Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

This week, we have lots of federal news. First, something that didn’t happen. Then, something that did happen. Finally, something that might happen. But we also have some state news – a rundown of new ballot initiatives. And finally, the cannabis industry is getting into the holiday spirit.Continue Reading The Week in Weed: December 9, 2022

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

This week, lawmakers called for interstate sales of cannabis. It looks like Oklahoma voters will not weigh in on legalization. Idaho just says “No” to CBD products for pets. And finally, we have an explanation for the Green Bay Packers’ interesting touchdown celebration.

Interstate sales

One of the issues facing the cannabis industry is the inability to sell its product across state lines. This is particularly a problem for small businesses, who may be forced out by large multistate companies. Two federal lawmakers, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) have introduced the “Small and Homestead Independent Producers (SHIP) Act,” which would allow interstate commerce in marijuana. The only problem? Cannabis has to be legal on the federal level in order for this law to go into effect. If that happens, California is ready. Gov. Gavin Newsome (D) signed a bill allowing California cannabis companies to do business in other legal markets.Continue Reading The Week in Weed: September 23, 2022

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

This week, we look at the First Circuit’s decision on state cannabis regulation.  Then, we have a couple of state ballot initiatives to check in on.  We turn our gaze to Costa Rica, where cannabis legislation is on the agenda. And finally, would you buy CBD from a vending machine?

first circuit decision

Remember that old chestnut, the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment?  It prevents the Department of Justice from using its funds to prosecute state-legal medical cannabis businesses.  But apparently, that’s not all it does!  According to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, it also means that Congress has officially recognized that the medical marijuana industry exists.  And that means the Dormant Commerce Clause applies.  Without getting too far into the weeds (pun intended), this means that states can’t limit their markets to in-state companies.  Might it prohibit social equity programs as well?  Time will tell.Continue Reading The Week in Weed: August 26, 2022

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

The SAFE Act rises like the phoenix once again.  An Ohio initiative heads to the legislature.  Idaho legalizes hemp.  Illinois has more licensing problems.  And finally, if you’re a woman who likes hemp drinks, Pepsi has a new product just for
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: February 4, 2022

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

The Illinois licensing lottery takes center stage this week.  Several states may have ballot initiatives in 2022. Louisiana’s decriminalization law went into effect this week.  And finally, we introduce you to Cannabis the Cat.

illinois

The never-ending saga of Illinois’ cannabis
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: August 6, 2021

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

The SAFE Banking Act passes the House – again.  A bill to allow veterans access to medical cannabis gains interest.  Marijuana legalization polls favorably.  Idaho is (again) in the news.  And finally, if you’re looking for cannabis-themed license plates, Colorado has
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: April 23, 2021

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

The big news this week is that New Mexico legalized adult-use marijuana.  Mississippi’s medical cannabis program faces a state Supreme Court challenge.  And South Dakota’s program is also having its day in court.  Idaho may legalize hemp.  And finally, Uber may
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: April 16, 2021

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

The new federal hemp rules take effect March 22.  The Idaho House voted in favor of industrial hemp.  Rhode Island Senators introduced a bill to legalize cannabis.  Support for adult-use marijuana grows in Maryland.  The situation in South Dakota grows more
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: March 12, 2021

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

We bring you an update on Virginia and New Jersey.  New bills appear in New Mexico and Minnesota.  Lawsuits hover over the rollout of legalized marijuana in South Dakota and Mississippi.  Will an amendment banning future legalization succeed in Idaho? Democratic
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: February 5, 2021

Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.

The USDA issued a final hemp rule.  Virginia began the process of legalizing cannabis.  New Mexico faces a lawsuit over medical marijuana plant limits.  Governor Cuomo offers support for legalization.  The road to legal marijuana in Idaho may have a new
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: January 22, 2021