Nebraska successfully added a medical cannabis initiative to the November 2020 ballot, Mississippi voters are showing strong support for medical cannabis legalization, and Vermont is closer to legalizing adult-use (recreational) sales than ever before.
It's been a big year for cannabis law reform in states that are trying to legalize, as well as states that have existing programs in place. Reform may even take place on a national level soon -- check out the latest!
NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
A Historic Vote On Cannabis Decriminalization Will Take Place This Month
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced the House floor will hold a historic vote on cannabis legalization during the week of September 21. The legislation, known as the MORE Act, would federally de-schedule cannabis, expunge the records of those with prior marijuana convictions, and fund social justice programs to remedy the damage inflicted by the war on drugs. (Marijuana Moment)
STATEWIDE CHATTER
California
California’s marijuana tax generated more than $208 million in revenue last quarter, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. That revenue can grow even larger if local jurisdictions remove bans on cannabis businesses. Currently, cannabis businesses are barred from operations in 75% of cities and counties in the state. However, many of those local governments are looking for ways to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and may opt in to allowing cannabis businesses. (Marijuana Moment)
Maine
Maine regulators have announced that adult-use (recreational) marijuana sales will begin on October 9, nearly four years after the legalization measure was passed by voters. The first round of cannabis business licenses will be issued on September 8, and the Office of Marijuana Policy is still accepting applications with no established deadline for submission. (Marijuana Moment)
Mississippi
According to a new poll, more than 80% of Mississippi voters support the legalization of a medical marijuana program. Two competing initiatives will appear on the state's November 3 general election ballot. The poll inditicates that by a 29-point margin, voters prefer Initiative 65 over Alternative 65A, which was placed on the ballot by the state legislature only after Initiative 65 qualified. If either of the initiatives pass, medical marijuana business opportunities will arise. (Northside Sun)
Nebraska
Officials have confirmed the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign gathered enough signatures to place the issue of medical marijuana on the state’s ballot this November. A legal challenge brought forth by unnamed residents tried to bar the measure from the ballot, claiming it violated the state’s single-subject rule precluding ballot measures that cover more than one issue. However, the secretary of state rejected their claim, officially clearing its path to the November ballot. (Marijuana Business Daily)
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is calling on state lawmakers to legalize recreational marijuana in hopes of boosting the state’s economy amid the effects of the coronavirus. Wolf believes the state could use the tax revenue to fund restorative justice programs and support small businesses through grants. (NPR)
Vermont
The legalization of adult-use marijuana sales and businesses in Vermont is closer than ever. Conference committee meetings were held last week to discuss outstanding issues about Senate Bill 54 as it reaches its final stages. While recreational use and home cultivation of marijuana was legalized in 2018, Vermont’s current law does not allow for legal marijuana businesses and retail sales. Senate Bill 54 aims to amend that issue. (Marijuana Moment)
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