Letter to Trump Asks him to Respect State Rights
54 Lawmakers Send Letter to Trump
All politicians flip-flop. They say anything to get elected, then it is just business as usual once they are there. It works every single time. For example, on the campaign trail, then candidate Trump mentions that marijuana helps people he knows that are in pain. So, he believes in its medicinal properties. He also says that it is a State right issue. So, he believes in State rights. Great
Fast forward to today, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinds the Cole Memo, which protected States rights regarding legalized cannabis. So, naturally, people are upset. Especially that 61% of Americans approve of cannabis legalization. As a result, countless new laws have been introduced, and a bi-partisan letter to Trump sent from 54 lawmakers is urging him to honor his promises to American voters by instructing Sessions to re-instate the Cole Memo. Will it work? We certainly hope so.
More Laws to Be Introduced
Mark Amodei (R) and Dina Titus (D) are working on two bills. One that will allow states to conduct research on medical marijuana, and one that will allow them to regulate marijuana like alcohol. They have also been urging House Speaker Ryan (R) to include in the 2017 budget a ban on federal raids on states that have legalized cannabis.
The letter to Trump and all these new laws being introduced is all good news. We need to keep the pressure on our lawmakers in Washington, DC. 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
Alaska
There is a lot of talk about legal cannabis being laced with dangerous pesticides. That is bad news for would be consumers of cannabis. And Alaska auditing testing labs for “testing inconsistencies” does not help calm the fears. However, it would be good to clear the rumors up.
Massachusetts
We now live in uncertain times regarding how the feds will act regarding legal weed. But, the newly appointed US Attorney General says that his priority is the Opioid Epidemic and not marijuana. However, he did not rule out seeking out convictions.
California
Other than dispensaries not being able to keep up with the demand of legal cannabis, a new bill aims to legalize banking for legal cannabis businesses. Way to go California!
Colorado
Colorado is one of the first states to legalize marijuana recreationally. So, we expect them to be on the cutting edge. The Centennial state wants to track cannabis with chemicals and the blockchain. Some licensees are calling the bill absolute insanity.
Idaho
Idaho is one of the 13 states that has no laws legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis. However, the legislature is now allowing Cannabidiol (CBD) –the compound in marijuana that doesn’t get you high—to be prescribed by a doctor. Since we know the medicinal effects of CBD on pain therapy, it is the compassionate thing to do.
Indiana
Indiana voted for medical marijuana with no arguments from either side, even the most conservative politicians voted for the bill. Congrats Indiana!
Missouri
Missouri already decriminalized cannabis for possession of up to 10 grams, but now lawmakers want to legalize medical marijuana. If you are in Missouri, tell your representatives it’s time for a compassionate medical marijuana program.
New Jersey
Towns River joins the growing list of cities banning recreational marijuana from their jurisdiction. Although there are residents that are saying it is a missed opportunity for tax revenue and jobs, city leadership is not yet convinced. New Jersey was poised to be the first state to legalize weed by an act of the legislator, but Vermont beat them to it last week.
Pennsylvania
There are efforts from activists and lawmakers in the state to decriminalize and legalize marijuana. The initiative wants to stop arrest, clear records, and bring in money for the treasury. Legalization is a win-win for everyone.
Virginia
A new bill introduced to the legislature does not go far enough regarding cannabis decriminalization. But another one that just passed the VA House allows doctors to prescribe CBD for patients with ailments other than epilepsy.
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