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More good news for the MJ sector
Nevada medical marijuana businesses prepping for July launch of recreational sales
By John Schroyer
Now that Nevada has approved an early start to recreational cannabis sales, existing medical marijuana companies in the state are readying for a burst of new business that could equate to tens of millions of dollars in additional revenue this year.
With Las Vegas alone drawing 40 million-plus visitors in 2016, the overall rec cannabis industry is set to take another big step forward.
The early rollout will make Nevada the fifth state with an operational rec market and the first to launch since last November’s election, when voters in four states approved adult-use programs. Nevada will also be the first new rec state to go live under the Trump administration.
“It’s great news for everybody,” said Ben Sillitoe, the CEO and co-founder of Oasis Cannabis, a MMJ dispensary in Las Vegas.
Nevada’s recreational marijuana industry got the thumbs-up for an “early start” program Monday, when state tax authorities approved temporary regulations that allow licensed medical marijuana companies to begin adult-use sales July 1.
The rec program isn’t expected to fully launch until 2018 because the tax commission has until January to finalize rules for the industry.
According to Marijuana Business Daily estimates, Nevada’s rec market could generate $75 million or more in sales this year and $450 million-$550 million annually down the road. Tourist spending is expected to account for a heavy portion of sales.
The early rec MJ program will run from July 1 until January 2018 and will be open to roughly 190 MMJ dispensaries, growers and processors.
Sillitoe said the industry, state officials and other stakeholders “all worked together to make this happen quickly, and I think Nevada is a good example of how good regulation works to advance the industry.”
However, there are plenty of caveats. The biggest: At the outset, only existing MMJ businesses will be allowed to obtain recreational sales licenses; other interested companies must wait until January to jump in.
How it will work
Any licensed MMJ business that’s operational and “in good standing” with the state will be eligible to tap the rec market this year.
Interested businesses must submit an application for a temporary rec license to the Department of Taxation by May 31. Application extensions may be possible under the regulations, so some businesses might be allowed to file as late as June 7.
Businesses must submit a nonrefundable $5,000 application fee along with license fees that will vary by license type. Growers will pay the most for a temporary license – $30,000. Retailers will pay $20,000, testing labs and distributors $15,000 apiece and product manufacturers $10,000.
Those license fees will be applied to whatever permanent fees the commission establishes for the full rec program. That means Nevada companies that want to participate in early rec sales won’t be charged twice for the same permit.
In addition, the early rec licenses:
•Will be valid through March 2018.
•Won’t carry any restrictions on selling edibles, concentrates or topicals to rec customers. (That originally was the situation in Oregon, the only other state that has had an “early start” to rec sales).
•Won’t require retailers to establish separate physical spaces for rec customers and MMJ patients. That means dispensaries won’t incur costs associated with revamping storefronts or adding new locations for rec sales.
However, businesses must also get written support from their local governments to be granted temporary rec licenses.
That could complicate things for licensed MMJ businesses in towns or counties that have installed moratoriums on rec cannabis companies. For instance, Las Vegas suburb Henderson enacted a six-month moratorium on rec sales in February, meaning the city’s 15 licensed MMJ companies could be prohibited from early rec sales until that moratorium expires – likely sometime in August.
“If anyone gets denied, that’ll likely be the reason,” said David Goldwater, a managing partner of Inyo Fine Cannabis, another Vegas dispensary.
Although there’s also a provision in the tax commission’s regulations that would require any MJ companies to designate their inventory proportionately as either “medical” or “retail” – which would force businesses to estimate how much they will sell of each to properly stock – it looks like companies won’t have to make that choice.
Under the commission’s regulations, that provision will be nullified if the legislature changes state law to apply the same tax rate to both medical and rec.
Such a measure is in the works and apparently has broad support at the state capitol. Two separate measures, Assembly Bill 463 and Senate Bill 487, would accomplish tax parity, and one is almost certain to pass before the legislature adjourns June 6, said Rianna Durrett, executive director of the Nevada Dispensary Association.
If the measure fails, however, businesses must submit their inventory designations to the tax department by June 16.
Issues remain
Once early rec licenses are handed out, there will be questions surrounding a new distributor license, which didn’t exist under the state’s MMJ law. It was added by the rec legalization measure voters approved last year.
The tax commission’s regulations appear to allow existing MMJ businesses to obtain distributor licenses so they’ll be able to ship cannabis to and from retail operations without the need for a third party.
“The general sense” in Nevada is that current MMJ businesses will try to land distribution licenses to save on overhead, said marijuana attorney Neal Gidvani.
There’s also a question of preparing for what could be a mad rush of customers come July.
Both Sillitoe and Goldwater said their priorities are to increase staff and inventory so they’re not overwhelmed by demand.
“We’re preparing for a large increase” in business, Sillitoe said. “We’re hiring people to beef up our staff, we’re acquiring additional inventory, and we’re getting ready for the unknown at this point.”
Goldwater said Inyo isn’t worried about whether it will get a temporary rec license – he believes most of Nevada’s licensed MMJ companies will be able to obtain one.
Rather, he said, the bigger concern is keeping customers happy and ensuring there’s enough supply.
“There’s such a glut of inventory right now that I think we can work through a lot of that. But we’re going to work through that excess capacity really quickly,” Goldwater said. “It might be a problem, but given the capacity that’s out there, I think it’s a short-term problem.”
John Schroyer can be reached at johns@mjbizdaily.com
Daily News | Cultivation | Dispensary/Retail Store Business News | Featured | Legal & Regulatory News for Marijuana Businesses | Nevada Medical Cannabis Business & Marijuana Legal News | Recreational Marijuana News
? Add a Comment
More Top News
May 12, 2017
Denver issues proposed rules for social marijuana use
May 12, 2017
Week in Review: Vermont OKs rec, judge sides with cannabis businessman & Florida lawmakers fail to set MMJ rules
May 11, 2017
Cannabis testing lab Steep Hill clinches $2 million funding
May 11, 2017
Two Florida universities get initial OK to grow hemp for research
May 11, 2017
Vermont lawmakers OK rec marijuana, home growing
May 11, 2017
Cresco, Kiva Confections partner to sell MMJ edibles in Illinois
More good news for the MJ sector
Nevada medical marijuana businesses prepping for July launch of recreational sales
By John Schroyer
Now that Nevada has approved an early start to recreational cannabis sales, existing medical marijuana companies in the state are readying for a burst of new business that could equate to tens of millions of dollars in additional revenue this year.
With Las Vegas alone drawing 40 million-plus visitors in 2016, the overall rec cannabis industry is set to take another big step forward.
The early rollout will make Nevada the fifth state with an operational rec market and the first to launch since last November’s election, when voters in four states approved adult-use programs. Nevada will also be the first new rec state to go live under the Trump administration.
“It’s great news for everybody,” said Ben Sillitoe, the CEO and co-founder of Oasis Cannabis, a MMJ dispensary in Las Vegas.
Nevada’s recreational marijuana industry got the thumbs-up for an “early start” program Monday, when state tax authorities approved temporary regulations that allow licensed medical marijuana companies to begin adult-use sales July 1.
The rec program isn’t expected to fully launch until 2018 because the tax commission has until January to finalize rules for the industry.
According to Marijuana Business Daily estimates, Nevada’s rec market could generate $75 million or more in sales this year and $450 million-$550 million annually down the road. Tourist spending is expected to account for a heavy portion of sales.
The early rec MJ program will run from July 1 until January 2018 and will be open to roughly 190 MMJ dispensaries, growers and processors.
Sillitoe said the industry, state officials and other stakeholders “all worked together to make this happen quickly, and I think Nevada is a good example of how good regulation works to advance the industry.”
However, there are plenty of caveats. The biggest: At the outset, only existing MMJ businesses will be allowed to obtain recreational sales licenses; other interested companies must wait until January to jump in.
How it will work
Any licensed MMJ business that’s operational and “in good standing” with the state will be eligible to tap the rec market this year.
Interested businesses must submit an application for a temporary rec license to the Department of Taxation by May 31. Application extensions may be possible under the regulations, so some businesses might be allowed to file as late as June 7.
Businesses must submit a nonrefundable $5,000 application fee along with license fees that will vary by license type. Growers will pay the most for a temporary license – $30,000. Retailers will pay $20,000, testing labs and distributors $15,000 apiece and product manufacturers $10,000.
Those license fees will be applied to whatever permanent fees the commission establishes for the full rec program. That means Nevada companies that want to participate in early rec sales won’t be charged twice for the same permit.
In addition, the early rec licenses:
•Will be valid through March 2018.
•Won’t carry any restrictions on selling edibles, concentrates or topicals to rec customers. (That originally was the situation in Oregon, the only other state that has had an “early start” to rec sales).
•Won’t require retailers to establish separate physical spaces for rec customers and MMJ patients. That means dispensaries won’t incur costs associated with revamping storefronts or adding new locations for rec sales.
However, businesses must also get written support from their local governments to be granted temporary rec licenses.
That could complicate things for licensed MMJ businesses in towns or counties that have installed moratoriums on rec cannabis companies. For instance, Las Vegas suburb Henderson enacted a six-month moratorium on rec sales in February, meaning the city’s 15 licensed MMJ companies could be prohibited from early rec sales until that moratorium expires – likely sometime in August.
“If anyone gets denied, that’ll likely be the reason,” said David Goldwater, a managing partner of Inyo Fine Cannabis, another Vegas dispensary.
Although there’s also a provision in the tax commission’s regulations that would require any MJ companies to designate their inventory proportionately as either “medical” or “retail” – which would force businesses to estimate how much they will sell of each to properly stock – it looks like companies won’t have to make that choice.
Under the commission’s regulations, that provision will be nullified if the legislature changes state law to apply the same tax rate to both medical and rec.
Such a measure is in the works and apparently has broad support at the state capitol. Two separate measures, Assembly Bill 463 and Senate Bill 487, would accomplish tax parity, and one is almost certain to pass before the legislature adjourns June 6, said Rianna Durrett, executive director of the Nevada Dispensary Association.
If the measure fails, however, businesses must submit their inventory designations to the tax department by June 16.
Issues remain
Once early rec licenses are handed out, there will be questions surrounding a new distributor license, which didn’t exist under the state’s MMJ law. It was added by the rec legalization measure voters approved last year.
The tax commission’s regulations appear to allow existing MMJ businesses to obtain distributor licenses so they’ll be able to ship cannabis to and from retail operations without the need for a third party.
“The general sense” in Nevada is that current MMJ businesses will try to land distribution licenses to save on overhead, said marijuana attorney Neal Gidvani.
There’s also a question of preparing for what could be a mad rush of customers come July.
Both Sillitoe and Goldwater said their priorities are to increase staff and inventory so they’re not overwhelmed by demand.
“We’re preparing for a large increase” in business, Sillitoe said. “We’re hiring people to beef up our staff, we’re acquiring additional inventory, and we’re getting ready for the unknown at this point.”
Goldwater said Inyo isn’t worried about whether it will get a temporary rec license – he believes most of Nevada’s licensed MMJ companies will be able to obtain one.
Rather, he said, the bigger concern is keeping customers happy and ensuring there’s enough supply.
“There’s such a glut of inventory right now that I think we can work through a lot of that. But we’re going to work through that excess capacity really quickly,” Goldwater said. “It might be a problem, but given the capacity that’s out there, I think it’s a short-term problem.”
John Schroyer can be reached at johns@mjbizdaily.com
Daily News | Cultivation | Dispensary/Retail Store Business News | Featured | Legal & Regulatory News for Marijuana Businesses | Nevada Medical Cannabis Business & Marijuana Legal News | Recreational Marijuana News
? Add a Comment
More Top News
May 12, 2017
Denver issues proposed rules for social marijuana use
May 12, 2017
Week in Review: Vermont OKs rec, judge sides with cannabis businessman & Florida lawmakers fail to set MMJ rules
May 11, 2017
Cannabis testing lab Steep Hill clinches $2 million funding
May 11, 2017
Two Florida universities get initial OK to grow hemp for research
May 11, 2017
Vermont lawmakers OK rec marijuana, home growing
May 11, 2017
Cresco, Kiva Confections partner to sell MMJ edibles in Illinois
More good news for the MJ sector
Nevada medical marijuana businesses prepping for July launch of recreational sales
By John Schroyer
Now that Nevada has approved an early start to recreational cannabis sales, existing medical marijuana companies in the state are readying for a burst of new business that could equate to tens of millions of dollars in additional revenue this year.
With Las Vegas alone drawing 40 million-plus visitors in 2016, the overall rec cannabis industry is set to take another big step forward.
The early rollout will make Nevada the fifth state with an operational rec market and the first to launch since last November’s election, when voters in four states approved adult-use programs. Nevada will also be the first new rec state to go live under the Trump administration.
“It’s great news for everybody,” said Ben Sillitoe, the CEO and co-founder of Oasis Cannabis, a MMJ dispensary in Las Vegas.
Nevada’s recreational marijuana industry got the thumbs-up for an “early start” program Monday, when state tax authorities approved temporary regulations that allow licensed medical marijuana companies to begin adult-use sales July 1.
The rec program isn’t expected to fully launch until 2018 because the tax commission has until January to finalize rules for the industry.
According to Marijuana Business Daily estimates, Nevada’s rec market could generate $75 million or more in sales this year and $450 million-$550 million annually down the road. Tourist spending is expected to account for a heavy portion of sales.
The early rec MJ program will run from July 1 until January 2018 and will be open to roughly 190 MMJ dispensaries, growers and processors.
Sillitoe said the industry, state officials and other stakeholders “all worked together to make this happen quickly, and I think Nevada is a good example of how good regulation works to advance the industry.”
However, there are plenty of caveats. The biggest: At the outset, only existing MMJ businesses will be allowed to obtain recreational sales licenses; other interested companies must wait until January to jump in.
How it will work
Any licensed MMJ business that’s operational and “in good standing” with the state will be eligible to tap the rec market this year.
Interested businesses must submit an application for a temporary rec license to the Department of Taxation by May 31. Application extensions may be possible under the regulations, so some businesses might be allowed to file as late as June 7.
Businesses must submit a nonrefundable $5,000 application fee along with license fees that will vary by license type. Growers will pay the most for a temporary license – $30,000. Retailers will pay $20,000, testing labs and distributors $15,000 apiece and product manufacturers $10,000.
Those license fees will be applied to whatever permanent fees the commission establishes for the full rec program. That means Nevada companies that want to participate in early rec sales won’t be charged twice for the same permit.
In addition, the early rec licenses:
•Will be valid through March 2018.
•Won’t carry any restrictions on selling edibles, concentrates or topicals to rec customers. (That originally was the situation in Oregon, the only other state that has had an “early start” to rec sales).
•Won’t require retailers to establish separate physical spaces for rec customers and MMJ patients. That means dispensaries won’t incur costs associated with revamping storefronts or adding new locations for rec sales.
However, businesses must also get written support from their local governments to be granted temporary rec licenses.
That could complicate things for licensed MMJ businesses in towns or counties that have installed moratoriums on rec cannabis companies. For instance, Las Vegas suburb Henderson enacted a six-month moratorium on rec sales in February, meaning the city’s 15 licensed MMJ companies could be prohibited from early rec sales until that moratorium expires – likely sometime in August.
“If anyone gets denied, that’ll likely be the reason,” said David Goldwater, a managing partner of Inyo Fine Cannabis, another Vegas dispensary.
Although there’s also a provision in the tax commission’s regulations that would require any MJ companies to designate their inventory proportionately as either “medical” or “retail” – which would force businesses to estimate how much they will sell of each to properly stock – it looks like companies won’t have to make that choice.
Under the commission’s regulations, that provision will be nullified if the legislature changes state law to apply the same tax rate to both medical and rec.
Such a measure is in the works and apparently has broad support at the state capitol. Two separate measures, Assembly Bill 463 and Senate Bill 487, would accomplish tax parity, and one is almost certain to pass before the legislature adjourns June 6, said Rianna Durrett, executive director of the Nevada Dispensary Association.
If the measure fails, however, businesses must submit their inventory designations to the tax department by June 16.
Issues remain
Once early rec licenses are handed out, there will be questions surrounding a new distributor license, which didn’t exist under the state’s MMJ law. It was added by the rec legalization measure voters approved last year.
The tax commission’s regulations appear to allow existing MMJ businesses to obtain distributor licenses so they’ll be able to ship cannabis to and from retail operations without the need for a third party.
“The general sense” in Nevada is that current MMJ businesses will try to land distribution licenses to save on overhead, said marijuana attorney Neal Gidvani.
There’s also a question of preparing for what could be a mad rush of customers come July.
Both Sillitoe and Goldwater said their priorities are to increase staff and inventory so they’re not overwhelmed by demand.
“We’re preparing for a large increase” in business, Sillitoe said. “We’re hiring people to beef up our staff, we’re acquiring additional inventory, and we’re getting ready for the unknown at this point.”
Goldwater said Inyo isn’t worried about whether it will get a temporary rec license – he believes most of Nevada’s licensed MMJ companies will be able to obtain one.
Rather, he said, the bigger concern is keeping customers happy and ensuring there’s enough supply.
“There’s such a glut of inventory right now that I think we can work through a lot of that. But we’re going to work through that excess capacity really quickly,” Goldwater said. “It might be a problem, but given the capacity that’s out there, I think it’s a short-term problem.”
John Schroyer can be reached at johns@mjbizdaily.com
Daily News | Cultivation | Dispensary/Retail Store Business News | Featured | Legal & Regulatory News for Marijuana Businesses | Nevada Medical Cannabis Business & Marijuana Legal News | Recreational Marijuana News
? Add a Comment
More Top News
May 12, 2017
Denver issues proposed rules for social marijuana use
May 12, 2017
Week in Review: Vermont OKs rec, judge sides with cannabis businessman & Florida lawmakers fail to set MMJ rules
May 11, 2017
Cannabis testing lab Steep Hill clinches $2 million funding
May 11, 2017
Two Florida universities get initial OK to grow hemp for research
May 11, 2017
Vermont lawmakers OK rec marijuana, home growing
May 11, 2017
Cresco, Kiva Confections partner to sell MMJ edibles in Illinois
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Spicer might be next to get the Axe (READ)
President Trump may be thinking about making another key change to his administration in the wake of fallout over his sudden firing of FBI Director James Comey.
Axios' Jonathan Swan tweeted Wednesday night, "I can independently confirm reporting that President Trump has been sounding people out about removing Sean Spicer as Press Secretary."
He added, "The President feels his press team poorly served him yesterday. He believes it was incompetence on their part, not lack of time."
According to a Washington Post report, Trump became angry after watching TV coverage of Comey's dismissal because "Nobody was defending him."
It goes on to say that "Trump pinned much of the blame on Spicer and Dubke's communications operation, wondering how there could be so many press staffers yet such negative coverage on cable news — although he, [Reince] Priebus and others had afforded them almost no time to prepare."
The pair had reportedly only been informed of the decision one hour before it was made public.
Newsweek said of Spicer's subsequent interview on Fox Business that he appeared "at times stuttering and misspeaking, at one point saying the attorney general had been terminated before quickly correcting himself."
Spicer may be next to get the Axe.. (READ)
President Trump may be thinking about making another key change to his administration in the wake of fallout over his sudden firing of FBI Director James Comey.
Axios' Jonathan Swan tweeted Wednesday night, "I can independently confirm reporting that President Trump has been sounding people out about removing Sean Spicer as Press Secretary."
He added, "The President feels his press team poorly served him yesterday. He believes it was incompetence on their part, not lack of time."
According to a Washington Post report, Trump became angry after watching TV coverage of Comey's dismissal because "Nobody was defending him."
It goes on to say that "Trump pinned much of the blame on Spicer and Dubke's communications operation, wondering how there could be so many press staffers yet such negative coverage on cable news — although he, [Reince] Priebus and others had afforded them almost no time to prepare."
The pair had reportedly only been informed of the decision one hour before it was made public.
Newsweek said of Spicer's subsequent interview on Fox Business that he appeared "at times stuttering and misspeaking, at one point saying the attorney general had been terminated before quickly correcting himself."
GGT the majority of the people in this country want MJ legalized both Med and rec. Prohibition did not work for alcohol for the same reason. The people wanted it and eventually they got it. These old cronies are living in a more enlightened time, that they can't except. But the younger, more in tune with the people politicizations will prevail for all of us.
Sessions was caught lying and most likely had dealings with the Russians, so it's possible he might be terminated.
"I'll be back" lol Keep the faith, positive things are happening in DC. GLTA
Governors fight for state MJ rights (READ)
Sessions’ DOJ Reviewing Marijuana Enforcement Policies, Governors Fight Back
by Erik Altieri, NORML Executive Director
April 6, 2017
arrestedUnited States Attorney General Jeff “Marijuana Consumers Aren’t Good People” Sessions has issued a formal memorandum calling on members of the Justice Department’s Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety to “undertake a review of existing policies,” including federal enforcement policies with regard to cannabis.
The memo was sent on April 5 to 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice component heads.
The Attorney General has requested a report back from task force members by no later than July 27th. You can read the full memo here.
The release of this memorandum provides us with a general time frame during which to expect any formal announcements from the new administration with regard to addressing marijuana policy — specifically whether the Justice Department will respect state legalization laws.
In the interim, members of Congress can remove all of the bite from Jeff Sessions’ bark by approving the bipartisan Respect State Marijuana Laws Act, which prevents the federal government from criminally prosecuting individuals and/or businesses who are engaging in state-sanctioned activities specific to the possession, use, production, and distribution of marijuana.
Speaking recently before Congress, Attorney General Sessions said that his job is to enforce federal law. Let’s change federal law to ensure that our reform victories remain in place, and so that we can build upon these victories in the future.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IN SUPPORT OF RESPECTING STATE MARIJUANA LAWS.
But while the Justice Department contemplates its next move, state politicians are taking action. In recent days, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D), Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D), Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) and Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (I) issued a letter to the new U.S. Attorney General and to Secretary of Treasury Mnuchin calling on them to uphold the Obama Administration’s largely ‘hands off’ policies toward marijuana legalization, as outlined in the Cole Memo.
“Overhauling the Cole Memo is sure to produce unintended and harmful consequences,” the governors wrote. “Changes that hurt the regulated market would divert existing marijuana product into the black market and increase dangerous activity in both our states and our neighboring states.”
Political and social change rarely comes from the top on down, it comes from the bottom up. That is why it is imperative for you to not only contact your federal officials in support of changing policy, but also to continue to push for change at the local and state level.
Click HERE to view pending federal and state legislation and easily contact your elected officials in support of them.
Click HERE to find a local NORML chapter in your area and get involved. NORML Kansas City this week successfully placed marijuana decriminalization on their municipal ballot and saw it pass with 71% support. This is the kind of positive change a group of committed volunteer citizens can bring to their communities.
A people united will never be defeated and together we WILL end marijuana prohibition nationwide.
32 comments so far | Add a Comment »
US House Votes to Prohibit DOJ From Interfering With State Medical Marijuana or Industrial Hemp Programs
by Erik Altieri, NORML Executive Director
May 30, 2014
After a long debate that had the US House of Representatives in session until after midnight, the lower chamber of Congress cast a historic 219 to 189 vote to restrict the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration from using taxpayer funds to interfere in state-sanctioned medical marijuana programs in the 20+ states that have enacted them.
This measure was co-sponsored by Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Reps. Rohrabacher (R-Calf.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Paul Broun (R-Ga.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Steve Stockman (R-Texas), and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). You can read the full text of the amendment here.
170 Democrats and 49 Republicans voted in favor of the amendment, 172 Republicans and 17 Democrats voted against it. You can view the full vote breakdown here.
“It would be hard to overstate the importance of tonight’s vote,” said NORML Communications Director Erik Altieri, “Approval of this amendment is a resounding victory for basic compassion and common sense.”
Added NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, “This vote marks one of the first times since the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 that a majority of the members of a chamber Congress have acted in a manner that significantly alters federal marijuana policy.”
“The conflicting nature of state and federal marijuana laws has created an untenable situation,” co-sponsor Rep. Blumenauer said just before the House debate. “It’s time we take the federal government out of the equation so medical marijuana business owners operating under state law aren’t living in constant fear of having their doors kicked down in the middle of the night.”
The House also approved amendments that prohibit the DOJ and DEA from using funds to interfere with state sanctioned industrial hemp cultivation.
In February, members of Congress approved language (Section 7606) in the omnibus federal farm bill authorizing states to sponsor hemp research absent federal reclassification of the plant. Since then, five states — Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Utah — have enacted legislation authorizing state-sponsored hemp cultivation. (Similar legislation is pending in Illinois and South Carolina.) In total, more than a dozen states have enacted legislation redefining hemp as an agricultural commodity and allowing for state-sponsored research and/or cultivation of the crop
Governors fight for state rights MJ (READ)
Sessions’ DOJ Reviewing Marijuana Enforcement Policies, Governors Fight Back
by Erik Altieri, NORML Executive Director
April 6, 2017
arrestedUnited States Attorney General Jeff “Marijuana Consumers Aren’t Good People” Sessions has issued a formal memorandum calling on members of the Justice Department’s Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety to “undertake a review of existing policies,” including federal enforcement policies with regard to cannabis.
The memo was sent on April 5 to 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice component heads.
The Attorney General has requested a report back from task force members by no later than July 27th. You can read the full memo here.
The release of this memorandum provides us with a general time frame during which to expect any formal announcements from the new administration with regard to addressing marijuana policy — specifically whether the Justice Department will respect state legalization laws.
In the interim, members of Congress can remove all of the bite from Jeff Sessions’ bark by approving the bipartisan Respect State Marijuana Laws Act, which prevents the federal government from criminally prosecuting individuals and/or businesses who are engaging in state-sanctioned activities specific to the possession, use, production, and distribution of marijuana.
Speaking recently before Congress, Attorney General Sessions said that his job is to enforce federal law. Let’s change federal law to ensure that our reform victories remain in place, and so that we can build upon these victories in the future.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IN SUPPORT OF RESPECTING STATE MARIJUANA LAWS.
But while the Justice Department contemplates its next move, state politicians are taking action. In recent days, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D), Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D), Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) and Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (I) issued a letter to the new U.S. Attorney General and to Secretary of Treasury Mnuchin calling on them to uphold the Obama Administration’s largely ‘hands off’ policies toward marijuana legalization, as outlined in the Cole Memo.
“Overhauling the Cole Memo is sure to produce unintended and harmful consequences,” the governors wrote. “Changes that hurt the regulated market would divert existing marijuana product into the black market and increase dangerous activity in both our states and our neighboring states.”
Political and social change rarely comes from the top on down, it comes from the bottom up. That is why it is imperative for you to not only contact your federal officials in support of changing policy, but also to continue to push for change at the local and state level.
Click HERE to view pending federal and state legislation and easily contact your elected officials in support of them.
Click HERE to find a local NORML chapter in your area and get involved. NORML Kansas City this week successfully placed marijuana decriminalization on their municipal ballot and saw it pass with 71% support. This is the kind of positive change a group of committed volunteer citizens can bring to their communities.
A people united will never be defeated and together we WILL end marijuana prohibition nationwide.
32 comments so far | Add a Comment »
US House Votes to Prohibit DOJ From Interfering With State Medical Marijuana or Industrial Hemp Programs
by Erik Altieri, NORML Executive Director
May 30, 2014
After a long debate that had the US House of Representatives in session until after midnight, the lower chamber of Congress cast a historic 219 to 189 vote to restrict the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration from using taxpayer funds to interfere in state-sanctioned medical marijuana programs in the 20+ states that have enacted them.
This measure was co-sponsored by Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Reps. Rohrabacher (R-Calf.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Paul Broun (R-Ga.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Steve Stockman (R-Texas), and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). You can read the full text of the amendment here.
170 Democrats and 49 Republicans voted in favor of the amendment, 172 Republicans and 17 Democrats voted against it. You can view the full vote breakdown here.
“It would be hard to overstate the importance of tonight’s vote,” said NORML Communications Director Erik Altieri, “Approval of this amendment is a resounding victory for basic compassion and common sense.”
Added NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, “This vote marks one of the first times since the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 that a majority of the members of a chamber Congress have acted in a manner that significantly alters federal marijuana policy.”
“The conflicting nature of state and federal marijuana laws has created an untenable situation,” co-sponsor Rep. Blumenauer said just before the House debate. “It’s time we take the federal government out of the equation so medical marijuana business owners operating under state law aren’t living in constant fear of having their doors kicked down in the middle of the night.”
The House also approved amendments that prohibit the DOJ and DEA from using funds to interfere with state sanctioned industrial hemp cultivation.
In February, members of Congress approved language (Section 7606) in the omnibus federal farm bill authorizing states to sponsor hemp research absent federal reclassification of the plant. Since then, five states — Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Utah — have enacted legislation authorizing state-sponsored hemp cultivation. (Similar legislation is pending in Illinois and South Carolina.) In total, more than a dozen states have enacted legislation redefining hemp as an agricultural commodity and allowing for state-sponsored research and/or cultivation of the crop
Governors fighting for MJ (READ)
Sessions’ DOJ Reviewing Marijuana Enforcement Policies, Governors Fight Back
by Erik Altieri, NORML Executive Director
April 6, 2017
arrestedUnited States Attorney General Jeff “Marijuana Consumers Aren’t Good People” Sessions has issued a formal memorandum calling on members of the Justice Department’s Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety to “undertake a review of existing policies,” including federal enforcement policies with regard to cannabis.
The memo was sent on April 5 to 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice component heads.
The Attorney General has requested a report back from task force members by no later than July 27th. You can read the full memo here.
The release of this memorandum provides us with a general time frame during which to expect any formal announcements from the new administration with regard to addressing marijuana policy — specifically whether the Justice Department will respect state legalization laws.
In the interim, members of Congress can remove all of the bite from Jeff Sessions’ bark by approving the bipartisan Respect State Marijuana Laws Act, which prevents the federal government from criminally prosecuting individuals and/or businesses who are engaging in state-sanctioned activities specific to the possession, use, production, and distribution of marijuana.
Speaking recently before Congress, Attorney General Sessions said that his job is to enforce federal law. Let’s change federal law to ensure that our reform victories remain in place, and so that we can build upon these victories in the future.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IN SUPPORT OF RESPECTING STATE MARIJUANA LAWS.
But while the Justice Department contemplates its next move, state politicians are taking action. In recent days, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D), Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D), Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) and Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (I) issued a letter to the new U.S. Attorney General and to Secretary of Treasury Mnuchin calling on them to uphold the Obama Administration’s largely ‘hands off’ policies toward marijuana legalization, as outlined in the Cole Memo.
“Overhauling the Cole Memo is sure to produce unintended and harmful consequences,” the governors wrote. “Changes that hurt the regulated market would divert existing marijuana product into the black market and increase dangerous activity in both our states and our neighboring states.”
Political and social change rarely comes from the top on down, it comes from the bottom up. That is why it is imperative for you to not only contact your federal officials in support of changing policy, but also to continue to push for change at the local and state level.
Click HERE to view pending federal and state legislation and easily contact your elected officials in support of them.
Click HERE to find a local NORML chapter in your area and get involved. NORML Kansas City this week successfully placed marijuana decriminalization on their municipal ballot and saw it pass with 71% support. This is the kind of positive change a group of committed volunteer citizens can bring to their communities.
A people united will never be defeated and together we WILL end marijuana prohibition nationwide.
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US House Votes to Prohibit DOJ From Interfering With State Medical Marijuana or Industrial Hemp Programs
by Erik Altieri, NORML Executive Director
May 30, 2014
After a long debate that had the US House of Representatives in session until after midnight, the lower chamber of Congress cast a historic 219 to 189 vote to restrict the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration from using taxpayer funds to interfere in state-sanctioned medical marijuana programs in the 20+ states that have enacted them.
This measure was co-sponsored by Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Reps. Rohrabacher (R-Calf.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Paul Broun (R-Ga.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Steve Stockman (R-Texas), and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). You can read the full text of the amendment here.
170 Democrats and 49 Republicans voted in favor of the amendment, 172 Republicans and 17 Democrats voted against it. You can view the full vote breakdown here.
“It would be hard to overstate the importance of tonight’s vote,” said NORML Communications Director Erik Altieri, “Approval of this amendment is a resounding victory for basic compassion and common sense.”
Added NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, “This vote marks one of the first times since the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 that a majority of the members of a chamber Congress have acted in a manner that significantly alters federal marijuana policy.”
“The conflicting nature of state and federal marijuana laws has created an untenable situation,” co-sponsor Rep. Blumenauer said just before the House debate. “It’s time we take the federal government out of the equation so medical marijuana business owners operating under state law aren’t living in constant fear of having their doors kicked down in the middle of the night.”
The House also approved amendments that prohibit the DOJ and DEA from using funds to interfere with state sanctioned industrial hemp cultivation.
In February, members of Congress approved language (Section 7606) in the omnibus federal farm bill authorizing states to sponsor hemp research absent federal reclassification of the plant. Since then, five states — Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Utah — have enacted legislation authorizing state-sponsored hemp cultivation. (Similar legislation is pending in Illinois and South Carolina.) In total, more than a dozen states have enacted legislation redefining hemp as an agricultural commodity and allowing for state-sponsored research and/or cultivation of the crop
I hope people especially newbies are seeing these guys on every MJ otc stock board out there, spewing there Lies & BS. They would lose any credibility very fast. Hold on people this will bounce soon. Patients is truly a virtue and it will pay big returns. As always do your own DD and be true to your self first and always. GLTA
Not sure hoping it gets picked up...
I think we all could use a vacation LOL
Very soon, many politicians against sessions ideas on MJ especially Medical but many what MJ off schedule one. GLTA
J. Sessions stranglehold on the MJ sector will soon come to an end.
Dear Money Morning Member,
All I can say is WOW...
Three months ago, I thought U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions could take an ax to our pot stock party.
But now, he's about to spark the biggest pot stock boom since the November 8 election.
How is that possible?
It's because he's been caught privately saying he is not - and I want to repeat this - he is not going to attempt to change any Obama-era laws that let individual states implement their own marijuana laws.
In fact, I expect him to make a public announcement...
When that happens, the floodgates are going to open and tiny penny pot stocks are going to skyrocket. I'm talking about stocks trading for less than a $1 shooting up to $3, $4, even $10.
Half my order just filled at 12:30pm @ 0.001 1,407,422Sh. GLTA
J. Sessions stranglehold on the MJ sector won't last (READ)
Dear Money Morning Member,
All I can say is WOW...
Three months ago, I thought U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions could take an ax to our pot stock party.
But now, he's about to spark the biggest pot stock boom since the November 8 election.
How is that possible?
It's because he's been caught privately saying he is not - and I want to repeat this - he is not going to attempt to change any Obama-era laws that let individual states implement their own marijuana laws.
In fact, I expect him to make a public announcement...
When that happens, the floodgates are going to open and tiny penny pot stocks are going to skyrocket. I'm talking about stocks trading for less than a $1 shooting up to $3, $4, even $10.
J. Sessions stranglehold on the MJ sector won't last much longer (READ)
Dear Money Morning Member,
All I can say is WOW...
Three months ago, I thought U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions could take an ax to our pot stock party.
But now, he's about to spark the biggest pot stock boom since the November 8 election.
How is that possible?
It's because he's been caught privately saying he is not - and I want to repeat this - he is not going to attempt to change any Obama-era laws that let individual states implement their own marijuana laws.
In fact, I expect him to make a public announcement...
When that happens, the floodgates are going to open and tiny penny pot stocks are going to skyrocket. I'm talking about stocks trading for less than a $1 shooting up to $3, $4, even $10.
What do you think will happen when California wakes up today around 11AM, think we'll get a bounce. I have a low bid in right now for 2.5 milliy hoping for a little dip before a pop.
Breakout Eminent! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ GLTA
Hope your right that would bode well for all of us in the MJ sector. GLTA
Sorry wrong site but interesting anyway especially if you are interested in the MJ sector. GLTA
Very interesting concerning J. Sessions (WATCH)
Watch
The fight goes on in Congress, please read...
The fight goes on in congress please read..
The fight goes on in Washington DC please read.......
Yes, Comon Hass get those fins out before the EOW....
Agree, let the buying begin, bargin prices.
No Reverse Split no way.....
PR Eminent this week!!!!
Legalization is imminent, MJ sector will skyrocket...
Legalization is immanent, MJ sector will skyrocket...
Legalization immanent, MJ sector will skyrocket...
Where on the Bid!!!
Everything will change when that happens and it will happen. Lots of pressure to change the law. Go MJTK and the whole MJ sector. Great news.......
New News Read...
U.S. Congress Passes Bill Prohibiting Justice Department From Interfering in State Medical Marijuana Laws
News
May 4, 2017
by Anthony Martinelli
The omnibus spending bill passed by the House and Senate includes a provision intended to prevent the DOJ and DEA from arresting or prosecuting patients, caregivers, and businesses that are acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.
The Justice Department will continue to be prohibited from interfering in state medical marijuana laws under the federal spending bill passed Thursday in the Senate. The bill has already passed the House, and President Trump has said he will sign it.
The legislation includes a provision that is intended to prevent the department, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, from using funds to arrest or prosecute patients, caregivers, and businesses that are acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.
“Congress appears to be growing increasingly comfortable with states adopting their own marijuana policies,” said Robert Capecchi, director of federal policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Unfortunately, spending prohibitions like these expire at the end of the fiscal year, so there is still a need for a long-term solution.
“The time is right for Congress to adopt permanent legislation that protects individuals from federal enforcement if they are in compliance with state laws,” Capecchi said. “It is difficult to understand what they’re waiting for. The vast majority of U.S. voters oppose the federal government interfering in state marijuana laws, and there is now near-universal support for legalizing medical marijuana.”
The provision stems from an amendment originally sponsored by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and former Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), which was first approved by the House in May 2014. It was approved again by a larger margin in June 2015, then included in the continuing appropriations packages that have funded the federal government since October 2016.
In April 2015, a Justice Department spokesman told the Los Angeles Times that the department did not interpret the amendment as affecting cases involving individuals or businesses, but merely “impeding the ability of states to carry out their medical marijuana laws.” In October 2015, a federal judge ruled that the department’s interpretation was inaccurate and that the provision prevents it from taking action against individuals who are acting in compliance with state laws.
“Renewing protections for state medical marijuana policies is not just good public policy, it’s good politics,” said Don Murphy, director of conservative outreach for the Marijuana Policy Project. “The Republican-controlled Congress stuck to its 10th Amendment principles. It is protecting states’ rights to adopt medical marijuana laws by protecting individuals who comply with them from federal prosecution. It should welcome the opportunity to expand that protection to individuals complying with any state marijuana law, including those regulating marijuana for adult use.”
The spending package approved Thursday also includes a provision that prevents the District of Columbia from regulating the cultivation and distribution of marijuana for adult use. It was originally introduced by Rep. Andy Harris (R-Maryland) and approved in 2015, after District voters approved a ballot initiative to make possession and cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age and older.
“It is irrational to prohibit D.C. officials from establishing a regulatory system to control the cultivation and distribution of marijuana,” Capecchi said. “Marijuana is legal for adults in D.C., and it needs to be treated like other products that are legal for adults. By renewing the Harris Amendment, Congress is preventing local officials from taking steps toward improving public health and safety in our nation’s capital.”
New Read....
U.S. Congress Passes Bill Prohibiting Justice Department From Interfering in State Medical Marijuana Laws
News
May 4, 2017
by Anthony Martinelli
The omnibus spending bill passed by the House and Senate includes a provision intended to prevent the DOJ and DEA from arresting or prosecuting patients, caregivers, and businesses that are acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.
The Justice Department will continue to be prohibited from interfering in state medical marijuana laws under the federal spending bill passed Thursday in the Senate. The bill has already passed the House, and President Trump has said he will sign it.
The legislation includes a provision that is intended to prevent the department, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, from using funds to arrest or prosecute patients, caregivers, and businesses that are acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.
“Congress appears to be growing increasingly comfortable with states adopting their own marijuana policies,” said Robert Capecchi, director of federal policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Unfortunately, spending prohibitions like these expire at the end of the fiscal year, so there is still a need for a long-term solution.
“The time is right for Congress to adopt permanent legislation that protects individuals from federal enforcement if they are in compliance with state laws,” Capecchi said. “It is difficult to understand what they’re waiting for. The vast majority of U.S. voters oppose the federal government interfering in state marijuana laws, and there is now near-universal support for legalizing medical marijuana.”
The provision stems from an amendment originally sponsored by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and former Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), which was first approved by the House in May 2014. It was approved again by a larger margin in June 2015, then included in the continuing appropriations packages that have funded the federal government since October 2016.
In April 2015, a Justice Department spokesman told the Los Angeles Times that the department did not interpret the amendment as affecting cases involving individuals or businesses, but merely “impeding the ability of states to carry out their medical marijuana laws.” In October 2015, a federal judge ruled that the department’s interpretation was inaccurate and that the provision prevents it from taking action against individuals who are acting in compliance with state laws.
“Renewing protections for state medical marijuana policies is not just good public policy, it’s good politics,” said Don Murphy, director of conservative outreach for the Marijuana Policy Project. “The Republican-controlled Congress stuck to its 10th Amendment principles. It is protecting states’ rights to adopt medical marijuana laws by protecting individuals who comply with them from federal prosecution. It should welcome the opportunity to expand that protection to individuals complying with any state marijuana law, including those regulating marijuana for adult use.”
The spending package approved Thursday also includes a provision that prevents the District of Columbia from regulating the cultivation and distribution of marijuana for adult use. It was originally introduced by Rep. Andy Harris (R-Maryland) and approved in 2015, after District voters approved a ballot initiative to make possession and cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age and older.
“It is irrational to prohibit D.C. officials from establishing a regulatory system to control the cultivation and distribution of marijuana,” Capecchi said. “Marijuana is legal for adults in D.C., and it needs to be treated like other products that are legal for adults. By renewing the Harris Amendment, Congress is preventing local officials from taking steps toward improving public health and safety in our nation’s capital.”
This just happened yesterday
U.S. Congress Passes Bill Prohibiting Justice Department From Interfering in State Medical Marijuana Laws
News
May 4, 2017
by Anthony Martinelli
The omnibus spending bill passed by the House and Senate includes a provision intended to prevent the DOJ and DEA from arresting or prosecuting patients, caregivers, and businesses that are acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.
The Justice Department will continue to be prohibited from interfering in state medical marijuana laws under the federal spending bill passed Thursday in the Senate. The bill has already passed the House, and President Trump has said he will sign it.
The legislation includes a provision that is intended to prevent the department, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, from using funds to arrest or prosecute patients, caregivers, and businesses that are acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.
“Congress appears to be growing increasingly comfortable with states adopting their own marijuana policies,” said Robert Capecchi, director of federal policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Unfortunately, spending prohibitions like these expire at the end of the fiscal year, so there is still a need for a long-term solution.
“The time is right for Congress to adopt permanent legislation that protects individuals from federal enforcement if they are in compliance with state laws,” Capecchi said. “It is difficult to understand what they’re waiting for. The vast majority of U.S. voters oppose the federal government interfering in state marijuana laws, and there is now near-universal support for legalizing medical marijuana.”
The provision stems from an amendment originally sponsored by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and former Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), which was first approved by the House in May 2014. It was approved again by a larger margin in June 2015, then included in the continuing appropriations packages that have funded the federal government since October 2016.
In April 2015, a Justice Department spokesman told the Los Angeles Times that the department did not interpret the amendment as affecting cases involving individuals or businesses, but merely “impeding the ability of states to carry out their medical marijuana laws.” In October 2015, a federal judge ruled that the department’s interpretation was inaccurate and that the provision prevents it from taking action against individuals who are acting in compliance with state laws.
“Renewing protections for state medical marijuana policies is not just good public policy, it’s good politics,” said Don Murphy, director of conservative outreach for the Marijuana Policy Project. “The Republican-controlled Congress stuck to its 10th Amendment principles. It is protecting states’ rights to adopt medical marijuana laws by protecting individuals who comply with them from federal prosecution. It should welcome the opportunity to expand that protection to individuals complying with any state marijuana law, including those regulating marijuana for adult use.”
The spending package approved Thursday also includes a provision that prevents the District of Columbia from regulating the cultivation and distribution of marijuana for adult use. It was originally introduced by Rep. Andy Harris (R-Maryland) and approved in 2015, after District voters approved a ballot initiative to make possession and cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age and older.
“It is irrational to prohibit D.C. officials from establishing a regulatory system to control the cultivation and distribution of marijuana,” Capecchi said. “Marijuana is legal for adults in D.C., and it needs to be treated like other products that are legal for adults. By renewing the Harris Amendment, Congress is preventing local officials from taking steps toward improving public health and safety in our nation’s capital.”