Arizona generated more tax revenue to the state general fund from legal marijuana sales than from tobacco and alcohol combined last month, state data released last week shows. Tax deposits to the state general fund from medical and adult-use cannabis reached about $6.3 million in March, compared to $1.7 million from tobacco and $3.7 million from alcohol sales, according to the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC). Beyond that $6.3 million in cannabis tax dollars for the general fund, marijuana excise taxes separately exceeded another $11.9 million last month, for a total of $18.2 million in marijuana revenue—most of which goes to the state, with smaller portions being distributed to cities and counties. Advocates and stakeholders are touting the March figures. Not only do they underscore the economic opportunity of legalization, but the hope is that providing regulated access to cannabis means fewer people will use more dangerous drugs like alcohol and tobacco. To that end, alcohol tax revenue did fall short of JLBC’s projections by $1.4 million, but the analysis did not attempt to provide an explanation or suggest that a substitution effect was in play. The report also notes that the state separately collected $149.7 million in marijuana tax revenue so far this fiscal year.

Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 04/25/2022 09:23:00

Open article: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/arizona-collected-more-tax-revenue-from-marijuana-than-alcohol-and-tobacco-combined-march-data-shows/

Early voting kicked off in Austin, Texas on Monday, giving voters a chance to decide on a local initiative to decriminalize marijuana and ban “no-knock” warrants by police. The Austin City Council approved a resolution to put the reform measure on the local ballot after activists with Ground Game Texas turned in enough signatures to qualify the initiative in January. Now the proposal is officially in voters’ hands, with in-person early voting open until May 3. For those who don’t take advantage of that option, Election Day is on May 7. Here’s the text that voters will see on the ballot for Proposition A:  “Shall an initiative ordinance be approved to (1) eliminate enforcement of low-level marijuana offenses and (2) ban the use of “no-knock” warrants by Austin police?” Activists turned in more than 33,000 signatures for the measure—about 10,000 more than required to qualify. On the same day that the initiative was certified, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said that he doesn’t believe people should be incarcerated over low-level marijuana possession. While Austin, as well as other Texas cities like Dallas, have already independently enacted law enforcement policy changes aimed at reducing arrests for cannabis-related offenses by issuing citations and summons, the ordinance would go a step further.

Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 04/25/2022 08:06:00

Open article: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/austin-texas-voters-can-officially-start-voting-on-local-marijuana-decriminalization-ballot-initiative/

The Alabama Democratic Party has launched a “Free Weed” website to support its effort to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the state. The site, www.FreeWeedAL.com, argues that prosecutions for small amounts of cannabis are a waste of criminal justice resources and have disproportionately affected communities of color. The party argued legalizing marijuana could also bring economic benefits to the state. “Alabama’s Republican politicians seem hellbent on wasting money criminalizing ordinary people, ruining lives in the process,” state Rep. Chris England, chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, said in a statement. He added that “criminalizing cannabis doesn’t make us safer.” The site is a mix of policy advocacy and promotion for the state Democratic Party and its candidates this year. It includes statistics about marijuana prosecutions as well as links to donate to the state party, register to vote and to volunteer to help candidates. It also has “Free Weed” t-shirts and other merchandise for sale. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl called the site “a stunt.” “The Alabama Republican Party supports traditional family values. It’s important to us that our society and our families stay safe, strong, and healthy.

The Washington Times Https, Washington Times – Politics, Breaking News, US and World News, 04/22/2022 20:00:00

Open article: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/apr/23/democrats-start-free-weed-site-for-marijuana-legal

California Senate Committee gave the green light to a bill that restores voter-created access to medicinal cannabis by requiring cities to provide patients access to purchase medicinal cannabis via delivery. According to a press release, Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) Senate Bill 1186 passed the Senate Governance and Finance Committee by a vote of 4-1 last week. Sponsored by the California Cannabis Industry Association and supported by California NORML, the measure is now heading to the Senate Appropriations Committee for review. “Medical cannabis is life-saving for so many people, and it’s not acceptable for 62% of California cities to ban people from actually purchasing it,” Sen. Wiener said. “Everyone needs and deserves access as guaranteed by California voters who passed Prop 215 almost 30 years ago. When cities ban purchasing medical cannabis, it denies access and fuels the illegal market. SB 1186 restores medical cannabis access for those who need it.” The bill restores access to medical cannabis for those who have cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, arthritis, neurodegenerative disorders, and numerous other illnesses. It requires cities to allow medical cannabis access. Cities also must authorize medical cannabis delivery as a minimum.

Benzinga Staff Writer, The Fresh Toast, 04/25/2022 11:00:00

Open article: https://thefreshtoast.com/news/california-senate-green-lights-bill-to-stop-cities-from-banning-medical-marijuana-delivery/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=california-senate-green-lights-bill-to-stop-cities-from-banning-medical-marijuana-delivery