Author: News Room

The Republican attorney general of Texas is suing five cities over local laws decriminalizing marijuana that voters approved, vowing to overrule the “anarchy” of “pro-crime extremists” who advocated for the reform. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) on Wednesday filed lawsuits against the cities of Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin and Denton over the decriminalization policies that voters passed at the ballot over recent years. Citing state statute and Constitutional provisions that he argues prevent localities from enacting laws that conflict with statewide policy, Paxton said in a press release on Wednesday that he “will not stand idly by as…

The governor of New York is again slamming the rollout of marijuana legalization in her state, calling the protracted process a “disaster” and “insane,” while acknowledging that it’s unlikely the legislature would be willing to “start over” with crafting a framework for the legal cannabis market as she’d prefer. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has recently become vocal about her frustrations with the implementation of the cannabis law she inherited. While she supports legalization, she told The Buffalo News editorial board the law was drafted “in a way that was not poised for success.” “It’s a disaster. I will not defend…

Lawmakers in Kentucky have filed new marijuana legislation with a notable bill number: HB 420. If passed, it would legalize and regulate cannabis for adults 21 and older, though few expect the proposal to get through in the state’s Republican-controlled legislature this session. As introduced on Tuesday by Rep. Rachel Roberts (D), HB 420 would legalize marijuana and license a variety of business types, including cultivators, processors and retailers. A 9 percent excise tax would be imposed both on wholesale and retail purchases, and local governments could levy an additional “licensing fee” of up to 5 percent “for the privilege…

“Only through hemp and its derivatives such as delta-8, delta-9, CBD, its derivatives, and medicinal THC, I’ve been able to actually stand here before you today, prescription drug free.” By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix Kassie Stuart was 17 years old when she was diagnosed with idiopathic genetic epilepsy, which can result in intense seizures. Now 23, the Tallahassee resident says she’s tried 25 different medications to deal with her illness but nothing helped until she discovered delta-8 THC nearly four years ago. That’s a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that hemp entrepreneurs created after the passage of the 2018…

“Patients have spent more than $1 billion in Arkansas since the first dispensary opened in May 2019.” By Hunter Field, Arkansas Advocate Arkansas’s medical marijuana industry continued to reach new heights in both sales and patients last year, and pending litigation has cannabis primed for even more explosive growth in 2024. For now, a host of restrictions state lawmakers placed on the medical marijuana market after voters approved the controversial drug for medical use in 2016 have been struck down as unconstitutional, though the Arkansas Supreme Court will have the final say on a promised appeal. A rollback of those…

The California Assembly has unanimously approved a Republican-led bill to create a state workgroup that would be tasked with exploring a regulatory framework to provide therapeutic access to psychedelics like psilocybin and ibogaine. In a 58-0 vote on Tuesday, the chamber cleared the legislation from Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R), sending it to the Senate. This comes weeks after two Assembly committees unanimously advanced the measure. “These therapies have the potential to save countless lives,” Waldron said on the floor. “As we know, California is experiencing a severe mental health crisis with rising rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, PTSD, suicide and other…

Bipartisan Arizona lawmakers have introduced a bill that would legalize psilocybin service centers where people could receive the psychedelic in a medically supervised setting. The legislation, sponsored by Senate Health Committee Chairman T. J. Shope (R) and eight other members, would allow the Department of Human Services (DHS) to license psilocybin-assisted therapy centers in the state, where trained facilitators could administer the psychedelic. This would significantly expand on Arizona’s existing research-focused psychedelics law that provides $5 million in annual funding to support studies into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Under…

Jack Herer weed strain is a legendary, sativa-dominant cannabis strain that has gained a strong following for its potent effects and unique characteristics. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the fascinating history of Jack Herer, explore its distinctive appearance, aroma, and flavor, as well as its effects and potential medical benefits. We will provide insights into the growing process, including the ideal climate and environment, and where to find this sought-after strain. We will discuss the legal status of Jack Herer and provide valuable information on various consumption methods, such as smoking, vaping, edibles, and topicals. Whether…

The latest New Hampshire proposal to legalize marijuana debated by lawmakers on Tuesday takes a turn away from the strictly state-run model supported by Gov. Chris Sununu (R) and the franchise system contemplated by a state commission on legalization last year. Instead it would license private operators and set strict limits on stores’ appearance, marketing and advertising. The plan’s sponsor, Rep. Erica Layon (R), says the proposal would meet Sununu’s concerns about health and safety while also avoiding legal risk to the state that could come with the government taking control of stores’ day-to-day operations. But so far, she told…

Twelve senators are calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to fully legalize cannabis and answer questions about the agency’s ongoing scheduling review. In a letter sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram on Monday, the lawmakers—led by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other champions of marijuana reform—denounced the “devastating impact” and “out of step” policy of prohibition, arguing that cannabis should be fully removed from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Doing so would present a “rare opportunity to shape the new cannabis industry…