The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Cannabis Control Division made the announcement Tuesday, saying the rules allow the division to continue streamlining the process for cannabis businesses to get licensed as the state moves toward recreational sales over the coming months. Under legislation passed earlier this year, the rules needed to be in place by Jan. 1. Sales are expected to start by April 1. More than 300 applications for licenses across all sectors of the cannabis industry have been submitted so far, according to the Cannabis Control Division. Each one is being reviewed.“Every day brings us closer to the first adult-use cannabis sales in New Mexico,” Division Director Kristen Thomson said, adding that “businesses and consumers can be confident that all necessary support and protection is in place to ensure a thriving cannabis industry in our state.” The rules that took effect Tuesday include final manufacturing requirements that replace emergency rules that were adopted in the fall to protect workers and improve workplace safety

Mmp News Author, Medical Marijuana Program Connection, 12/29/2021 02:11:00

Open article: https://mmpconnect.com/new-rules-now-in-effect-for-new-mexico-marijuana-industry/

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.

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/

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. One that has reasonable restrictions to ensure that it doesn’t disrupt Mississippi families. A program that helps those Mississippians who truly need it for an illness.”

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/

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.

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/