The governor of Mississippi is hinting he might veto a medical marijuana bill that lawmakers have been negotiating unless they sharply reduce the amount of cannabis it would allow patients to purchase. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that he feels that 3.5 grams per day per patient is too much, and the legislature should “simply cut that amount in half to start the program” and reassess after several years if more is needed. The governor’s demand is the latest headache for legislators as they try to enact a medical cannabis program in line with what voters approved in 2020 before the state’s highest court’s invalidated the initiative for procedural reasons. “I’ve repeatedly told the members of the Legislature that I am willing to sign a bill that is truly medical marijuana,” Reeves wrote. “One that has reasonable restrictions to ensure that it doesn’t have an adverse effect on Mississippi’s economy.

Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 12/28/2021 13:27:00

Open article: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/mississippi-governor-suggests-hell-veto-medical-marijuana-bill-if-lawmakers-dont-reduce-purchase-limit/

The governor of Wisconsin announced on Tuesday that he granted 30 pardons, primarily to people convicted of non-violent marijuana or other drug offenses. This raises the total number of pardons issued so far by Gov. Tony Evers (D) to 337 during his first three years in office, the most granted by a governor in the state’s history at this point into a first term. Advocates have been urging state and federal executives to exercise this type of authority, particularly for cannabis cases as more jurisdictions enact legalization. “I’m proud of our work to give a second chance to folks who’ve made amends and paid their debt to society,” Evers said in a press release. “These individuals have recognized and acknowledged their past mistakes, and this sends a powerful message of redemption as each of them work to build a brighter, better future for themselves and their communities.” Of the 30 cases pardoned on Tuesday, 21 of them were related to the sale or possession of a controlled substance. “Matthew Callaway was in his late teens when he sold marijuana to an officer 16 years ago,” a description of one case says. “He resides in Colorado, where he aspires to become a firefighter.” “Leon Howard was 19 years old when officers found marijuana at his residence,” another says. “Living in Milwaukee, he has supported his neighborhood by organizing back-to-school block parties and street clean-ups on top of working two jobs.” Receiving a pardon doesn’t mean that a person’s record is expunged under Wisconsin law. Rather, it’s an official act of forgiveness that restores rights like being able to serve on a jury, hold public office, or receive certain professional licenses. People can apply for clemency, and they’re eligible for pardons if it’s been at least five years since they completed their sentence, with no other pending criminal charges.

Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 12/28/2021 11:16:00

Open article: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/wisconsin-governor-grants-marijuana-and-drug-related-pardons-setting-state-clemency-record/

New Hampshire lawmakers are getting ready for a busy legislative session when it comes to marijuana policy, with several legalization proposals being unveiled in recent days—including one from a key Republican committee chairman and other leaders. At least six measures to legalize cannabis for adult use have been pre-filed for 2022 in the Granite State. Three of those seeking to put the question of reform directly before voters on next year’s ballot. One of the more notable proposals that’s already received some pushback from advocates is being sponsored by Rep. Daryl Abbas (R), the chairman of the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety who has opposed past marijuana reform bills but says he’d be open to the policy change if it’s done “correctly” in his view. That legislation, HB 1598, would allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to four ounces of cannabis from state-run dispensaries operated by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission. Home cultivation would continue to be criminalized—one of the chief complaints from activists. Another concern for advocates is the lack of social equity provisions like expunging prior cannabis convictions. In fact, having a state or federal felony conviction related to a controlled substance disqualifies people from working in the industry under the bill. Gifting cannabis within the possession limit would be permitted under the bill, which is being co-sponsored by House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R). There would also be restrictions on public consumption and advertising.

Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 12/28/2021 08:39:00

Open article: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-hampshire-lawmakers-file-multiple-marijuana-legalization-bills-ahead-of-2022-session/

From accelerating the phasing-out of coal to wanting the German roads to be driven on by electric vehicles, the new German government promises a new age. Among the new and the soon-to-be-changing is the fact that the new government has pledged to legalize cannabis. The new coalition was sworn in just in time for Christmas and is already spreading cheer. Chancellor Angela Merkel will be replaced by the coalition, which is formed by the Green Party, the Liberal Free Democrats, and the Social Democrats. This means that the three will work together to govern the country in the coalition—for the first time ever. During weeks of meetings, the coalition had reached an agreement on legalizing the sale of recreational cannabis in licensed shops.  The coalition was signed on Dec. 7, 2021 in Berlin, Germany, according to Politico. Social Democrat Olad Scholz has since taken over the role of chancellor and will be leading Europe’s biggest economy with a “16-strong Cabinet” that is “gender-balanced—eight men and eight women, excluding Scholz himself.” The 16 Cabinet members include seven from the Social Democrats, five from the Green Party, and four from the Free Democrats.  Not only is this new government going to pay more attention to climate change, but they are also setting an example for the inclusivity of women, all while giving some of their people what they want: legalized cannabis. According to the BBC, the coalition wants “a fairer, more liberal Germany which makes tackling climate change a priority.”  Unfortunately, the voters are divided over the new government’s plans, shown by concerns about legalizing cannabis and preventing doctors from advertising abortion services. Other controversial plans from the coalition include reducing the legal age of voting from 18 to 16 as well as promoting immigration, making it easier to get German citizenship. 

Posted By, Cannabis Central, 12/29/2021 08:00:00

Open article: https://www.veriheal.com/blog/new-german-government-plans-to-legalize-recreational-cannabis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-german-government-plans-to-legalize-recreational-cannabis