Two Democrats competing in a primary race to become the next governor of Florida are warring over who supports marijuana legalization more. U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL), who previously served as the Republican governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011 before entering Congress as a Democrat, put out a justice plan on Thursday touting his commitment to push “for the full legalization of marijuana for adults, which already exists in nearly 20 states.” His competitor in the gubernatorial primary, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, was quick to push back, effectively asserting that Crist was following her lead and accusing him of prior inaction on the issue and backing legalization only after it became politically popular. “Imitation is flattery, but records are records. People went to jail because Republicans like [Crist] supported and enforced racist marijuana crime bills,” she wrote on Twitter. “Glad he’s changed his mind, but none of those people get those years back.”

Marijuana Moment, Marijuana Moment, 10/14/2021 08:30:00

Open article: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/mississippi-governor-stalling-medical-marijuana-special-session-with-unreasonable-demands-lawmakers-say/

Two Democrats competing in a primary race to become the next governor of Florida are warring over who supports marijuana legalization more. U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL), who previously served as the Republican governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011 before entering Congress as a Democrat, put out a justice plan on Thursday touting his commitment to push “for the full legalization of marijuana for adults, which already exists in nearly 20 states.” His competitor in the gubernatorial primary, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, was quick to push back, effectively asserting that Crist was following her lead and accusing him of prior inaction on the issue and backing legalization only after it became politically popular. “Imitation is flattery, but records are records. People went to jail because Republicans like [Crist] supported and enforced racist marijuana crime bills,” she wrote on Twitter. “Glad he’s changed his mind, but none of those people get those years back.” Samantha Ramirez, press secretary for Crist’s campaign, pushed back on Fried’s tweet. “It’s unfortunate that the commissioner is attacking fellow Democrats,” she told Marijuana Moment. “Charlie is laser-focused on the real opponent—Governor DeSantis and his extreme anti-democracy, soft on COVID agenda. As Congressman, Charlie has been proud to support pro-marijuana policy for years. As governor he’ll build on that track record, creating a Florida that works for all Floridians.”

Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 10/14/2021 15:42:00

Open article: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/florida-democratic-candidates-for-governor-fight-over-who-supports-marijuana-reform-the-most/

The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has rejected a request to hear a case on the legality of establishing safe injection sites where people can use illicit drugs in a medically supervised environment. The justices announced on Tuesday that they decided against taking up the case raised by the nonprofit Safehouse, despite the pleas of attorneys general from 10 states and D.C. who recently filed amici briefs urging the court’s involvement. Representatives from 14 cities and counties, as well as the mayor of Philadelphia, which is at the center of the current case, also filed briefs in support of the case in recent days. The safehouse was set to launch a safe consumption site in Philadelphia before being blocked by a legal challenge from the Trump administration. It filed a petition with the nation’s highest court in August to hear the case. But while the Supreme Court declined to take action—and the Biden administration passed up its voluntary opportunity to weigh in at this stage, which may well have influenced the justices’ decision—activists say the battle will continue at a lower federal court level, where the administration will have to file briefs revealing its position on the issue.

Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 10/14/2021 17:03:00

Open article: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/supreme-court-wont-hear-case-on-legalizing-safe-drug-consumption-sites-but-activists-are-undeterred/

Minnesota has one of the most restrictive medical marijuana programs in the United States. Up until now, options for medical pot were limited and expensive. According to MPR the bill that allows medical marijuana users a cheaper alternative to liquid, oil and pills passed both the State House and Senate in May. Governor Walz is expected to sign this much-needed bill soon. The cost of the previously limited forms of medical marijuana has limited access to many patients in the program that need it. Smokable, dry herb, flower or whatever you want to call it, is a less cost-prohibitive option. “This is by far the most important change since we originally got this law passed,” said Patrick McClellan, a medical cannabis activist and patient from Bloomington. He uses cannabis to treat a rare form of muscular dystrophy, but the cost of liquid cannabis has been a barrier, McClellan said. “What we ended up with is basically a designer drug for the rich. This was only for people that could afford it,” he said. “Most people like me, who are on disability, were forced then to purchase some from the manufacturers and then products that have been smuggled in from other states that we purchase on the street.”

Mmp News Author, Medical Marijuana Program Connection, 10/14/2021 23:27:00

Open article: https://mmpconnect.com/minnesota-gives-smokable-medical-marijuana-the-green-light/