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New Mexico is Second State to Follow New York to legalize Marijuana in 24 hours. Earlier on Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a legalization bill into Law. Virginia to Follow.

 

 

New Mexico is the second state to vote to Marijuana in 24 hours. Earlier on Wednesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a legalization bill

New Mexico’s legalization legislation includes a several measures focused on equity and restorative justice, including the automatic expungement of criminal records of those arrested for low-level offenses. Advocates are also pleased with how the bill requires the state to promote diversity in the marketplace, as well as with how it takes into account the state’s complex history.

The Cannabis Regulation Act allows for the possessions of up to two ounces of cannabis for adults 21 and over, permits the home cultivation of up to six plants, and, unlike New York’s legislation, prevents local governments from opting out of retail sales. Legal retail sales are schedule to begin in New Mexico on April 1st, 2022.

New York becoming the 15th state to legalize for recreational use and New Mexico voting to become the 16th isn’t the only legalization news from Wednesday.

                                     Eastern USA Picks Up Pace with Wacky Wild West

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced that he is proposing changes to legislation passed earlier this year that would rapidly accelerate the timeline for the state to legalize recreational cannabis.

If the changes are adopted, cannabis will be legal in the state by July 1st. Under the legislation passed earlier this year, it wouldn’t happen until 2024.

“Our Commonwealth is committed to legalizing marijuana in an equitable way,” Northam said in a press release.

“Virginia will become the 17th state to legalize marijuana — and these changes will ensure we do it with a focus on public safety, public health, and social justice.“

Virginia to become 17th state to legalize marijuana.

State legalization is expanding so fast that Northam’s release is already out of date.

If Virginia does indeed legalize cannabis this summer, it will now be the 17th state to do so.

Lawmakers will consider the amendments he proposed next week.

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Cuomo said Lawmakers are “inches” away from reaching a final deal on a bill to legalize marijuana to boost economy amid the health crisis.

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said on Wednesday that he and lawmakers are “inches” away from reaching a final deal on a bill to legalize marijuana, adding that enacting the reform is a “priority” this year to make the state the most progressive in the nation.

Legislative leaders have signaled that they’re agreed to compromises with the governor on most significant issues, but they’re still working the legislation to resolve differences in “shall” versus “may” language on some provisions, make additional small technical changes and address issues such as technology to detect impaired driving. “I believe New York is the progressive capital of the nation—not just because we say it is but because we perform that way. And legalizing cannabis is this year’s priority to be the progressive capital of the nation,” Cuomo said in a briefing with reporters. “We won’t be the first, but our program will be the best.”     But in order to assume that title, there needs to be a deal.

The governor said negotiations are “close, but we’ve been close three times before.” “If we were playing horseshoes, we’d be in good shape. But this is not horseshoes. You either get it done and sign a bill or you don’t,” he said, adding that the reality is that surrounding states like New Jersey and Massachusetts have already moved to enact the policy change.

“We have passed the point of legalized cannabis,” the governor said. “To say we’re going to stop it is not an option. It is here. The only question is do we regulate it here, do we gather the revenue here or do we have people driving to New Jersey—it is right there—or to Massachusetts if you’re in the northern part of the state.” He said “this year we have to get it done, and getting it done by the time the budget is passed is essential.” “This is getting it over the goal line,” Cuomo said. “And those last few inches are tend to be the toughest, but that’s a top priority.” Legislators in both chambers have been actively working to forge a compromise on outstanding differences this week, holding virtual meetings as they finalize the language. If bill text is posted on Wednesday, the legislature could vote on it as early as Saturday.

Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D), sponsor of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) told The Buffalo News that the deal is “down to the word ‘may’ or ‘shall’ and commas or periods.” But there are also some more substantive issues at play, such as how to address impaired driving. While some members suggested that police should be allowed to use devices that companies claim can detect THC impairment, other have argued that the evidence is not there yet. Lawmakers reportedly agreed to include language requiring the state Health Department to study on saliva-based marijuana field tests, and once they determine the technology works, police would be allowed to utilize it without further legislation. Another tentative deal would make it so driving while impaired from cannabis would be a violation, rather than a misdemeanor.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D) said on Tuesday that the legislature is “really, really, really close on marijuana” following negotiations with executive staff office over recent weeks. “We have gotten past the impasse of the impaired driving.” Lawmakers might have a “conceptual agreement” on legalization, as a New York Post reporter framed it, but they are also still working out differences on cannabis tax revenue distribution, licensing and packaging requirements. With respect to revenue, debate is centering on how to allocate those tax dollars for education.

Senate Finance Chairwoman Liz Krueger (D), sponsor of the Senate companion version of the MRTA, said that they agreed-upon legislation will “ensure 50 percent equity of all licenses go to these communities and the money that is eventually collected in revenue will also be primarily focused on benefitting these communities,” adding “we’re pretty excited about this whole thing.” A spokesperson for Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D) said on Tuesday that they were “discussing it with our members today and hopefully they can come to a deal.” Legislators also signaled last week that Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) had ceded to them on two other key components: one to allow adults to cultivate cannabis for personal use and another concerning how to allocate marijuana tax revenue for social equity purposes.

The legislature has also made clear that, despite the governor’s prior longstanding push to pass legalization through the budget, the issue will be handled as a standalone bill outside of that process. Stewart-Cousins confirmed on Tuesday that that’s still the plan. Krueger said last week that she’s “feeling that there is impetus to get this done as quickly as possible, and I am prepared to do everything in my power to close this out, get this bill to both floors and get it signed by the governor.” There’s been speculation that the growing number of sexual harassment allegations against the governor—in addition to controversy over the state’s handling of nursing home COVID-19 death data—would leave him with less political clout to negotiate on behalf of his proposal over that of the lawmakers. Krueger said that “you can’t ignore the fact that there was an interest in getting the marijuana bill done” on the governor’s end as these allegations were raised. “That seemed to pop up at around the same time.” However, she caveated, “pick a day and another shoe was dropping for the Cuomo administration.”

Public defender and activist Eli Northrup previously said that he’s heard from sources that Cuomo was pushing to have the legislation make it so police could continue to justify stops and searches based on the odor of cannabis alone, regardless of its legalization. Advocates strongly oppose that policy—and while it remains to be seen whether it will be included in the forthcoming bill, Scott Hechinger, a senior attorney with the Brooklyn Defender Services, said signs indicate that the pushback to that proposal was being felt by negotiations working on the cannabis legislation. “We’ve been working on a marijuana bill. I’ve had a number of conversations with members,” the governor said last week. “We’ve been making good progress.” Peoples-Stokes (D), the Assembly sponsor of MRTA, said earlier this month that talks “are really good and really fruitful and I’m really encouraged.” In fact, “I’ve never felt this encouraged before.” That’s despite her saying just days earlier that talks with the governor’s office over the legalization legislation had become heated to the point of screaming.

A state budget spokesperson said that the “administration is working with all parties to pass a comprehensive regulatory structure for adult-use cannabis that prioritizes social equity, social justice, economic development, and the public health and safety of all New Yorkers.” Cuomo proposed amendments to his legislation last month that he hoped would address certain concerns from lawmakers and advocates. The changes primarily concern that issues such as social equity funding and criminal penalties for underage marijuana possession. Another factor working against Cuomo is that Democrats now have supermajority control over the legislature, which could empower them to override a potential veto if they were to pass the MRTA against the governor’s wishes. New York lawmakers last month held the first public hearing of the year on proposals to legalize cannabis, specifically focusing on budget implications. Legislators heard testimony during the joint session from two pro-legalization industry representatives and one opponent. Despite their ideological differences when it comes to legalization in general, all three panelists were critical of Cuomo’s reform proposal. The two reform advocates said they would prefer to advance the MRTA over his legislation.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D)—who would become governor is Cuomo were to resign or be impeached—told Marijuana Moment in a January interview that there would be room for revisions to the current governor’s plan, stating that “much of it is going to be negotiated with the legislature, and all these details can be resolved with their input as well.” Cuomo said that the changes in his bill reflect “the conversations we’ve had, but I’m hopeful that we can come to an agreement and we can get it done. He added that he believes, “because I’ve seen this movie before, “if we don’t get it done by April 1, we won’t get it done.”

This is the third year in a row that Cuomo has included a legalization proposal in his budget plan. The last two times, negotiations with the legislature stalled amid disagreements over certain components such as the tax structure for the market and funding for social equity programs. Regardless of which direction the legislature ultimately goes on this issue, there’s growing recognition in the state that legalization is an inevitability.

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The top Republican in the New York Assembly said in December that he expects the legislature to legalize cannabis this session. Stewart-Cousins said in November that she also anticipates that the reform will advance in 2021, though she noted that lawmakers will still have to decide on how tax revenue from marijuana sales is distributed. Cuomo also said that month that the “pressure will be on” to legalize cannabis in the state and lawmakers will approve it “this year” to boost the economy amid the health crisis.

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House Reintroduces SAFE Banking Act To Normalize Cannabis Commerce

In a letter to several members of the House Financial Services Committee today, the American Bankers Association expressed support for the SAFE Banking Act of 2021, which would provide a safe harbor for depository institutions seeking to serve legitimate cannabis-related businesses in states where such activity is legal.

On Thursday, The United States House of Representatives reintroduced a critical cannabis banking bill. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), and Warren Davidson (R-OH) brought the SAFE banking act back to the House along with the support of over 100 additional cosponsors. The bill, which is expected to effortlessly advance, previously passed the house in 2019 and 2020 but was squashed by the Republican-controlled senate. However, now that Democrats control both the White House and Senate, the bill has a real chance of passing.

What Is The SAFE Banking Act? The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act would allow legitimate cannabis businesses acting within the confines of the law access to the same banking services as other companies. Currently, despite the industry generating millions of dollars in tax revenue, cannabis entrepreneurs are seen more like criminals in the in the eyes of major financial institutions. Not only are cannabis operations effectively barred from traditional lending, but it’s also nearly impossible for these businesses to legally open a bank account. As a result, dispensaries and other cannabis businesses are obligated to deal primarily in cash-only transactions, making them prime targets for criminals. According to Representative Perlmutter, “Thousands of employees and businesses across this country have been forced to deal in piles of cash for far too long. It is the responsibility of Congress to step up and take action to align federal and state laws for the safety of our constituents and communities.” The bill remains largely the same as it was in 2019 and 2020, but with added language that explicitly includes hemp and hemp-derived CBD related businesses, which still struggle in accessing financial services despite the legalization of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill. The current version of the bill has been updated slightly to include minor technical changes to the safe harbor, strengthened hemp provisions, and other technical updates.

The SAFE Banking Act’s Path Forward In 2019, The SAFE Banking Act was introduced as a stand-alone bill. Despite overwhelmingly passing the House, it would never see the Senate floor. A year later, House Democrats attempted to embed the bill in part of their larger Coronavirus relief package, pointing out the inherent dangers of operating an “essential business” in a cash-only capacity during the height of a catastrophic pandemic.

After considerable criticism from Republicans, the House eventually dropped the SAFE Banking Act from the relief bill’s final draft. Perlmutter harkened back to this subject in his Thursday address, saying, “In many states, the industry was deemed essential yet forced to continue to operate in all cash, adding a significant public health risk for businesses and their workers. As we begin our economic recovery, allowing cannabis businesses to access the banking system would also mean an influx of cash into the economy and the opportunity to create good-paying jobs.”

The Senate is expected to introduce its own version of the bill this week. For the last two years, this is where the SAFE Banking Act has predominantly run into challenges. However, this time around, the Senate has a more favorable makeup—split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats, with Vice President Kamala Harris acting as the tiebreaker. Perlmutter remains optimistic the bill will make it all the way to President Biden’s desk. He said, “I think this is going to get a full legislative review, and we’re going to get a good product, a good piece of legislation, and send it to the White House.”

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Cannabis Products Used To Promote Sleep sees 7 X INCREASE Since Pandemic Began

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, California shopping and delivery platforms have found a staggering 690% increase in revenue for cannabis products marketed to support sleep, while the same companies saw 100% year-over-year growth.

Additionally, most companies saw a 275% increase in revenue on 4/20     

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the largest day for cannabis delivery sales and a 200% increase in revenue on Cyber Monday, the second-largest day for delivery sales.

Ganja Goddess CEO Zachary Pitts said during the pandemic, delivery “became a vital force in the industry.”

Throughout the U.S., both medical and recreational cannabis were considered essential services but were subject to in-person sales restrictions and forced to shift to delivery or curbside pickup.

The company also reported a 53% increase in conversion rates, outperforming the average e-commerce conversion rate of 1-2% by more than 350%.

Other, broader, consumer shifts have occurred since the declaration of the pandemic last March, including one survey by Harris Poll, conducted on behalf of cannabis company Curaleaf, which found 45% of respondents had reduced or replaced their alcohol consumption with cannabis since the start of the pandemic.

  

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The Florida House released a bill yesterday that would impose 10% THC cap on Medical Marijuana flower, a 60% cap on everything else.

Brought to you by “Florida For Care”

No, that’s not a joke. The Florida House released a bill yesterday that would impose exactly those arbitrary THC on Florida patients.

Sign our petition to tell Tallahassee politicians: say “No” to THC caps, and “No” to taxing already suffering Florida patients.

It is nothing but a GIANT tax on patients. Think about it:

They want to cap flower at 10%, right? Most flower in FL MMTCs is somewhere between 15% and 25%. A cap as proposed could more than double the price of flower. 

And other products would be capped at 60% – when your average vape cart these days is often 85% or more. 

Prices are gonna skyrocket. People are gonna go to the black market. Florida’s nearly 500,000 patients are out in the cold. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. We are gonna fight like hell to beat these caps! 

Sign our petition to tell Tallahassee politicians: stand against THC caps, do not put a giant new tax on already suffering Florida patients. 

Thank you,

– Eric

Florida for Care

P.S. After you sign the petition, forward this to a fellow patient advocate and ask them to do the same!

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New Jersey weed legalization, governor signs laws to legalize marijuana use, decriminalize possession

Recreational weed is finally legal in New Jersey after years of failed legislative attempts. While the historic law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy Monday allows for the possession of up to six ounces of marijuana, it will take time for Garden State residents 21 and older to be able to legally purchase weed. Here’s a look into the state’s rollout of the law. When and where can I buy weed? Give it some time. The state still has to set up a marketplace and regulations for the new industry, which Murphy said could take months. Experts have told that legal sales could begin in early 2022. Purchases will initially be made at existing medical marijuana dispensaries, but only after they show they have enough dope for the nearly 100,000 patients in New Jersey.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which will oversee the industry, has six months to enact its rules and regulations before it’ll start accepting new licensees for recreational businesses. But a recent court ruling may help hasten the process — the state Department of Health may soon be able to dole out up to 24 new licenses to dispensaries, NJ.com said. However, the new law limits the number of licenses to grow pot to 37 in the first two years.

Where will I be able to smoke it?

It’s still prohibited to use pot in public settings. But the new law calls for the creation of “consumption lounges” where you can bring your own weed to enjoy.

So, will I get arrested if I’m caught with pot?

Effective immediately, those in the Garden State can carry up to 6 ounces without the threat of fines or arrest. Those under 21 are now subject to a series of written warnings — the first warning would go to themselves, the second to a parent and the third would involve a referral to a community program, such as drug education or treatment.

The new law also creates a way for pending cases involving marijuana offenses to be dismissed, and offers more protections when it comes to pot.

Police can no longer stop someone because they smell marijuana. They must also have body cameras turned on when interacting with young people and cannot detain them beyond issuing a warning.

Where else is recreational weed legal?

New Jersey joins 14 other states, as well as Guam and Washington, DC, in legalizing pot — Colorado, Arizona, South Dakota, Montana, Alaska, California, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

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