Justice

LOS ANGELES- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced plans to hold a hearing regarding the proposed classification of two psychedelic substances, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC), as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. This move comes in response to significant opposition from the scientific and research community, who argue that such a ...

LOS ANGELES- In a landmark reversal, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has endorsed House Bill 4002, reintroducing criminal penalties for possession of controlled substances such as fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. This action marks a departure from the state's previously decriminalized stance on drug possession under Measure 110, a voter-approved initiative from 2020. The new law, set ...

NEW YORK- In a recent legislative development, Georgia is poised to enforce a new law restricting the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including CBD and intoxicating substances like delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, to individuals under the age of 21. This initiative is part of a broader regulatory effort encapsulated in Senate Bill 494, also ...

LOS ANGELES- The North Carolina Senate gave final approval to a medical cannabis legalization bill this week, sending the proposal to the House for consideration. Notably, the proposal would not legalize adult-use cannabis even under federal reforms. The North Carolina Senate on Monday passed a bipartisan medical cannabis bill that includes changes aimed at getting ...

LOS ANGELES- In a significant move by the Maryland Cannabis Administration, 174 social equity cannabis licenses were awarded through a lottery system, showcasing the state's commitment to diversity and inclusion within the burgeoning cannabis industry. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards ensuring equitable opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses in the sector. The lottery, ...

LOS ANGELES-  The Florida Supreme Court is set to make a pivotal decision regarding the appearance of an adult-use cannabis legalization amendment on the November ballot, according to ClickOrlando. This determination follows a challenge by Attorney General Ashley Moody last year concerning the amendment’s ballot language, pushing the court to scrutinize its clarity and legality. ...

LOS ANGELES- In a decisive move that prolongs the status quo, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has vetoed a bill aimed at legalizing the sale of adult-use cannabis in the state, citing concerns over public health and safety. This action effectively maintains the illegal market's dominance in cannabis sales, sidelining the establishment of a regulated legal ...

LOS ANGELES- In a significant development for Colorado's cannabis industry, Senate Bill 23-271, effective since January, has introduced new regulations allowing cultivators to source genetics from a broader array of entities. This legislative shift aims to rejuvenate the state's cannabis market, addressing sales slumps post-COVID-19 pandemic highs and fostering innovation within the sector. Previously, Colorado ...

NEW YORK- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is intensifying efforts to advance the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFER) Banking Act, employing a public petition to highlight the critical need for banking access for cannabis businesses, which are currently encumbered by federal restrictions. This move signifies a proactive approach to navigating the legislative landscape, aiming ...

LOS ANGELES- An expert panel appointed by the government to review Canada's Cannabis Act has proposed several key changes aimed at refining the nation’s adult-use legalization framework. After 18 months of deliberation, the panel released a final report encompassing 54 recommendations and various observations for federal consideration. Among the notable suggestions is enabling pharmacy distribution ...

NEW YORK- In a recent development that underscores the intricate legal and regulatory landscape of New York's cannabis market, TJ's Cannabis of Liverpool has entered settlement discussions with the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The dispute centers around the prohibition of TJ's Cannabis from establishing a dispensary in the Syracuse suburb of Clay, ...

LOS ANGELES- In a recent encounter with cannabis activists, President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to reforming federal cannabis policy. However, activists argue that simply rescheduling cannabis is insufficient to address the harms caused by prohibition. During a campaign event in Wisconsin, Biden responded to a sign advocating against incarceration for cannabis offenses by asserting ...

NEW YORK- In a recent statement at the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris has labeled the federal classification of cannabis as “absurd,” emphasizing the administration's anticipation for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reconsider its categorization. The comments were made during a roundtable discussion on cannabis policy, which included Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, individuals ...

LOS ANGELES- Wyoming's hemp-derived cannabinoid market faces significant disruption following the recent enactment of a law banning delta-8 THC products. Republican Governor Mark Gordon's decision to sign Senate File 32 into law marks a decisive move in the state's approach to regulating intoxicating cannabinoids, as reported by MJBizDaily. Effective from July 1, the law introduces ...

LOS ANGELES- The journey toward establishing a regulated adult-use cannabis market in Virginia is encountering significant political barriers, despite initial progress in cannabis legislation. The Commonwealth, which took initial steps towards a more progressive stance on cannabis by decriminalizing small amounts and acknowledging its medicinal use in 2021, finds itself at a legislative standstill. Governor ...

NEW YORK- In a significant legislative move, Washington State has taken steps to alleviate the financial strain on medical cannabis patients by abolishing the 37% excise tax previously levied on their medicine. This decision follows the recent passing of a bill aimed at exempting medical cannabis patients and designated providers from the hefty tax, marking ...

LOS ANGELES- In a significant move towards cannabis legalization, Arkansas advocates have filed a constitutional amendment aimed at legalizing adult-use cannabis. The proposal, now awaiting review by the state attorney general's office, could see the legalization question placed on the November ballot if it garners the required 90,704 valid voter signatures by July 5. The ...

NEW YORK- In a conflict highlighting the challenges of regulating the burgeoning cannabis market in New York City, Gale Brewer, an Upper West Side Councilwoman, has accused a local landlord of facilitating the operation of an illegal cannabis store. The store, situated in a bustling Manhattan neighborhood, has become the center of a controversy involving ...

LOS ANGELES- In a decisive move that could reshape the landscape of the hemp industry in Florida, the state legislature has passed a bill aimed at regulating hemp-derived products, including the prohibition of certain natural cannabinoids such as Delta-8 THC. Senate Bill 1698, which now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis's approval or veto, proposes stringent controls ...

LOS ANGELES- In Florida, a state on the cusp of major cannabis reform, recent legislative endeavors have sparked a complex dialogue about the future of cannabis regulation. Proposals for stringent THC potency caps, even before the legalization of adult-use cannabis, have ignited discussions that underscore the intricate balance between public health concerns and the burgeoning ...

LOS ANGELES- In a notable move within the state's evolving stance on cannabis, North York borough in York, Pennsylvania, is on the brink of decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis. This initiative positions the borough among a growing list of Pennsylvania counties adopting more lenient policies towards cannabis use. Despite North York's modest population ...

The Maryland Supreme Court has decided against reviewing a case that challenges a provision of the state's adult-use cannabis legislation, effectively allowing the continued sale of hemp-derived THC products by unlicensed retailers across the state. This decision follows a lawsuit initiated by the Maryland Hemp Coalition and other hemp-related businesses against a specific prohibition within ...

LOS ANGELES- As neighboring states progressively embrace cannabis reform, Idaho is taking a contrary path with a legislative proposal aimed at intensifying penalties for cannabis possession. The proposed bill, which introduces a mandatory minimum fine of $420 for possessing less than three ounces of cannabis, underscores Idaho's steadfast stance against the wave of legalization sweeping ...

NEW YORK- In a significant push for cannabis reform, leading veterans organizations and U.S. law enforcement officials have rallied together, urging the Biden Administration to consider the rescheduling of cannabis under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This collective call to action underscores the growing consensus on the potential benefits of cannabis, particularly for veterans, ...

LOS ANGELES- In an effort to combat illegal cannabis cultivation, Oklahoma legislators have proposed a bill aimed at prohibiting foreign land ownership within the state. House Bill 3125, introduced to the Oklahoma House of Representatives earlier this month and recently advanced to the full Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee on February 19, represents a ...