Unfortunately, it looks like Mexico may leave hemp out of the cannabis law bill. That is right folks, after much discussion, lobbying and attempts to educate the government on cannabis legalization in Mexico (yes, we have also made our small contributions), the Mexican Senate seems more focused on creating the appearance that it will go after drug cartels, and protect non-marijuana smokers’ rights, than creating an actual industry. The most recent example of this posture is by leaving hemp out of the discussion. We have been monitoring the cannabis legalization process in Mexico very closely for years. Last June we reported that the Cannabis Law bill had been stalled, for no apparent reason. Eventually, the Supreme Court had to convince the legislative power of the urgency to regulate cannabis production and distribution. Now, finally, after months of inactivity, the Senate claims to be discussing the Cannabis Law bill again, but not as we remember it. Per reports filtered out to the media, the senators are discussing a new bill (in tandem with amendments to the General Health Law), aimed at providing that an individual can carry up to 28g of marijuana for personal use.

Canna Law Blog™, 03/19/2022 10:03:00

Open article: https://harrisbricken.com/cannalawblog/will-mexico-drop-hemp-from-the-cannabis-law-bill/

A state Senate panel that took the unprecedented step in Pennsylvania of exploring the issue of legalizing recreational marijuana wrapped up its series of hearings last week amid complaints that it heard only one side of the issue. Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, said the issue represents a huge policy shift that deserves more vetting, including input from drug and alcohol professionals, chiefs of police, and representatives from the business community. “These hearings have been extensive,” Ms. Ward said at the conclusion of the Senate Law and Justice Committee hearing March 14. “But it only presented one side of the argument. There are many stakeholders who want and quite frankly deserve” to be heard. Committee Chairman Mike Regan, R-Cumberland/York, said no written testimony was turned away and all will be shared with committee members. But he added the hearings were intended to hear expert testimony that addressed certain questions he and other members had about what should be included in the bill and learn about best practices of the 18 states that have legalized adult-use cannabis. Mr. Regan has circulated a co-sponsor memo for a state Senate bill that would allow marijuana use by adults 21 and older.

420 Intel – Marijuana Industry News, 03/20/2022 20:00:00

Open article: https://420intel.com/articles/2022/03/21/pa-senate-panel-exploring-recreational-cannabis-legalization-criticized-not

Whole-plant products would be allowed under the measure, but patients would be required to vape them. A bill to legalize medical marijuana is headed to the Kentucky Senate, after the House of Representatives passed it on Thursday, Marijuana Moment reported. Sponsored by Rep. Jason Nemes (R), the measure was approved in a 59-34 vote just a week after the Kentucky House Judiciary Committee gave it the green light. A similar version of the bill did not pass the Senate in 2020 even though it soundly passed in the House. Nemes then reintroduced the legislation for the 2021 session, which also didn’t advance further. “This is Kentucky grown, Kentucky processed, Kentucky tested,” Nemes said ahead of the vote. “Grown by Kentucky farmers on Kentucky land with Kentucky seeds for our Kentucky brothers and sisters and the Kentucky patients from across the Commonwealth.” For months, the lawmaker worked to build support for the measure, which recently earned the endorsement of Senate Judiciary Chairman Whitney Westerfield (R), who said earlier she will support the House bill, despite her personal reservations regarding the marijuana reform.

420 Intel – Marijuana Industry News, 03/20/2022 20:00:00

Open article: https://420intel.com/articles/2022/03/21/kentucky-marijuana-legalization-bill-heads-senate-after-house-vote