Sessions Actions will Force Congress to Change the Law
Sessions Actions will Force Congress to Change the Law
It is a known fact that the legal cannabis industry does not like Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, but he doesn’t care. In his mind, he is upholding federal law, which until today says that cannabis is a dangerous drug and is on Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). So, if you don’t like AG Sessions stance on legal cannabis, then have Congress change the law.
According to the Pew Research Center, 61% of American support Cannabis Legalization. That is a clear majority of support for legalization, so why don’t we contact our legislators and have them know that we want cannabis to be rescheduled or even removed from the CSA? If you care for state’s rights and want to tell the DOJ and Sessions to stuff it, please visit the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) to show your support. We can’t just sit by and let politicians in Washington tell the majority of voters how to live their lives and what they are allowed to grow and put into their bodies. If we don’t like it, we should just change the law. Serious change can happen when the American voter is set into action, so let’s do it!
Persuasion is better than Compulsion
According to the Tao Te Ching (the Book of the Way) regarding persuasion:
“That which contracts was first expanded;
that which weakens was first made strong;
that which falls was first raised up;
that which scatters was first gathered up.It is paradoxical but true—
the tender outlasts the rigid;
the gentle defeats the strong.Persuasion is better than compulsion.
Rulers have nothing to gain through force of arms.”
Let’s persuade Congress and change the law. Please contact your Senators and Representative today and tell them to pass legislation that allows states to make their own decisions on marijuana policy.
WeedUpdate from Around the Country
Today’s WeedUpdate is one of the longest ones we’ve ever done. It’s proof positive that a huge change is going on, despite the actions of the feds and Jeff Sessions. We are going to have to update our States with Legal Weed Map very soon, but in the meantime, here is an update from 12 states:
Connecticut
Connecticut is reporting that their medical marijuana program is such a success that they have to add new dispensaries to keep up with the demand. Applicants have until April 9th to respond.
Delaware
Delaware is planning to legalize cannabis through the legislator, which is similar to what New Jersey is doing. A final report is due by the Adult Use Cannabis Task Force. Reasons cited for support of the bill are increased tax revenue, the creation of new jobs and investments in a new industry.
Florida
Lawmakers refile legislation to decriminalize possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis. The law reclassifies cannabis offenses from criminal to non-criminal offense. According to WTSP News, which reported that the Orlando Police Chief said,
“We want to reduce crime,” said Orlando Police Chief John Mina. “We want to make safe and livable neighborhoods and going out there and making a bunch of low-level misdemeanor drug arrests is really not going to accomplish that goal.”
Georgia
Georgia lawmakers are pushing to allow for cannabis cultivation in the state. The Peach State has some decriminalization laws already on the books, and it allows for the possession of cannabis for medical marijuana patients. However, it is not allowed to be grown or brought into the state. This new bill will help make more sensible policy.
Indiana
Being one of the 13 states with no laws legalizing cannabis, there is a new movement to legalize medical marijuana.
Iowa
Iowa State University Administrators ordered to pay $150,000 in damages after violating a pro-marijuana student group first amendment rights. The state is also ordered to pay the lawyer fees of the plaintiffs. Hopefully this teaches other administrators of universities that it doesn’t pay to forcefully go after individuals’ right to free speech.
Michigan
Law enforcement in the state is using excess funds from registration fees to bust more people for “non-compliance”. According to Myrtle Beach Online,
“The registration fees were designed to pay for administration and oversight of the law. But Tim Beck, who helped write the law, said he didn’t foresee the money being used to fund county sheriffs. Sheriffs already receive enough funds to enforce state laws and the money should be spent on other priorities, Beck said.”
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire House initially approved a bill that would allow the possession of 1 ounce of cannabis and home cultivation in limited quantities. As for taxing and regulating cannabis like alcohol, House members are waiting for a report that will be finalized in November.
New Jersey
In a sign of defiance, New Jersey towns are banning cannabis. Berkeley joins Point Pleasant Beach and Shrewsbury in banning cannabis before legislation is even passed. However, Asbury Park reports that it has no problem with medical or recreational cannabis businesses operating in its jurisdiction.
Ohio
Legislators have passed laws to allow the sale of medical cannabis in Newark City, OH. It’s good to see some real progress in Ohio, especially being surrounded by states with no laws legalizing cannabis. Cannabis legalization is also supported by people in Coal Country, especially for its potential to create jobs.
Pennsylvania
The city of Erie passed laws decriminalizing cannabis. The offense will be handled like a traffic ticket and not a criminal one. The law says that possession of 30 grams or less and paraphernalia will be subject to a fine, and no jail time.
Vermont
Vermont legislators approved a change in a bill that would legalize cannabis possession for users that are 21 and older. The state could become the first state to legalize cannabis by the act of the legislator and not the voters.
Washington
The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe will open a legal cannabis shop very soon after being approved by Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board. The goal is to have it operational by the end of the year.
Support WeedUpdate by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing to your weekly WeedUpdate. And don’t forget to visit the MPP and tell your congress person that you do not like Jeff Sessions’ war against legalized cannabis.
