On September 18, 2022, California amended its primary employment discrimination law to specifically regulate the drug testing methodologies that employers may use when making hiring, termination, and other employment decisions relating to cannabis users. More recently, on May 9, 2023, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed similar legislation relating to initial hiring decisions. Both laws, which will be effective January 1, 2024, are the first of their kind because they require employers to have a basic understanding of a somewhat complicated issue – the science behind cannabis testing.Continue Reading Clearing the Haze: The Method and the Madness Behind the New Cannabis Laws in California and Washington
The Week in Weed: April 21, 2023
Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.
This week, we start overseas, in Germany, where the government unveiled a new plan to allow some marijuana consumption. Back in the US, there are five (count ’em *five*) federal bills dealing with cannabis. Interstate commerce is a hot issue in the Western states. And finally, Carl’s Jr. offers a $4.20 snack sack.Continue Reading The Week in Weed: April 21, 2023
Marijuana Dispensaries – Are They Essential Services?
With the spread of COVID-19 fears, states and cities nationwide are in the process of issuing a variety of executive orders and other ordinances shutting down businesses that are considered “non-essential.” However, what is considered “essential” differs by state and locality. Across the board, these laws have included healthcare services as “essential.” The question many have is whether marijuana dispensaries
Continue Reading Marijuana Dispensaries – Are They Essential Services?
The Year in Weed: 2019 Edition
Welcome to The Week in Weed’s look back at the news of 2019; whether the year has flown by or seemed to last forever, it’s (almost) over now. In tribute to Dave Barry and his always hilarious Year in Review, we’ll organize these stories by month.
Without further ado, here’s a look at the stories that grabbed our attention in 2019.
Continue Reading The Year in Weed: 2019 Edition
The Week in Weed: September 6, 2019
Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.
Let’s start this week with hemp, marijuana’s straight arrow cousin. The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced that it is now eligible for crop insurance. Farmers must be compliant with state and federal law and can insure crops with revenue
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: September 6, 2019
The Week in Weed: August 23, 2019
Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.
We’ll start with New Jersey, which you will doubtless recall failed to legalize marijuana earlier this year. They are now expanding hemp production. The new law will allow CBD in food (both human and animal) and cosmetics.
Washington, however, is headed
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: August 23, 2019
The Week in Weed: January 11, 2019
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 the governor of Washington is going to issue pardons to those convicted of misdemeanors involving marijuana. Known as the Marijuana Justice Initiative, the program has limitations on who is eligible for the pardon
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: January 11, 2019
The Week in Weed: August 31, 2018
Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.
Most employers are wary of union organizing, but a marijuana retailer in Washington is supportive of the idea.
- Pot Purveyor Leads Charge to Unionize His Employees
(Bloomberg Law, 29 August 2018)
A cannabis retailer led efforts to have his employees join
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: August 31, 2018
The Week in Weed: February 16, 2018
Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.
Two weeks ago, we reported on San Francisco’s decision to wipe out past marijuana convictions. Now Seattle is following suit.
- Seattle clears pot convictions, following San Francisco lead
(Associated Press: National, 8 February 2018)
Five years after Washington state legalized marijuana,
Continue Reading The Week in Weed: February 16, 2018
The Week in Weed: August 18, 2017
Welcome back to The Week in Weed, your Friday look at what’s happening in the world of legalized marijuana.
- Officials In Legal-Weed States Push Back Against Sessions’ Marijuana Criticisms
(Huffington Post: Latest News, 17 August 2017)
Alaska and Washington present more evidence that marijuana legalization is working.
- Maine will miss deadline to launch recreational cannabis market
(Marijuana Business Daily: News,