Lawmakers Try to Delay Enactment of Voter Approved Marijuana Laws

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Paul Armentano | January 18, 2017

Legislators in a number of states are pushing forward measures to delay the enactment of several voter-initiated marijuana laws.

In Arkansas, House lawmakers are moving forward with legislation, House Bill 1026, to postpone the deadline for establishing the state’s new medical marijuana program by 60 days. Fifty-three percent of voters approved Issue 6 on Election Day, which called on lawmakers to regulate the production and dispensing of medical cannabis within 120 days.

In…

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Criticism of Massachusetts Lawmakers Meddling with Marijuana Legalization Initiative

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A supporter holds up a “Yes on 4” sign at the 2016 Boston Freedom Rally (Scott Gacek/The Daily Chronic)

Terry Franklin | January 11, 2017

There has been much talk in the Massachusetts Legislature about making changes to the Question 4 marijuana legalization initiative, which was passed by Bay State voters Nov. 8.

The new law is already filled with restrictions designed to boost profits for the marijuana industry. Further restrictions will benefit the industry even more.

Examples can best be shown by making…

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Massachusetts Lawmakers Want to Reduce Plant Limit, Raise Marijuana Taxes

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Scott Gacek | January 11, 2017

BOSTON, MA — Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering big changes for a voter-approved law that legalizes marijuana in the Bay State, including an increase in tax on retail marijuana sales and a reduction in plant limits on personal home grows.

Following decades of inaction on similar bills in the state legislature, voters in Massachusetts approved Question 4 in November, legalizing marijuana for adults.

Some provisions in the new law took effect in December, including personal…

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Massachusetts Lawmakers Delay Start of Legal Marijuana Sales

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Scott Gacek | December 28, 2016

BOSTON, MA — Lawmakers in Massachusetts wasted no time in meddling with a referendum passed by voters in November to legalize recreational marijuana for adults, passing legislation Wednesday to delay the start of a retail cannabis market by several months.

Home cultivation and personal possession of marijuana by adults 21 or older became legal on December 15, but thanks to Beacon Hill lawmakers, the black market will continue to thrive as the state works to delay full…

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Massachusetts: Over a Century of Cannabis Criminalization Comes to an End

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Paul Armentano | December 15, 2016

Massachusetts today became the sixth US state to enact legislation eliminating criminal penalties specific to the adult possession and personal use of cannabis. The law change ends over a century-long policy of criminal cannabis prohibition in the Bay State. Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to criminalize the use of marijuana — a policy it first enacted in 1911.

“By legalizing the adult use of marijuana, Massachusetts will shrink the illicit black market,…

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Marijuana Possession Becomes Legal in Massachusetts on Thursday

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A supporter holds up a “Yes on 4” sign at the 2016 Boston Freedom Rally (Scott Gacek/The Daily Chronic)

Scott Gacek | December 11, 2016

BOSTON, MA — Adults 21 or older can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana in public or ten ounces in their homes starting on Thursday, December 15, as the voter-approved Question 4 takes effect.

While retail sales remain at least a year away, adults will no longer face a $100 fine for possessing marijuana — possession of up to one ounce of cannabis in the…

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Massachusetts: Urge Lawmakers to Implement Question 4 As Passed

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NORML | December 8, 2016

On Election Day in Massachusetts, 54 percent of voters decided in favor of Question 4: The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act – permitting adults to legally grow and to possess marijuana for personal use, while also establishing regulations governing commercial cannabis cultivation and capping taxes on retail sales.

Your message could not have been any clearer: It is time to legalize and regulate the adult use of marijuana.

But it is becoming increasingly apparent…

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Sore Losers: Some State Leaders Challenging Marijuana Election Results

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Paul Armentano | November 28, 2016

Political leaders in several states are threatening to thwart the implementation of voter-approved initiatives specific to the regulation of marijuana.

In Massachusetts, where voters decided 54 percent to 46 percent on election day to legalize the cultivation, use, and retail sale of cannabis by adults, politicians have suggested amending the law and delaying its implementation. Specifically, lawmakers have called for pushing back the date when adults may legally begin growing…

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Some Post-Election Musings From Massachusetts

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Terry Franklin | November 14, 2016

Election Night I spent packed tight in a seething crowd of celebrants at Boston’s Question 4 victory party. The crowd was so large, there was a long line at the door, with many having to be turned away. All around me were the activists who had made it happen, heroes who had worked on it their entire adult lives, and the new crop of dedicated youths.

No need to list names — there are far too many — and, besides, we were right there along side each other.

My mind drifted to…

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Sewing the Seeds of Freedom After Marijuana’s Big Election Night Win

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Terry Franklin | November 13, 2016

An upwelling of discontent has swept our nation over what is often referred to as crony capitalism, the corrupt entanglement of the elites of business and politics. Anger cuts across the entire political spectrum.

After the Tea Party, the Occupy Movement, Ron Paul, and the Bernie Sanders Revolution, one would expect the cronies to retreat into the shadows. That is why it is so surprising and disturbing to those in the Cannabis Legalization Movement, to see their accomplishment so…

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Sowing the Seeds of Freedom After Marijuana’s Big Election Night Win

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Terry Franklin | November 13, 2016

An upwelling of discontent has swept our nation over what is often referred to as crony capitalism, the corrupt entanglement of the elites of business and politics. Anger cuts across the entire political spectrum.

After the Tea Party, the Occupy Movement, Ron Paul, and the Bernie Sanders Revolution, one would expect the cronies to retreat into the shadows. That is why it is so surprising and disturbing to those in the Cannabis Legalization Movement, to see their accomplishment so…

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Voters In Eight States Approve Marijuana Law Reform In Unprecedented Election Victories

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NORML | November 10, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC — Millions of Americans cast votes on Election Day in favor of sweeping statewide marijuana law reforms.

Voters in four states: California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada approved ballot measures legalizing the adult use of cannabis and licensing its commercial production and retail sale. Voters in four additional states: Arkansas, Florida, Montana, and North Dakota approved initiatives legalizing and/or expanding the use and dispensing of cannabis for therapeutic…

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Four States End Marijuana Prohibition, Three Adopt Medical Marijuana Laws in Historic Election

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Marijuana Policy Project | November 9, 2016

WASHINGTON — California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada voted to end marijuana prohibition and Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota adopted medical marijuana laws Tuesday in the most momentous election to date for marijuana policy reform.

Montana approved an initiative to re-establish patients’ access to medical marijuana providers, which was hindered by state lawmakers, and create a more regulated system of medical marijuana production and distribution.

As of 4:30…

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Marijuana Wins Big: California, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada Legalize; Medical Marijuana Sweeps 4 States; Arizona Only Defeat

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The Daily Chronic Staff | November 9, 2016

3:00 AM EST: Maine appears to have approved Question 1, legalizing marijuana for adults.  The measure, which had slowly been losing an early lead all evening, has pulled through with 50.6% of the vote and 87.1% of precincts reporting.  Earlier, voters in nearby Massachusetts approved their legalization measure as well.

The only defeat of the evening came in Arizona, where Proposition 205, which would have legalized marijuana for adults, was defeated.

1:59 AM…

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Massachusetts Legalizes Marijuana; Voters Approve Question 4

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Scott Gacek | November 9, 2016

Massachusetts has become the first state on the East Coast to legalize marijuana, with voters approving Question 4 by over 53%.

“Marijuana legalization has arrived on the East Coast. What Colorado and other states have already done is generating revenue, creating jobs and reducing crime, so it’s not surprising that voters in more places are eager to end prohibition, said Tom Angell of marijuanamajority.com.

“In addition to helping propel efforts to change federal law, this…

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California and Massachusetts Become 5th and 6th States to Legalize, Regulate, and Tax Marijuana for Adult Use; Florida, North Dakota, and Arkansas Become 26th, 27th, and 28th States to Legalize Medical Marijuana

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Marijuana Policy Project | November 9, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC — Voters in California and Massachusetts have approved ballot initiatives to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana for adult use, and voters in Florida, North Dakota, and Arkansas have approved medical marijuana programs.

Initiatives to regulate and tax marijuana for adult use are leading in Nevada and Maine and trailing in Arizona. An initiative is leading in Montana that would restore patient access to medical marijuana providers and create a more…

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Massachusetts Becomes First State East of the Rockies to Approve Marijuana Legalization

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Drug Policy Alliance | November 8, 2016

BOSTON, MA — Voters in Massachusetts have approved marijuana legalization, making it the first state east of the Rockies to do so.

“Western states have led the way on legalizing marijuana but the victory in Massachusetts powerfully demonstrates that this movement is now bicoastal and soon to be national,” said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “Indeed, I’d wager that the next states to legalize marijuana will also be in the Northeast –…

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California & Massachusetts Legalize Marijuana; Maine & Nevada Winning; Arizona Losing; 3 States Approve Medical Marijuana

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The Daily Chronic Staff | November 8, 2016

11:45 PM EST: Voters in Massachusetts have legalized marijuana, approving Question 4 with 53.4% of the vote.

11:38 PM EST: Voters in California have approved legalizing marijuana. Currently with 54.8% of the vote and 11% reporting, both the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times are declaring a victory for Amendment 64.  Meanwhile, voters in Arkansas have approved medical marijuana, with 52.2% approval and 61.8% reporting.  Legalization measures in Maine and…

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Marijuana Wins Big on Election Night

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Drug Policy Alliance | November 9, 2016

This Election Day was a watershed moment for the movement to end marijuana prohibition, with the results expected to accelerate efforts to legalize marijuana in states across the U.S., at the federal level, and internationally.  Overall, legalization initiatives prevailed in four out of five states, and medical marijuana initiatives prevailed in all four states this year.

Votes are still being counted for legalization initiatives in Maine and Arizona, as well as for a medical…

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Marijuana Vote Results: Florida Passes Medical Marijuana Amendment 2; Arkansas, Maine, Massachusetts, South Dakota Marijuana Iniatives All Ahead

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The Daily Chronic Staff | November 8, 2016

9:15 PM EST: Polls in Arkansas, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts and South Dakota have all closed.  Florida has approved medical marijuana Amendment 2.  Legalization measures in Maine and Massachusetts, as well as medical marijuana initiatives in Arkansas and South Dakota, are all out to early leads:

Arkansas: 51.3% in favor, with .2% reporting
Florida: 71.1% in favor, with 76.5% reporting (approved)
Maine: 53.4% in favor, with 4.6% reporting
Massachusetts: 50.8% in favor, with…

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Latest Polling Information for the 2016 Marijuana Related Ballot Proposals

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Danielle Keane | November 5, 2016

On Tuesday, November 8, nine states will be voting on marijuana related ballot proposals potentially doubling the number of states that allow the recreational use of marijuana and expanding the therapeutic benefits of marijuana use to millions of Americans. Here’s where these measures stand in the latest polls.

Arizona: According to an October Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite poll, 50 percent of registered voters in Arizona favor Proposition 205 and 42 percent oppose it. The…

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Election 2016: Marijuana Law Reform Takes Center Stage

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Drug Policy Alliance | November 2, 2016

This Election Day is shaping up to be a watershed moment for efforts to end marijuana prohibition, with five states voting on marijuana legalization and four more on medical marijuana. The results are expected to have major ramifications for marijuana law reform in states across the U.S., at the federal level, and even internationally.

A recent nationwide Gallup poll found that a record 60 percent of respondents support legalizing marijuana, but polls on this year’s…

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Marijuana Legalization: Recreational Use Initiatives Leading In Latest Polls

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Marijuana Legalization: Recreational Use Initiatives Leading In Latest Polls

WASHINGTON, DC — Voters are supportive of five pending ballot measures that seek to regulate the adult use and sale of marijuana, according to recent polling data compiled in Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada.

Half of Arizona voters intend to vote ‘yes’ in favor of Proposition 205: The Arizona Legalization and Regulation of Marijuana Act, according to an Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News poll. Forty percent of voters oppose the initiative. The Act allows adults age 21 and older to possess and to privately…

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Marijuana Legalization Initiatives Leading In Latest Polls

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Marijuana Legalization Initiatives Leading In Latest Polls

Voters favor legalizing the adult use of cannabis in the five states where the issue will appear on the ballot this Election Day. Here is a summary of the latest polling data.

ARIZONA: Half of Arizona voters intend to vote ‘yes’ in favor of Proposition 205: The Arizona Legalization and Regulation of Marijuana Act, according to an Arizona Republic/Morrison/Cronkite News poll. Forty percent of voters oppose the initiative. The Act allows adults age 21 and older to possess and to privately consume and grow limited amounts of marijuana (up…

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Support for Marijuana Legalization Growing in Massachusetts

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Support for Marijuana Legalization Growing in Massachusetts

BOSTON, MA — Support for a proposed ballot question to legalize, tax and regulate recreational marijuana for adults in Massachusetts continues to grow, according to recent polling data.

A new WBZ-UMass Amherst poll released Wednesday found 53% of Bay State voters favor Question 4, while only 40% were opposed to the measure.  Seven percent remain undecided.

Wednesday’s poll reflects an increase in support for the proposal, which is among several legalization campaigns sponsored by the Washington, DC – based Marijuana Policy Project…

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After Nearly 80 Years of Marijuana Prohibition, the Tide is Turning

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After Nearly 80 Years of Marijuana Prohibition, the Tide is Turning

As marijuana legalization gains traction across the country, some ask “Why now?” A better question perhaps is “How did this prohibition ever last so long?”

People have always suffered the compulsion to hunt scapegoats, and politicians are more than happy to pander to our harshest instincts. With two world wars and the Cold War, the 20th Century in particular, was a time of fear, with a hunger for social control and conformity. The malignant belief of the Communists and other totalitarians in the perfectibility of humanity at any…

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Poll: Massachusetts Voters Likely to Approve Legalizing Marijuana

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Poll: Massachusetts Voters Likely to Approve Legalizing Marijuana

BOSTON, MA — A new poll released this week finds enough support among Bay State voters to legalize marijuana in Massachusetts this November.

According to a WBUR Poll released Tuesday, Massachusetts voters support Question 4 by a margin of 50% to 45%.

Democrats were more likely to support legalization, with 53% in favor and 41% opposed.  Independent voters narrowly approve of the proposal, 48% to 47%. Republicans, on the other hand, narrowly oppose the measure, 49% to 48%.

When looking at voters by age, there was much stronger support…

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MassCann/NORML Announces Headliners for Boston Freedom Rally

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MassCann/NORML Announces Headliners for Boston Freedom Rally

Method Man, Redman, and Slaing to headline two-day event on Boston Common, September 17 & 18

BOSTON, MA — Mark your calendars. The Boston Freedom Rally is coming next month, and on Friday it was announced by the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition (MassCann) that Method Man, Redman and Slaing will be headlining the performances at this year’s festival.

The Boston Freedom Rally is the largest annual cannabis event on the East Coast, now entering it’s 27th year.  This year’s two-day event, scheduled for September 17 and 18,  looks…

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These 5 States Will Vote on Marijuana Legalization in November

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These 5 States Will Vote on Marijuana Legalization in November

Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan last week certified a marijuana legalization initiative for the November ballot, setting the stage for a national election that will see the issue go directly to the voters in five states, including California, the nation’s most populous.

Four states have already legalized marijuana at the ballot box, Colorado and Washington in 2012 and Alaska and Oregon in 2014. The District of Columbia also legalized marijuana—but not commercial sales—in 2014.

But those states combined only have a population…

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Separating Myth From Fact: DPA Releases New Marijuana Facts Booklet

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Separating Myth From Fact: DPA Releases New Marijuana Facts Booklet

Report Addresses Most Commonly-Asked Questions About Marijuana Use and Its Mfor Historic Votes on Marijuana Law Reform this November

The Drug Policy Alliance on Thursday released Marijuana Facts, intended for non-expert audiences seeking answers to some of the most common questions asked about marijuana use, its effects, and the rapidly-shifting legal landscape.

The booklet addresses 15 frequently-asked questions about subjects such as driving, mental health, brain development, potency, edibles and concentrates.  It touches on marijuana’s…

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Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Measure Qualifies for November Ballot

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Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization Measure Qualifies for November Ballot

Massachusetts voters will decide this November on a statewide ballot measure to legalize and regulate the adult use and retail sale of cannabis.

The Secretary of State’s office has confirmed that initiative proponents, The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, submitted a sufficient number of signatures from registered voters to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

CRMLA MassachusettsQuestion 4, The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, permits adults to possess (up to ten ounces) and to cultivate (up to six plants) personal use quantities…

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2016 Marijuana-Related Statewide Ballot Proposals

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2016 Marijuana-Related Statewide Ballot Proposals

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: 2016 is set to be a monumental year for marijuana law reform. There are currently nine pending ballot initiatives to either legalize adult marijuana use or to legalize the use of medical marijuana for qualifying medical conditions. The country could double the number of states that allow the recreational use of marijuana and could potentially expand the therapeutic benefits of marijuana use to millions of Americans come November.

Find below a summary of each of these pending initiatives, links…

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