices, according to an assessment published by the online service Clever Real Estate. It reported, “Using Colorado and Washington as case studies, it’s clear that the market benefits from marijuana legalization outweigh the potential costs in terms of home values.”
Study: Traffic Fatalities Have Not Increased As A Consequence Of Legalization
The enactment of adult use marijuana regulation in Colorado and Washington is not independently linked to an increase in traffic fatalities, according to a study published this week by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Status Report: The Impact Of Adult Use Regulatory Schemes
The legalization and regulation of marijuana for adults is associated with a drastic reduction in overall arrests, increased tax revenue, and is not adversely impacting public health or safety, according to a comprehensive report issued by the Drug Policy Alliance.
Colorado: Tax Revenue From The Legal Cannabis Industry Surpasses Half-Billion Dollars
Revenues from Colorado’s legal cannabis industry have surpassed over a half-billion dollars since retail sales began on January 1, 2014.
Washington: Support For Marijuana Policy Reform Surges Post-Legalization
Public support for marijuana legalization has surged in Washington state in the years following the enactment of legislation permitting the commercial production and retail sale of the plant.
Marijuana Regulators Target Home Cultivation
Local and state lawmakers are considering unduly restrictive rules and regulations for marijuana home grows.
Report: Tax Revenue From Retail Marijuana Sales Exceeds Expectations
Marijuana-related tax revenue in Colorado totaled $129 million over the 12-month period ending May 31, 2016 – well exceeding initial estimates of $70 million per year. In Washington, tax revenue totaled $220 million for the 12-montyh period ending June 30, 2016. Regulators had initially projected that retail sales would bring in $162 million in new annual tax revenue. In Oregon, marijuana-related tax revenues are yielding about $4 million per month – about twice what regulators initially predicted.
NORML’s Legislative Round Up April 1st, 2016
Several marijuana law reform bills were signed into law this week. Click here for the latest updates!
NORML’s Legislative Round Up March 11th, 2016
Legislative sessions around the country are moving quickly with several already coming to a close. It’s important to stay updated on pending measures in your state because NOW is the time to contact your elected officials using our #TakeAction Center urging their support for marijuana law reform. Click here to get this week’s latest legislative highlights!