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 […]
American Teacher Marc Fogel Freed in Russia Deal Read More »
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
New York Bill Proposes Expanded Opportunities for Cannabis Consumption Lounges Read More »
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
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
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
Canada Misses Deadline for Pardoning Possession Records Read More »
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
Texas Lt. Governor Announces Statewide THC Ban Proposal for 2024 Read More »
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.
Illinois Supreme Court Rules Smell of Raw Odor Grounds for Vehicle Searches Read More »
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
New Mexico Lawmakers Explore Creation of “Compliance Bureau” to Combat Illicit Market Read More »
A bill recently introduced in New Jersey aims to create a voluntary self-exclusion program for individuals who want to prohibit themselves from purchasing cannabis at licensed dispensaries, NJBiz reports. The program, proposed by State Sen. Vincent Polistina (R), would allow individuals to add or remove themselves from a self-exclusion list, which the Cannabis Regulatory Commission
New Jersey Bill Proposes Voluntary Cannabis Self-Exclusion Program Read More »
Lawyers faced off in the Fifth Circuit Court over the federal government’s authority to disarm individuals who use marijuana. The Department of Justice (DOJ) argued that a person’s recent marijuana use is sufficient to disqualify them from legally possessing a firearm. However, judges expressed skepticism about this interpretation, referring to a recent ruling within the
Debate Over Gun Ownership Rights for Marijuana Users in Fifth Circuit Court Read More »
