Law & Politics
Surgeon General Announces Review of Federal Drug Policies
The U.S. surgeon general is preparing a first-of-its-kind report “presenting the state of the science on substance use, addiction and health,” the federal government has announced. The report from Vivek Murthy, the nation’s top public health official, will “outline potential future direction” for drug policies and “educate, encourage and call upon all Americans to take action,” according to a […]
A Look Back at 2015; and Ahead to 2016
The end of the year is a natural time to review our progress advancing legalization over the past 12 months, and to look ahead to what we hope to achieve in the coming year. Looking Back at 2015 Compared to our recent dramatic electoral victories in 2012 and again in 2014, 2015 was a slow year. […]
Mexico’s Congress Announces Marijuana Legalization Debates in 2016
A leading Mexican lawmaker just announced that the country’s Congress will hold a series of debates on legalizing marijuana in the new year. “This will be an unprecedented year for Congress in terms of exchange of information, assessments and debate in which legislators and specialists participate,” Jesus Zambrano Grijalva, president of the Congress’s Permanent Committee, said […]
FDA Issues Marijuana Rescheduling Recommendation to DEA
Top federal health officials recently told the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) whether marijuana should be reclassified under federal law, a document obtained by Marijuana.com reveals, but it is not yet known what that recommendation entails. “DEA recently received the [Department of Health and Human Services] scientific and medical evaluations as well as a scheduling recommendation that HHS prepared in […]
U.S. Senators Press Federal Agencies on Medical Marijuana Research
A group of eight U.S. senators, led by Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, is demanding answers from key federal agencies about why the government hasn’t yet enacted policies to better facilitate scientific research into the medical benefits of marijuana. “There are currently numerous federal and state regulatory barriers to researching marijuana,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter on Monday. “This regulatory […]
Canada’s Prime Minister: Legal Marijuana Is About Health and Safety, Not Money
The new prime minister of Canada, who campaigned on legalizing marijuana, said Thursday that he wants the country to take the time it needs to get the details right and that it’s important for the government make its cannabis policy decisions for the right reasons. Ending prohibition “was never about a money maker. It was always about public health, […]
Delaware Receives Early Christmas Present: Marijuana Is Officially Decriminalized
Merry Christmas Delaware! Congratulations on your newest gift of marijuana decriminalization. As of 12 AM this morning, the personal possession of up to an ounce of pot will no longer be considered a criminal offense for those adults 21 or over in the Blue Diamond State – thanks to today’s implementation of House Bill 39. […]
Postal Service Enacts National Policy on Marijuana Advertisements
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is announcing a new national policy banning the mailing of publications that contain advertisements for marijuana. “It is unlawful to enter as mail…advertisements that seek or offer to buy or sell Schedule I controlled substances, including marijuana,” the policy reads. If USPS personnel identify mail containing such content, they […]
Congress Could Approve Marijuana Measures This Week
Current funding for the U.S. government runs out on Friday, and negotiators from both chambers of Congress are working out details of a spending deal to keep federal agencies operating through Fiscal Year 2016. The legislation could include several important provisions related to marijuana policy. The amendments in question would: * Prevent the Department of Justice and […]
Jeb Bush Supports Decriminalization But Calls Marijuana a ‘Gateway Drug’
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush announced a slight shift in his position on marijuana laws on Friday. “It’s one thing to say we should have decriminalization of marijuana. I support that,” the former Florida governor said in an interview with Joe Mathieu of Boston’s WBZ NewsRadio. Bush had not previously endorsed a removal of criminal penalties for […]