Common Sense and Legal Weed

A new Pew Research Center poll shows that 62% of Americans support cannabis legalization. Of course, Congress being the lapdogs of corporate lobbyists and big pharma will drag their feet as long as they can, guaranteeing as much profit as possible to big-pharma. This is part of the ongoing human battle against tyranny, which crony-capitalism inevitably brings. And even though DARPA is now trying to teach A.I. and robots “Common Sense,” it seems there is no common sense when it comes to cannabis being a Schedule I drug on the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) list.

For example, there is conclusive scientific evidence that cannabidiol (CBD) can help in healing multiple and serious ailments. Yet, the federal government decided to only reschedule a CBD pharmaceutical drug, singling them out as the only ones allowed to sell an un-patentable compound (CBD) that we can all grow ourselves at home. The FDA and DEA just contradicted themselves by only allowing that pharmaceutical to be rescheduled, while its main active ingredient is still considered more dangerous than heroin. Common sense? Not with Congress.

That said, things are changing. The Orange County Congressman, Mr. Rohrabacher says,

“Love him or hate him, President Trump keeps his promises. … The president is a man of his word and cannabis reform is coming very soon at the federal level. It could be as early as spring of 2019, but definitely in the next legislative session.”

Times of San Diego

Legal Weed and Industry Disruption

Cannabis is going mainstream and is poised to disrupt a $500 billion market. Just look at these companies rush to patent GMO cannabis compounds. You can bet that once they have successfully patented these synthesized cannabinoids, the government will legalize cannabis and its derivatives. Canopy Growth CEO believes that cannabis will be able to bank legally by January 2019, which means federal legalization by the end of the year. We have already predicted this last February and still believe it is possible. 

Nonetheless, we still need more states to pass laws legalizing cannabis for adults 21 years and older. It’s the best way to send a message to Congress. Especially that our voices are drowned by the louder voices of lobbyists visiting, emailing, and calling our representatives every day about issues that are important to them –such as, the disruption of a $500 billion industry.

Let’s see what’s going on in the rest of the country.

State-by-State WeedUpdate

California

The city council of Montebello is deadlocked in allowing marijuana businesses to open their doors to the public. And since the council is reluctant to do it themselves, they are putting the vote to the residents of the city to make the final decision. Find your representatives here, and let them know your opinions on marijuana legalization.

Michigan

This November 6th, look out for Michigan proposal 18-1 on your ballot, which asks voters if that state should legalize possession, use and cultivation of cannabis for adults 21 years and older. According to ClickOnDetroit.com, the Proposal 18-1 will allow:

• Adults 21 years and older to possess, consume and cultivate up to 12 plants for personal and recreational use.
• Up to a maximum of 10 ounces per residence with anything over 2.5 ounces to be locked away somewhere safe.
• Cannabis businesses to be licensed by the state to be regulated and taxed 10% for cannabis retail sales of flower (buds), vapes, edibles and any other delivery methods.
• The state to change current cannabis laws to civil infractions instead of crimes.

We recommend you vote “Yes”, unless you like the status quo of prohibition.

Mississippi

Mississippi still has no laws legalizing marijuana, however, Ocean Springs Mayor Shea Dobson has been reported gathering signatures to help support his efforts legalize medical marijuana. The mayor does not support legalizing recreational marijuana. Join the conversation, find your representatives, and let them know your opinions on legalizing the plant medicinally or recreationally. 

New Jersey

 With so many townships banning recreational cannabis businesses from opening in their jurisdiction, the Jackson Township is also now weighing in on the inevitable. Councilman Scott Martin spoke against legalization citing homelessness in Colorado, and other statistics that have nothing to do with cannabis legalization. Many other members of the council agreed with Martin’s points, so Jackson could be the next township on the long and growing list opposing the state’s march to legalization. If you are a Jackson resident, find your representatives here and let them know your opinion regarding allowing marijuana businesses in your township.

Plainfield is holding a town hall meeting regarding marijuana legalization on October 17th, so make sure to show up and voice your support for cannabis legalization. Otherwise, the other side will win the argument.

State legislatures are hoping for a vote by October 29th, so we could finally see recreational cannabis legalized in the Garden State within 2 weeks!

New Mexico

Mayor of Santa Fe, Alan Webber, is urging the state legislature to propose laws that would tax and regulate cannabis like alcohol. The common-sense Mayor said,

“It (cannabis) is broadly supported, it is a new source of revenue and by making it legal, we will stop wasting our law enforcement resources on something that is really a victimless crime.”

Santa Fe New Mexican

It’s going to take local efforts from local politicians to convince Congress to change the law of the land. Find your representatives here, and let them know your opinion about legalizing marijuana.

Pennsylvania

Recently, the state Judiciary House Committee approved a marijuana decriminalization bill. State legislatures also recently introduced a proposal to legalize recreational cannabis, however, many local state representatives don’t agree on the new proposal. Many of the representatives are citing the DEA classification, while others don’t want to introduce another “drug” into the state that has a potential for “abuse.” 

Mayor Kenney of Philadelphia, however, is a huge proponent for legalizing recreation cannabis. In a recent press conference, he said that

“Legalizing cannabis is the right thing to do for the commonwealth. We don’t need to be wasting precious resources locking people up for marijuana possession when we should be focused on improving our schools and other priorities.”

Aldia News

Weigh in yourselves, and find your representatives here. Don’t be shy, you have the mayor of Philadelphia with you. So Let them hear your opinion, it’s the only way it works.

Wisconsin

Surprisingly, Wisconsin has no laws legalizing marijuana. Many cities are now proposing to ask their residents about their opinions on legalizing medical and recreational cannabis. Cities like Appleton, Outagamie County, the city of Racine, and 16 cities in total will have referendums on the November ballots. So, don’t forget to make your voice heard by voting. You just might get what you ask for.

WeedUpdate is the home of the Federal and State-By-State WeedUpdate your go-to source for cannabis and CBD legalization news. Support us by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Also, sign up for a WeedUpdate straight to your inbox.

Don’t forget to visit our sponsors, the CBD-Online-Store for the purest most potent CBD verified by 3rd party laboratories. They just launched a CBD Monthly Delivery Service, which you should totally try.