Cannabis Policy

Officials in Kansas City, Missouri have decided to remove cannabis possession from the city code, effectively decriminalizing low-level possession.

Oregon’s initiative to legalize the medicinal use of psilocybin has officially qualified for the November ballot.

An amendment to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act would give a path for service members to re-enlist in the military even if they have consumed cannabis during their time away.

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have advanced a highways infrastructure bill that includes language making products from state-legal cannabis markets available for federal research purposes.

Arizona cannabis advocates have submitted 420,000 petition signatures for putting a cannabis legalization initiative on the November ballot; the campaign only needs 237,645 valid signatures to qualify.

Colorado’s governor has signed legislation addressing social equity concerns in the cannabis industry — the new law allows for additional low-level cannabis possession pardons and sets aside business licenses for social equity applicants.

Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch announced the clearing of 2,735 low-level cannabis convictions last week.

The latest Gallup poll found that 70% of Americans consider smoking cannabis to be “morally acceptable.”

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is funding a medical health study into the therapeutic use of psychedelics such as ketamine and psilocybin.

John Elias, veteran employee of the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, testified yesterday that AG William Barr’s actions against the cannabis industry have been akin to “harassment.”

A Justice Department whistleblower is testifying today that AG William Barr’s personal distaste for legalized cannabis has led to nearly one-third of the agency’s Antitrust Division merger investigations.

New cannabis licensing and social equity recommendations from the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulations are under consideration today by the City Council.

Nevada’s State Board of Pardons is moving to pardon thousands of people who were convicted of low-level cannabis offenses prior to legalization.

Green Party presidential candidates Howie Hawkins and Angela Walker are calling for the decriminalization of all drugs as part of their proposed police reforms.

Louisiana Gov. Edwards signed legislation this week that regulates hemp and CBD products, including a ban on selling hemp products “for inhalation” except for hemp-based rolling papers.

A Colorado DOT study found that cannabis consumers consider stoned driving to be less dangerous than drunk driving and are generally skeptical of state laws related to cannabis and driving.

Colorado lawmakers have approved legislation for social equity cannabis licensing and which gives the governor power to expunge low-level cannabis convictions from before the state legalized in 2012.

Portland, Oregon officials are redirecting $12 million from the police department toward helping communities of color; at least $2 million of the funds are derived from local cannabis taxes and fees.

Multiple pro-cannabis candidates in Minnesota appear to be Republicans running on progressive legalization platforms in an effort to siphon Democrat votes in the coming election.

Multiple mayors throughout Hawaii declared June 14 ‘Medical Cannabis Day,’ officially commemorating the 20th anniversary of the state’s historic medical cannabis reforms.

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has legalized hemp; the island U.S. territory must next submit its hemp regulations plan to the USDA for final approval.

Ohio’s State Medical Board last week added cachexia, or wasting syndrome, to its qualifying conditions list for medical cannabis. Regulators, however, rejected anxiety and autism spectrum disorder.

Louisville, Kentucky city officials have permanently banned the use of no-knock police raids. The ordinance is called “Breonna’s Law,” named after 26-year-old Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by police in her home during a no-knock narcotics raid.

Israeli lawmakers say they will advance legislation for broad cannabis legalization; the proposal would allow for cannabis use, purchases, and possession by people aged 21+.