US Hemp Muuseum Blog

Congress’ Leading Marijuana Prohibitionist Trails In Latest Poll

Posted on November 5, 2018 by ushempmuseum

Texas Republican and ardent marijuana prohibitionist Pete Sessions trails by four points in his re-election bid, according to polling data released yesterday. According to the survey results, Sessions is behind Democratic challenger Colin Allred by a margin of 46 percent to 42 percent in the race for Texas’ 32nd Congressional District.

As a member of Congress, Sessions has been one of the nation’s most vocal and powerful forces against our efforts to enact sensible marijuana policy reforms. Speaking publicly on the issue earlier this year, Sessions opined: “Marijuana is an addictive product, and the merchants of addiction make it that way. They make it to where our people, our young people, become addicted to marijuana and keep going.”

As I wrote last month in my ‘Marijuana and the midterms” op-ed in The Hill, “Pete Sessions has used his position as Chairman of the House Rules Committee to block House floor members from voting on over three-dozen marijuana-related amendments during his leadership tenure.” His actions have almost single-handedly killed a number of popular, bipartisan-led reforms — such as facilitating medical cannabis access to military veterans and amending federal banking laws so that licensed marijuana businesses are treated like other legal industries.

Representative Sessions received an ‘F’ grade in NORML’s latest Congressional Scorecard. By contrast, his Democratic challenger received a B+ grade as a result of his stated support for cannabis decriminalization and medical marijuana access.

Texas’ 32nd Congressional District represents the city of Garland and the northeastern section of Dallas.

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: Congress, LATEST, Leading, marijuana, Poll, Prohibitionist, Trails | Leave a comment

NORML Submits 10,000+ Written Comments to the FDA for the Reconsideration of International Marijuana Prohibition

Posted on November 4, 2018 by ushempmuseum

On October 31, NORML hand delivered over 10,000 comments written by YOU, recommending that the World Health Organization (WHO) re-think their current prohibition of marijuana.

Along with two of our fantastic interns, I drove to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) building in Rockville, Maryland. Earlier this month, The FDA put out a request for public comments on the international scheduling of cannabis. They’re going to use the comments as a response to the WHO as they review the abuse potential, medical efficacy, and other aspects of 16 controlled substances, one of them being marijuana.

Currently, under international treaties, cannabis is scheduled in the most restrictive category. And as we all know, it does not belong there due to it’s widespread therapeutic and medical uses and very low potential for abuse.

In NORML’s latest comments to the FDA, it opined that “cannabis be removed from the international drug conventions so that nations that wish to do so may further expand their regulations governing cannabis’ use, possession, production, and dispensing for either recreational or medical use.”

Comments from NORML members totaled 10,117, making up just under 50% of the total comments submitted to the FDA nationwide.

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: 10000, Comments, International, marijuana, NORML, prohibition, Reconsideration, Submits, Written | Leave a comment

Weekly Legislative Roundup 11/2/18

Posted on November 3, 2018 by ushempmuseum

Welcome to the latest edition of NORML’s Weekly Legislative Roundup!

A bit of news from across the border to start; Mexico’s Supreme Court struck down the country’s prohibition of marijuana by issuing two separate rulings, setting binding precedent that the country’s ban on consuming marijuana is unconstitutional. The nation’s Congress has 90 days to repeal cannabis bans now considered unconstitutional.

Let’s talk about Election Day, which is this Tuesday, November 6th, 2018. Don’t forget to vote if you haven’t already! No matter where you live, or what political party you identify with, your vote counts. It matters. It can make a difference. It’s your civic duty to exercise your right to vote. Make sure you know where your voting location is. And, make sure you know who and what is on your ballot, so you can make an informed decision. Also check out NORML’s voter guide and scorecard to see who the most cannabis friendly candidates are this election, and get ready to #SmokeTheVote!

In Congress this week, The U.S. House bill to require the federal government to study the effects of legalizing marijuana (Marijuana Data Collection Act) got two new cosponsors, for a total of 33.

At the state level, Utah lawmakers and advocates are working to tweak provisions of proposed medical cannabis compromise legislation. The House speaker also held a public forum on the issue.

New Hampshire’s marijuana legalization study committee released a lengthy report looking at policy considerations for the potential end of prohibition.

New Mexico lawmakers held a hearing on allowing medical cannabis at schools. Separately, a New Mexico judge ruled that the state’s 450-plant limit on medical cannabis dispensaries is arbitrary and capricious and has no factual basis.

Maine regulators are estimating that the first recreational marijuana stores could open next year.

Colorado regulators will host a Marijuana Science and Policy Work Group meeting on Monday.

Oregon regulators will hold a public hearing on technical changes to marijuana rules on November 16.

Colorado regulators are inviting people to submit comments on proposed changes to medical cannabis rules. You can submit your own comments here.

Ohio regulators are now accepting petitions to add additional medical cannabis qualifying conditions. You can submit your own petition here.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) signed a bill into law to stop revoking driver’s’ licenses from people convicted of drug offenses and other crimes unrelated to motor vehicle operation.

At a more local level, San Francisco, California’s mayor announced the expansion of the city’s cannabis equity program. And Manhattan’s district attorney announced that marijuana prosecutions are down 94% in the first quarter of a newly implemented policy.

Following are the bills that we’ve tracked this week and as always, check http://norml.org/act for legislation pending in your state.

Don’t forget to sign up for our email list and we will keep you posted as these bills and more move through your home state legislature and at the federal level.

Your Highness,
Carly

Priority Alerts

Federal

Penalize States that Maintain Criminalization: The Marijuana Justice Act would (1) remove marijuana from the US Controlled Substances Act, thereby ending the federal criminalization of cannabis; (2) incentivize states to mitigate existing and ongoing racial disparities in state-level marijuana arrests; (3) expunge federal convictions specific to marijuana possession; (4) allow individuals currently serving time in federal prison for marijuana-related violations to petition the court for resentencing; (5) and create a community reinvestment fund to invest in communities most impacted by the failed War on Drugs.

Click here to email your federal lawmakers and urge them to support this important legislation

New York

A11390 seeks to require public health insurance programs to cover medical marijuana related costs.

The measure amends state law so that publicly funded health programs, including the largely-publicly funded Essential Plan, would treat medical cannabis like any other legal prescription drug “for the purposes of coverage under medical assistance.”

NY resident? Click here to email your elected officials in support of medical marijuana coverage

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: 11/2/18, Legislative, Roundup, Weekly | Leave a comment

Here Are the Ohio Cities Voting on Marijuana This Tuesday November 6th

Posted on November 3, 2018 by ushempmuseum

With the marijuana midterms right around the corner, it’s imperative that you know who you’re voting for, what issues are going to be on your ballot, and where your voting location is leading up to Election Day this Tuesday November 6th. To see who the most pro-cannabis reform candidates are in your district, check out our Smoke the Vote scorecard and voter guide.

In addition, if you live in any of these cities, be sure to vote YES on the following marijuana ballot initiatives.

Dayton

Shall the Dayton Revised Code of General Ordinances be amended to decriminalize specific misdemeanor marihuana and hashish offenses?

Garrettsville

If adopted, the amendment would (1) Require sentence reductions of incarcerated individuals, except individuals incarcerated for murder, rape,or child molestation, by up to 25% if the individual participates in rehabilitative, work, or educational programming; (2) Mandate that criminal offenses of obtaining, possessing, or using any drug such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, and other controlled substances cannot be classified as a felony, but only a misdemeanor. (3) Prohibit jail time as a sentence for obtaining, possessing, or using such drugs until an individual’s third offense within 24 months. (4) Allow an individual convicted of obtaining, possessing, or using any such drug prior to the effective date of the amendment to ask a court to reduce the conviction to a misdemeanor, regardless of whether the individual has completed the sentence. (5) Require any available funding, based on projected savings, to be applied to state-administered rehabilitation programs and crime victim funds. (6) Require a graduated series of responses, such as community service, drug treatment, or jail time, for minor, non-criminal probation violations.

Windham

Fremont

“Shall the proposed Sensible Marihuana Ordinance which lowers the penalty for misdemeanor marijuana offenses to the lowest penalty allowed by state law be adopted?”

Norwood

“Shall the proposed ordinance adding Section 513.15 Marijuana Laws and Penalties to the City of Norwood Municipal Code, which would lower the penalty for misdemeanor marijuana offenses to the lowest penalty allowed by state law, be adopted?”

Oregon

“Shall the proposed Sensible Marihuana Ordinance which lowers the penalty for misdemeanor marijuana offenses to the lowest penalty allowed by state law be adopted?”

Make sure you know where your polling location is, who the most cannabis friendly candidiates are, and be sure to get to the polls on November 6th to #SmokeTheVote!

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: Cities, Here, marijuana, November, Ohio, This, Tuesday, Voting | Leave a comment

Mexico: Supreme Court Strikes Down Marijuana Ban

Posted on November 2, 2018 by ushempmuseum

Justices for Mexico’s Supreme Court have ruled that laws criminalizing the private use and cultivation of cannabis by adults are unconstitutional. Justices opined, “The effects caused by marijuana do not create an absolute prohibition on its consumption.”

In accordance with the ruling, lawmakers may enact regulatory policies governing adults’ personal marijuana use, but they must repeal those laws that broadly prohibit marijuana use per se. By contrast, neither commercial marijuana production or sales are addressed by the Court’s ruling.

In September, South Africa’s highest court similarly struck down laws criminalizing the personal, private consumption of cannabis by adults.

Mexican lawmakers in 2009 decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis (5 grams or less) and other substances. Last month, Canada began licensing the retail production and sale of cannabis to those 18 years and older.

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: Court, Down, marijuana, Mexico, Strikes, Supreme | Leave a comment

NORML Chapter Newsletter

Posted on November 2, 2018 by ushempmuseum

Everyday NORML Chapters from around the country invest countless hours in advocating for meaningful marijuana law reforms on the local, state and federal level! Below is a brief rundown of some of their most recent accomplishments.

Arizona NORML’s Candidate Report Card Takes Center Stage Before Midterm Elections

“The latest poll conducted on cannabis legalization in Arizona indicates 63 percent of Arizonans support adult-use cannabis legalization, according to OH Predictive Insights in February. This is way up from 2016, when an Arizona Republic poll showed just 50 percent of voters in favor of legalization.”

Missouri: Not All Medical Marijuana Efforts are Created Equal #YesOn2

Posted on November 1, 2018 by ushempmuseum

NORML Recommends:
YES on Amendment 2
NO on Amendment 3
NO on Proposition C

Voters this November have the opportunity to make Missouri the 32nd state to allow for the physician-recommended use of marijuana, and based on the latest polling data, they will likely do so.

Therefore, the important question before voters is no longer if the Show-Me State should legalize medical cannabis access, but how Missouri will do so.

That is because not one, not two, but three medical marijuana measures (two constitutional amendments and one statutory measure) will appear on the ballot on Election Day. But not all of these measures are created equal, and it will be up to voters to decide which one of these three is ultimately in the best interest of Missouri’s patients.

On Election Day, NORML urges voters to stand with New Approach Missouri and vote “yes” for Amendment 2. Quite simply, Amendment 2 — unlike its competitors — puts the interests of patients first.

Amendment 2 will let doctors — not legislators or bureaucrats — decide if marijuana is the appropriate option for their patients. Every day, we entrust physicians to use their discretion with regard to assisting their patients in making the right decisions. Amendment 2 upholds the sanctity of the patient-doctor relationship and leaves these important medical treatment decisions up to those who know best: Missouri’s practicing physicians.

While a competing effort, Amendment 3, proposes the highest tax rate in the nation for medical cannabis products sold at retail (15%), Amendment 2 would set one of the lowest. The revenue raised by the retail sale of medical cannabis will go directly to the Missourian Veterans’ Health and Care Fund and will be used to help provide those in the state who put their lives on the line with necessary health services.

While much has been written about the obvious flaws of the competing constitutional amendment, Amendment 3, these criticisms are worth repeating. While Amendment 2 is supported by a diverse coalition of patient advocates, Amendment 3 was funded entirely by one person, who drafted his amendment for his own personal benefit. It also puts this same funder largely in charge of overseeing the state’s medical marijuana program. This is hardly in the best interest of Missouri patients.

Amendment 2, on the other hand, places the program’s oversight in the hands of the Missouri Department of Health. It also creates a robust statewide system for production and distribution of medical cannabis, with strict deadlines in place to ensure that qualified patients do not have to unduly wait for dispensaries to become operational.

Finally, and most importantly, Amendment 2 is a constitutional amendment, which makes it more resilient to legislative tampering and intervention. By contrast, lawmakers can choose to amend Proposition C largely at their discretion, regardless of what voters decide.

If you read each of these proposals closely, one clear choice emerges. Amendment 2 creates a broad and patient-centric program that is designed to be implemented in a timely manner and withstand any legislative challenges along the way. The other two can’t say the same. Not all ballot measures are created equal and that is why we encourage all voters to support the superior one this Election Day. Vote YES on Amendment 2. Vote No on Amendment 3 and Prop C.

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: #YesOn2, Created, Efforts, Equal, marijuana, medical, Missouri | Leave a comment

David Crosby Stars in Radio Ads for North Dakota Measure 3

Posted on November 1, 2018 by ushempmuseum

Music legend David Crosby is the star of a new radio advertising campaign in support of Measure 3. The radio ad will be premiering on Thursday, November 1st in markets around the state and will run through Election Day. David Crosby is a musician, songwriter, author, and activist who was the founding member of two of the most iconic rock bands, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and The Byrds. He also serves on the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws’ Advisory Board.

In the ad, Crosby says: “Hi, I’m David Crosby. You may know me for my music, but today I’m here to talk to you about marijuana. This election, North Dakota has the chance to take a new, sensible approach to marijuana by approving Measure 3. Measure 3 would end the arrest of adults in North Dakota for marijuana, letting the police focus their resources on violent crime. It would remain illegal for minors, but we wouldn’t be spending any more your tax dollars needlessly locking up our fellow citizens for possessing a plant that is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco. Let’s end adult marijuana arrests and respect individual freedom. Vote Yes on Measure 3 on November 6th.”

Commenting on the ad’s launch, Crosby stated: “I feel a responsibility to stick up for those people who have been punished as a result of this oppressive and senseless policy. I believe that people should not be arrested or go to jail for the responsible use of a substance that is objectively safer than alcohol, tobacco, or most prescription drugs. I’ve looked at the success of states like Colorado and Oregon that have elected to move in a different direction. That is why I’m proud to support Measure 3 and encourage all North Dakotans to vote Yes on November 6th.”

The Legalize ND campaign was enthusiastic to receive Crosby’s support. Campaign spokesman Cole Haymond commented: Legalize ND is humbled and honored to have the support from David Crosby. A voice like his will surely turn some heads as we quickly approach the election. Measure 3 supporters are fully energized and ready to turn out to vote.

The initial ad buy covers Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot media markets including KLXX, KBYZ, KQHT, KCJB, and KZPR.

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: Crosby, Dakota, David, Measure, North, Radio, Stars | Leave a comment

Beware of this frightful marijuana menace!

Posted on October 31, 2018 by ushempmuseum

It’s time exorcise this demon!

It’s not the myth of “marijuana-laced candy,” devilish ghouls, or vampire bats that are terrifying Americans this Halloween. It’s Jeff Sessions.

This monster wants to lock up law abiding citizens who choose to responsibly consume marijuana. This fiendish freak shrieks “good people don’t smoke marijuana.” This reefer madness zombie believes marijuana has no medical use and is as dangerous as heroin. And, this Department of Justice demon thinks marijuana is fueling the opioid epidemic, not helping to save lives.

While you’re enjoying your trick-or-treat haul, burn a few calories by standing up to this goblin. Tell Congress to cast a spell to stop Jeff Sessions.

The trick’s on Sessions. Today, one in five Americans live where the adult-use of marijuana is legal, the majority of citizens live where medical marijuana is legal, and over 66% now believe that marijuana should be legal.

Hanging garlic around your neck can’t protect you from Jeff Sessions. Help NORML exorcise prohibitionists like him. It’s time to drape the death shroud on prohibition.

Happy Halloween!
The NORML Team

P.S. Our efforts are supported by thousands of mere mortals throughout the country as we work to advance marijuana reform in all 50 states and the federal level. Can you kick in $ 5, $ 10, or $ 20 a month to help nail the coffin shut on prohibition?

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: Beware, frightful, marijuana, menace, This | Leave a comment

NORML at the University of Utah Hosts Proposition 2 Panel Discussion

Posted on October 30, 2018 by ushempmuseum

Members of the newly established NORML at the University of Utah hosted a panel discussion on the current state of marijuana law reform efforts in Utah, which included Proposition 2, as well as the negative impacts marijuana prohibition has had on Utahns. Panelists included Salt Lake County District Attorney, Sim Gill, as well as Alex Iorg who is the campaign manager for Utah Patients Coalition, the group sponsoring proposition 2, and Tom Pasket, policy director for TRUCE (Together for Responsible Use and Cannabis Education), a well known medical cannabis advocacy group in Utah.

Panelists discussed the potential fate of Proposition 2 and highlighted the compromise that was recently reached between proponents of Proposition 2, opposition groups, and the state legislature. Unfortunately the new compromise has many proponents on edge as some feel their vote will no longer matter if state lawmakers can simply adopt a more restrictive program using the legislative process. Throughout the discussion, Mr. Gill, who believes Proposition 2 is “an indictment of the failure of the Legislature to listen to its citizens,” stressed his support and even urged those in attendance to support the ballot proposal on November 6th. Others in attendance shared this sentiment and encouraged voters to hold Utah state lawmakers accountable by voting YES on Proposition 2.

Panelists also explored some of the legal implications of the ongoing conflict between state-sanctioned marijuana programs and federal law. Some leading public officials in Utah have warned that marijuana remains illegal under federal law and that it is the job of law enforcement to make that clear. However, several panelists thoroughly unpacked the CJS amendment highlighting how federal law has actually been amended every year since 2014 to prevent the Department of Justice from going after state-sanctioned marijuana programs. When asked about the 6,000 marijuana arrests in Utah and how possession cases are handled, our panelists agreed that the criminal penalties for marijuana in Utah are too punitive and would like to see reform in that area as well.

Our goal by hosting this panel discussion was to bring education to Utahns about the current state of marijuana reform efforts in Utah, as well as other avenues of reform such as decriminalization. In the future, we hope to host similar events in order to deconstruct the reefer madness rhetoric and advocate for the liberalization of marijuana laws in our state.

To learn more about marijuana law reform efforts in Utah, follow NORML at the University of Utah on Facebook and visit our website today!

NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Categories: Hemp History | Tags: Discussion, Hosts, NORML, panel, Proposition, University, Utah | Leave a comment

Congress’ Leading Marijuana Prohibitionist Trails In Latest Poll

NORML Submits 10,000+ Written Comments to the FDA for the Reconsideration of International Marijuana Prohibition

Weekly Legislative Roundup 11/2/18

Here Are the Ohio Cities Voting on Marijuana This Tuesday November 6th

Mexico: Supreme Court Strikes Down Marijuana Ban

Missouri: Not All Medical Marijuana Efforts are Created Equal #YesOn2

David Crosby Stars in Radio Ads for North Dakota Measure 3

Beware of this frightful marijuana menace!

NORML at the University of Utah Hosts Proposition 2 Panel Discussion

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