Cannabis And Culture

Marc Fogel’s Release from Russian Prison Sparks U.S. Cannabis Policy Debate

Marc Fogel’s Release from Russian Prison Sparks U.S. Cannabis Policy Debate

Marc Fogel, an American teacher imprisoned in Russia for possessing medical cannabis, was welcomed at the White House by President Donald Trump and prominent GOP leaders on Tuesday. While his release was celebrated as a diplomatic victory, the underlying issue of his conviction—a charge of possessing cannabis he lawfully obtained as a medical marijuana patient […]

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Michigan Governor Proposes Cannabis Tax Hike to Fund Infrastructure

Michigan Governor Proposes Cannabis Tax Hike to Fund Infrastructure

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) has unveiled a new proposal to include cannabis products in the state’s wholesale tax—currently applied to tobacco and other smoking products—as part of a broader plan to generate funding for infrastructure projects, the Detroit News reports. The initiative could raise an estimated $470 million to support road and bridge repairs

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American Teacher Marc Fogel Freed in Russia Deal

American Teacher Marc Fogel Freed in Russia Deal

Marc Fogel, the American teacher and former U.S. diplomat sentenced to 14 years in a Russian prison for cannabis possession, has been released in a deal negotiated by Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy for President Donald Trump. His release, reported by The New York Times, comes after more than three years of detention. Fogel

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New York Bill Proposes Expanded Opportunities for Cannabis Consumption Lounges

New York Bill Proposes Expanded Opportunities for Cannabis Consumption Lounges

New York’s burgeoning cannabis industry is poised for another significant development with the introduction of a bill by Assemblymember John Zaccaro (D). The proposed legislation seeks to enhance the functionality of cannabis consumption lounges by allowing them to sell non-infused food, non-alcoholic beverages, and host live performances such as concerts. This amendment to the state’s

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Florida Legislation Aims to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients from Discrimination in Government Jobs

Florida Legislation Aims to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients from Discrimination in Government Jobs

New legislation introduced in Florida seeks to protect public workers who use medical marijuana legally, preventing them from facing discrimination in government employment. The bill, HB 83, was introduced on Friday by Rep. Mitch Rosenwald (D) and would make it illegal for public employers to take actions such as firing, refusing to hire, or demoting

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Kentucky Launches Medical Cannabis Program, Patients Can Access Medicine Starting January 2025

Kentucky Launches Medical Cannabis Program, Patients Can Access Medicine Starting January 2025

On January 1, 2025, Kentucky officially launched its highly anticipated medical cannabis program, marking a significant milestone for the state. The program, which allows state-registered patients to access cannabis medicine, has been years in the making and is the product of diligent planning by the Office of Cannabis Medicine (OCM). As part of the preparatory

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Canada Misses Deadline for Pardoning Possession Records

Canada Misses Deadline for Pardoning Possession Records

The Canadian government missed its legislated deadline to implement a program to pardon citizens with possession records, the CBC reports. The initiative, introduced by legislation in 2022—four years after legalization—was designed to remove the burden of past convictions by requiring all possession records to be sequestered. This process would ensure that such records no longer

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Texas Lt. Governor Announces Statewide THC Ban Proposal for 2024

Texas Lt. Governor Announces Statewide THC Ban Proposal for 2024

Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R) revealed plans for a statewide ban on hemp-derived THC products, particularly delta-9 and delta-8 THC, following concerns over unregulated products flooding the market. Senate Bill 3, which Patrick called a top priority for the upcoming legislative session, aims to address what he described as a dangerous loophole exploited by

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Illinois Supreme Court Rules Smell of Raw Odor Grounds for Vehicle Searches

Illinois Supreme Court Rules Smell of Raw Odor Grounds for Vehicle Searches

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the smell of raw odor provides legal grounds for police to conduct vehicle searches. The decision stemmed from the case of Vincent Molina, charged with misdemeanor possession following a 2020 traffic stop where a state trooper smelled raw odor and discovered joints and a sealed box in the vehicle.

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New Mexico Lawmakers Explore Creation of "Compliance Bureau" to Combat Illicit Market

New Mexico Lawmakers Explore Creation of “Compliance Bureau” to Combat Illicit Market

New Mexico lawmakers recently discussed a proposal to create a new “Compliance Bureau” within the state’s Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), aimed at tackling illicit cannabis operations and improving enforcement. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the proposal seeks to empower the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) with additional law enforcement capabilities to investigate operators

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