Author Archives: ushempmuseum
The Smell Of Marijuana Should Not Be A Death Sentence
Philando Castile was shot and killed by a Minnesota police officer during a traffic stop last year. This week we learned that the officer rationalized his actions by claiming that the alleged smell of “burnt marijuana” made him fear for his own life. Here is how the officer recounted his actions, in his own words: … Continue reading
Two Major Victories For Student Rights In Federal Courts
Dan Viets speaking at a NORML conference Federal courts have recently rejected the actions of university and college administrators who sought to inflict suspicionless drug tests on students at a public college and to restrict the First Amendment rights of marijuana law reformers at a public university. Both decisions have important national implications. Linn Tech … Continue reading
Study: CBD Administration Reduces Blood Pressure
Oral CBD administration is associated with reduced blood pressure in healthy volunteers, according to clinical trial data published online in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Investigators from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom assessed the effects of a single oral dose of 600 mg of CBD extract versus placebo in nine male subjects. … Continue reading
New York: Legalization Measure Introduced to Legislature
Update: A newly formed campaign, Start Smart NY, was launched on June 12 to support legalization. Empire State NORML is a member of the coalition supporting it’s efforts. Update: The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, State Senate Bill S3040, has been referred to the Finance Committee. Senator Liz Krueger (D) has introduced the Marijuana Regulation … Continue reading
Weekly Legislative Update 6/17/17
Welcome to this week’s edition of the NORML legislative roundup! At the Federal level, the biggest news this week was two-fold. First, in a letter made public by Tom Angell of Marijuana Moment, it was revealed that Attorney General Jeff Sessions wrote a private message to Congressional leadership requesting that they lift restrictions on the … Continue reading
California: Marijuana Regulation Implementation Bill Sent to Governor
Members of the state assembly and senate have passed legislation, Senate Bill 94, regarding the implementation of the Adult Use Marijuana Act and make amendments to the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. The legislation imposes various regulatory changes surrounding the licensing of medical and retail facilities. A summary of some of these changes appears … Continue reading
Nevada: Governor Vetoes Bill Vacating Past Marijuana Convictions
Governor Brian Sandoval vetoed legislation, Assembly Bill 259, that sought to allow minor marijuana offenders to vacate and seal their past convictions. The measure stated: “If a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor for the possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana in violation of subsection 4 of NRS 453.336 or for a … Continue reading
Vermont: Governor Vetoes Marijuana Depenalization Measure; Says He Remains Open To Working With Lawmakers This Summer
Update: Lawmakers have sent a revised depenalization bill to Gov. Scott for his consideration during a special legislative session. The bill would eliminate criminal and civil penalities regarding the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis and/or the cultivation of two mature plants. The bill also imposes civil fines for marijuana use while in a … Continue reading
Massachusetts: Reject Tax Hike — No More Changes to Question 4
Update: House leaders abruptly pulled the bill from the calendar after hearing complaints from constituents. Update: Governor Charlie Baker has expressed skepticism regarding the proposed tax increase. You have spoken. Are your elected officials listening? On Election Day, 54 percent of voters decided in favor of Question 4: The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act … Continue reading
Maine: Do Not Deny Medical Cannabis Patients From Receiving Organ Transplants
Legislation (LD 764) is before Gov. Paul LePage that will prohibit medical cannabis patients from being denied organ transplants. The measure “prohibits a transplant evaluator from determining a qualifying patient to be unsuitable to receive an anatomical gift solely because the qualifying patient uses medical marijuana.” No sound scientific evidence exists showing that medical cannabis … Continue reading
