West Virginia Governor Signs Limited Medical Marijuana Measure Into Law

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West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (D) signs Senate Bill 386, the Medical Cannabis Act, on April 19, 2017. The Governor was joined for the bill signing by two of the initiative’s primary supporters, Senator Richard Ojeda (D-Logan) and Delegate Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha), as well as Senator Mike Woelfel (D-Cabell) and Dr. Rahul Gupta the State Health Officer and Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health. (image/Office of the Governor)

NORML | April 26,…

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Colorado Lawmakers Pass Bill to Allow Medical Marijuana for PTSD

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Approximately 8 million adults suffer from PTSD, including many military veterans. (WikiMedia Commons/USMC)

TJ Baker | April 25, 2017

DENVER, CO — Lawmakers in the Colorado legislature have passed a measure to add post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, to the list of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana in the state.

The measure, Senate Bill 17, will now be sent to the desk of Gov. John Hickenlooper for final approval.  It was approved

Previous attempts to add PTSD to the conditions that qualify a…

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Texas Medical Marijuana Supporters Push for Hearings on Critical Legislation

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Medical marijuana supporters outside the Texas capitol on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (Heather Fazio)

Marijuana Policy Project | April 25, 2017

AUSTIN, TX — A group of patients, caregivers, and medical professionals gathered at the Texas State Capitol on Tuesday to urge lawmakers to allow hearings on critical medical marijuana legislation.

The group called on House Public Health Committee Chairman Four Price and Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Charles Schwertner to schedule hearings on HB 2107…

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Governor Signs Bill Making West Virginia the 29th Medical Marijuana State

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West Virginia Governor Jim Justice (D) signs Senate Bill 386, the Medical Cannabis Act, on April 19, 2017. The Governor was joined for the bill signing by two of the initiative’s primary supporters, Senator Richard Ojeda (D-Logan) and Delegate Mike Pushkin (D-Kanawha), as well as Senator Mike Woelfel (D-Cabell) and Dr. Rahul Gupta the State Health Officer and Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health. (image/Office of the Governor)

Marijuana Policy Project | April 19,…

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North Dakota Governor Signs Bill Amending Voter-Approved Medical Marijuana Initiative

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North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum (North Dakota Office of the Governor)

NORML | April 19, 2017

BISMARK, ND — North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum (R) signed legislation on Tuesday amending provisions of the North Dakota Compassionate Care Act – a voter-initiated measure approved by 65 percent of voters last November.

Senate Bill 2344 makes several significant changes to the law. Specifically, it removes provisions permitting patients the option to home cultivate their own cannabis if they do not…

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Comprehensive Medical Marijuana Bill Introduced in Iowa

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Maggie Ellinger-Locke | April 17, 2017

The Iowa Senate Appropriations Committee has introduced a bill to establish a comprehensive medical cannabis program in the state. The bill already received unanimous support by a subcommittee at a hearing last week, and may receive a full Senate vote as early as this week.

The bill would allow patients suffering from cancer, PTSD, intractable pain, and a host of other aliments access to this life-saving treatment option if their doctors certify them for the program.

The…

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West Virginia Lawmakers Approve Amended Medical Marijuana Measure

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“Welcome to West Virginia” sign along westbound U.S. Route 48 and West Virginia Route 55 east of Wardensville in Hardy County, West Virginia (Wikimedia/Famartin)

NORML | April 13, 2017

CHARLESTON, WV — Lawmakers in both chambers of the West Virginia legislature have approved a significantly amended version of Senate Bill 386, which seeks to establish a state-regulated medical cannabis program.

The measure now awaits action from Democrat Gov. Jim Justice, who has previously expressed support for…

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New Mexico Governor Vetoes Medical Marijuana Changes

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Drug Policy Alliance | April 7, 2017

SANTA FE, NM — New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez has vetoed House Bill 527, a measure that would have made improvements to the state’s medical cannabis program.

The most significant provision in the legislation would have allowed New Mexicans diagnosed with opioid use disorder by a licensed practitioner to be eligible for the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program. Nationally, in 2015, more people died from opioid overdoses than died from HIV/AIDS when that epidemic peaked…

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West Virginia to Become 29th Medical Marijuana State: Legislature Sends SB 386 to Governor

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“Welcome to West Virginia” sign along westbound U.S. Route 48 and West Virginia Route 55 east of Wardensville in Hardy County, West Virginia (Wikimedia/Famartin)

Marijuana Policy Project | April 7, 2017

CHARLESTON, WV — A medical marijuana bill received final approval in the West Virginia Legislature on Thursday and is headed to the desk of Gov. Jim Justice. He has publicly expressed support for legal access to medical marijuana and is expected to sign the bill into law, making West Virginia the 29th state to…

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West Virginia House of Delegates Passes Medical Marijuana Bill

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“Welcome to West Virginia” sign along westbound U.S. Route 48 and West Virginia Route 55 east of Wardensville in Hardy County, West Virginia (Wikimedia/Famartin)

Marijuana Policy Project | April 4, 2017

CHARLESTON, WV — A bill that would allow patients with certain debilitating conditions to access medical marijuana if their doctors recommend it was approved by the West Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 386 passed 76-24 on third reading after being revised on second reading, and now returns to…

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West Virginia Senate Approves Medical Marijuana Bill

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“Welcome to West Virginia” sign along westbound U.S. Route 48 and West Virginia Route 55 east of Wardensville in Hardy County, West Virginia (Wikimedia/Famartin)

CHARLESTON, WV — The state Senate approved legislation Wednesday evening (28-6) that would allow patients with certain debilitating conditions to access medical marijuana if their doctors recommend it.

SB 386, the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act, is sponsored by Sen. Richard Ojeda (D-Logan).

It would establish an independent 16-member West Virginia Medical Cannabis Commission,…

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Bipartisan Vote Carries Medical Marijuana Research Bill to Passage in New Mexico House

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Drug Policy Alliance | March 6, 2017

SANTA FE, NM — The New Mexico State House voted 41-26 Saturday afternoon to pass House Bill 155, co-sponsored by Rep. D. Armstrong (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. McCamley (D-Las Cruces) to establish a fund in the state treasury for research related to the production, uses, effects, and efficacy of medical marijuana.

The bill had bi-partisan support with six Republicans voting in favor, including the minority leader, Nate Gentry, R-Abq. Other Republicans who voted in favor of…

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Arkansas Governor Signs Law Delaying Enactment of Voter-Approved Medical Marijuana Initiative

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Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson (arkansas.gov)

NORML | January 26, 2017

LITTLE ROCK, AR — Lawmakers passed legislation this week to delay the enactment of the state’s voter-initiated medical cannabis program.

The bill was signed into law Monday by Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson

House Bill 1026, now Act 4, postpones the implementation of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment by 60 days.

Under the new timeline, regulators have until July 1, 2017 to begin accepting applications from those…

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Florida Health Regulators’ Proposed Medical Marijuana Rules Undercut Voter-Approved Amendment

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NORML | January 26, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Proposed rules by the Florida Department of Health to regulate the dispensing of medical cannabis are contrary to the intent of Amendment 2, the ballot initiative approved by 71 percent of voters on Election Day.

Specifically, the draft rules would not permit physicians to recommend cannabis therapy to patients with chronic pain – instead limiting patients to those with one of ten qualifying conditions.

As approved by voters, the Amendment provides…

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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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North Dakota Bill Would Delay Medical Marijuana Implementation

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Scott Gacek | January 18, 2017

North Dakota was one of four states to authorize medical marijuana during the November elections, when over 63% of voters approved Question 5.

Now, a bill introduced in the state legislature seeks to delay the law’s implementation.

Senate Bill 2154 would prevent the state department of health from issuing any applications or licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries until July.

Read the full story at Medical Jane.

Tags: 2016 Election, 2017…

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North Dakota Senate Unanimously Approves Medical Marijuana Delay

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Scott Gacek | January 18, 2017

Lawmakers in the North Dakota Senate voted 45-0 on Tuesday to approve a measure that will delay the implementation of a voter-approved law to legalize medical marijuana in the state.

North Dakota was one of four states to authorize medical marijuana during the November elections, when over 63% of voters approved Question 5.

Senate Bill 2154 would prevent the state department of health from issuing any applications or licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries until…

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New Mexico Bill Would Expand Medical Marijuana Program

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NORML | January 12, 2017

Legislation is pending, Senate Bill 8, to amend the state’s medical cannabis program in a manner that would better serve patients’ needs.

Specifically, the measure would amend patient possession limits so that qualified persons may possess up to five ounces of herbal cannabis per month, and it would mandate the Health Department to issue identification cards in an expedited manner.

It would also extend the term of state-issued identification cards from one-year to three…

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Comprehensive Medical Marijuana Bill Coming to South Carolina

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Marijuana Policy Project | January 10, 2017

COLUMBIA, SC — A bipartisan group of state lawmakers are introducing comprehensive medical cannabis legislation Tuesday in both chambers of the South Carolina General Assembly.

The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act will allow patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions to access medical cannabis if their doctors recommend it.

“This legislation will establish a comprehensive and tightly regulated medical cannabis program,” said Sen. Tom Davis,…

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Two Medical Marijuana Bills Filed in Missouri

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Scott Gacek | December 26, 2016

Two lawmakers in Missouri have filed proposals for the upcoming 2017 legislation to legalize medical marijuana and create a comprehensive statewide medical cannabis program.

The two bills, Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City), and Senate Bill 153, sponsored by Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph), were pre-filed earlier this month.  With Republicans holding a super-majority in the state Senate, SB 153 could have the upper hand, however.

Passage of either of these…

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Comprehensive Medical Marijuana Legislation Introduced in Texas

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Texas State Senator Senator José Menéndez

NORML | December 8, 2016

Texas State Senator José Menéndez has filed Senate Bill 269 to protect qualified patients who consume cannabis and to provide for the state-licensed production and distribution of the plant.

SB 269 authorizes the possession, production, and distribution of medical marijuana and marijuana-infused products to qualified patients.

Patients would receive cannabis through a network of private dispensaries and operators, similar to…

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Comprehensive Medical Marijuana Bill Filed in Texas for 2017

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TJ Baker | December 6, 2016

A much anticipated comprehensive medical marijuana bill will be filed Tuesday in Texas for the upcoming 2017 legislative session.

State Senator José Menéndez (D-San Antonio), lead sponsor of the bill, made the announcement Monday.

“Twenty-eight states have recognized the medical benefit of cannabis, including conservative states like Arkansas, Montana, and North Dakota,” said Senator Menéndez. “It’s time Texas steps up to the plate and provide real relief for our…

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Michigan Governor Signs Measures Regulating Medical Cannabis Dispensing

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Michigan Governor Signs Measures Regulating Medical Cannabis Dispensing

LANSING, MI — Governor Rick Snyder has signed a package of legislation into law regulating the retail sale of medical cannabis and cannabis-infused products. The measures are ordered to take immediate effect.

The measures seek to clarify and expand various aspects of the state’s 2008 medical cannabis law. Specifically, the new law provides qualified patients for the first time with legal protections regarding the possession and use of non-smoked cannabis derived topical products and edibles, as well as cannabis-based extract products.

The…

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California Governor Signs Standards, Protections for Medical Marijuana Manufacturers

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California Governor Signs Standards, Protections for Medical Marijuana Manufacturers

SACRAMENTO, CA — California Governor Jerry Brown has signed Assembly Bill 2679, which will establish key standards for medical cannabis manufacturers, help implement the landmark Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA), and end misguided raids on manufacturers.

“Last year, California took a historic step by regulating medical cannabis to protect patients, businesses, our communities, and the environment. But across the state, locally authorized medical cannabis manufacturers continue to be targeted by municipal law…

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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Signs Medical Marijuana for PTSD Bill, But There’s a Catch

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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Signs Medical Marijuana for PTSD Bill, But There’s a Catch

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has finally signed into law a bill passed by the General Assembly earlier this year to allow those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, including veterans, to participate in the Garden State’s medical marijuana program.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that is estimated to affect eight million Americans annually, including many military veterans returning from combat, as well as victims and witnesses of violent crimes.

Assembly Bill 457 will allow veterans and…

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Michigan Lawmakers Send 3 Bills to Regulate Medical Marijuana to Gov. Snyder

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Michigan Lawmakers Send 3 Bills to Regulate Medical Marijuana to Gov. Snyder

These measures seek to better clarify and expand Michigan’s medical cannabis law.

LANSING, MI — Lawmakers have given final approval to a package of bills, HB 4209/4210, HB 4827, SB 141, and SB 1014, to regulate the retail sale of medical cannabis and cannabis-infused products.

The measures, which lawmakers had debated for the past two years, now await action by Governor Rick Snyder (R).

House Bill 4209 licenses and regulates above-ground, safe access facilities where state-qualified patients may legally obtain medical marijuana. Michigan…

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Medical Marijuana Now Legal in Ohio as New Law Officially Takes Effect

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Medical Marijuana Now Legal in Ohio as New Law Officially Takes Effect

Patients with qualifying medical conditions will receive legal protections as state initiates process of establishing a regulated system of medical marijuana production and distribution

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio’s new medical marijuana law will officially go into effect on Thursday, September 8.

Patients with qualifying medical conditions will receive limited legal protections from laws prohibiting marijuana possession, as several state agencies formally begin the process of establishing a regulated system of medical marijuana production and…

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Senators Grassley and Feinstein Introduce Bill to Exempt Certain Medical Cannabis Patients From Federal Prosecution

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Senators Grassley and Feinstein Introduce Bill to Exempt Certain Medical Cannabis Patients From Federal Prosecution

WASHINGTON, DC — On Friday, the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act (S. 3269) was introduced in the United States Senate, which would ease research barriers and create exemptions from federal law for certain medical cannabis patients.

The bill was introduced by four members of the Senate Judiciary Committee – Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Tom Tillis (R-NC). Much of the bill is focused on allowing for institutions of higher education or manufacturers to register with the federal government in…

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Hawaii Governor Signs Medical Marijana Expansion Law

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Hawaii Governor Signs Medical Marijana Expansion Law

HONOLULU, HI — Hawaii Governor David Ige has signed legislation, House Bill 2707, to expand the state’s medical cannabis program.

The measure expands the pool of practitioners who may legally recommend cannabis therapy to include advanced nurse practitioners. Separate provisions in the bill removes the prohibition on Sunday dispensary sales and on the possession of marijuana-related paraphernalia by qualified patients.

Other language in the bill permits the transportation of medical marijuana across islands for the purposes of laboratory…

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Rhode Island Governor Signs Bill Allowing PTSD Patients Medical Marijuana Access

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Rhode Island Governor Signs Bill Allowing PTSD Patients Medical Marijuana Access

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo has signed legislation, House Bill 7142, to make post-traumatic stress patients eligible for medical cannabis treatment and to accelerate access to those patients in hospice care.

Members of both chambers previously overwhelmingly approved the measure. Full text of the bill is available here.

The law takes immediate effect.

Post traumatic stress patients and those in hospice care ought to be able to legally access cannabis in instances where their physician recommends it. Cannabis is a…

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Illinois Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Expansion Law

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Illinois Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Expansion Law

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed legislation to expand and extend the state’s medical marijuana program.

The legislation, Senate Bill 10, extends the state’s medical cannabis program to 2020. Legislation initiating the program was set to expire in 2018.

Other changes to the program include: adding post-traumatic stress and any terminal illness as qualifying medical conditions; extending the lifespan of state-issued registry cards from one year to three years in duration; and amending the requirement that…

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Bipartisan Measures Introduced in Congress to Facilitate Marijuana Research Trials

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Bipartisan Measures Introduced in Congress to Facilitate Marijuana Research Trials

WASHINGTON, DC — A bipartisan coalition of House and Senate lawmakers have proposed legislation, the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2016 and the Marijuana Effective Drug Studies Act, to facilitate and accelerate clinical investigations into the safety and efficacy of cannabis.

Passage of the measures – House Bill 5549 and Senate Bill 3077 – would expedite the federal review process for clinical protocols involving cannabis. It would also eliminate existing production limits for research grade cannabis and allow for investigators to…

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Vermont Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Expansion Law

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Vermont Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Expansion Law

MONTPELIER, VT — Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin has signed legislation into law expanding the state’s medical cannabis program.

Provisions contained in Senate Bill 14 permit patients with glaucoma, chronic pain, and/or those in hospice care to be eligible for cannabis therapy; eliminate the requirement that patients must have previously tried other conventional treatments “without success” prior to being eligible for medical cannabis; and amend the existing doctor/patient relationship requirements in a manner that expedites certain…

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Colorado Governor Signs Bill Allowing Medical Marijuana Use in Schools

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Colorado Governor Signs Bill Allowing Medical Marijuana Use in Schools

DENVER, CO — Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has signed legislation, House Bill 1373 (aka ‘Jack’s law‘), permitting qualified patients access to medical cannabis formulations while on school grounds.

Stated the Governor: “My son, if he needed medical marijuana and he needed it during the day while he was in school, I’d want him to have that opportunity. … My hope is that this bill… motivates those schools to make sure these kids can get the medication they apparently need.”

Under the new law, which took effect upon…

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New Jersey Assembly Approves Adding PTSD to Medical Marijuana Conditions

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New Jersey Assembly Approves Adding PTSD to Medical Marijuana Conditions

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Assembly voted in favor of a bill Thursday that would add post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the list of medical conditions that qualify for the state’s medical marijuana program.

The bill, Assembly Bill 457, was approved by a voted 55 to 14, with seven abstentions.  Also on Thursday, a companion bill in the Senate, Senate Bill 2345, was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

Under the joint proposals, New Jersey residents who suffer from PTSD would be…

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Ohio Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Vaporization Measure

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Ohio Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Vaporization Measure

Ohio Governor John Kasich has signed legislation into law establishing regulations for the licensed production and dispensing of medical cannabis formulations to qualified patients.

House Bill 523 authorizes the use of various forms of cannabis preparations for the physician-authorized treatment of the following qualifying conditions: acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); Alzheimer’s disease; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease); cancer; chronic traumatic encephalopathy; Crohn’s disease; epilepsy or other seizure…

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Ohio Set to Become the 26th Medical Cannabis State

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Ohio Set to Become the 26th Medical Cannabis State

WASHINGTON, DC — Late on Wednesday night, the Ohio Legislature passed a medical marijuana bill, HB 523, which would create a system of retail distribution in the state. The bill passed by a vote of 18-15 in the Senate, followed shortly by a 67-28 vote in the House.

Governor John Kasich (R) is expected to the sign the bill, which will make Ohio the 26th medical cannabis state and the 42nd state with either a medical cannabis or cannabidiol (CBD) law. This means that there are now more than 310 million Americans living in a state whose…

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Oklahoma Governor Signs Law Expanding Patient Pool Eligible for CBD Therapy

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed legislation into law on Friday, May 13, to expand the pool of patients eligible to possess cannabidiol (CBD) under a physician’s authorization.

Presently, Oklahoma law exempts patients with intractable forms of pediatric epilepsy from state criminal penalties if they possess liquid preparations containing CBD and no more than three-tenths of one percent THC.

House Bill 2835 extends existing legal protections to the following patients: those with “spasticity due to multiple…

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Louisiana Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Bill

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SB 271 will help to establish a workable medical marijuana program in Louisiana and expands list of qualifying medical conditions; advocates urge further legislative reforms

BATON ROUGE, LA — Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards approved a medical marijuana bill on Thursday that brings the state one step closer to creating a workable medical marijuana law.

SB 271 replaces language in the current law that allows doctors to “prescribe” medical marijuana, which is illegal under federal law, with language that allows them to “recommend” it….

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Louisiana Governor Signs Bill Amending State’s Dormant Medical Marijuana Law

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BATON ROUGE, LA — Governor John Bel Edwards signed legislation Thursday amending the state’s dormant medical marijuana law.

Senate Bill 271 permits physicians to ‘recommend’ rather than ‘prescribe’ medical cannabis therapy. The change allows doctors to authorize cannabis without running afoul of federal law, which prohibits the prescription of a schedule I controlled substance.

The measure also expands the pool of conditions eligible for cannabis therapy to include the following: “cancer, positive status for human…

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New State Laws Permit Medical Marijuana Use In Hospitals

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Legislation recently signed into law in Connecticut and Maine permit for the use of medicinal marijuana formulations by hospitalized patients.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy yesterday signed legislation, HB 5450, to protect nurses who administer medical marijuana to qualified patients in hospital settings from any criminal, civil, or disciplinary action. Other provisions in the bill expand the pool of patients eligible for cannabis therapy to include those under the age of 18, and seek to establish a state-sponsored research program.

In…

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Alabama’s New Law Allows Patients’ Use of CBD/THC Extracts

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MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Robert Bentley signed legislation into law last week expanding legal protections for qualified patients who use cannabidiol-dominant extracts for therapeutic purposes.

Under the legislation, House Bill 61, also known as Leni’s Law, patients may possess extract preparations of CBD that also contain up to three percent THC for the treatment of a seizure-related debilitating condition.

The law further states that no state agency may initiate proceedings to remove a child from a home if that child and/or his/her…

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Louisiana House Approves Medical Marijuana Bill, Returns to Senate for Concurrence

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Gov. Edwards has indicated he would sign the bill, which would make Louisiana the 25th state in the nation — and the first state in the South — to adopt a workable medical marijuana law

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a bill on Wednesday (62-31) that would make the state the 25th in the nation — and the first in the South — to adopt a workable medical marijuana law.

The measure has already been approved by the Senate, but will return for a concurrence vote before being sent to Gov. John Bel…

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Colorado Lawmakers Approve Language Permitting Medical Cannabis Use in Schools

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DENVER, CO — House and Senate lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved legislation, House Bill 1373, that seeks to permit qualified patients access to the use formulations of medical cannabis while on school grounds.

The measure now awaits action by Gov. John Hickenlooper, who indicated that he would sign the measure into law.

“My son, if he needed medical marijuana and he needed it during the day while he was in school, I’d want him to have that opportunity,” Hickenlooper said.

“Those kids have every right and expect that they…

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Colorado Passes Law to Help Young Medical Marijuana Patients

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School Districts Must Now Establish Policies to Facilitate On-Campus Administration of Medical Marijuana

DENVER, CO — In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Colorado Senate approved legislation mandating that school districts establish a policy to ensure that young medical marijuana patients can take their medicine on school grounds.

As a show of respect, the Senate directed their ‘yes’ votes to families and proponents in the gallery.

Last week the Senate Education Committee passed the legislation via a rare standing vote.  The bill had…

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Louisiana Lawmakers to Hold Hearing on Medical Marijuana Bill

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Local patients and advocates are attending the House Health and Welfare Committee hearing to express their support for HB 1112, which would establish a workable medical marijuana program

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing Wednesday morning on a bill that would establish a workable medical marijuana program that allows patients with serious illnesses to access medical marijuana if their doctors recommend it.

Several local patients and advocates will be attending the hearing to…

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Pennsylvania Becomes 24th State to Legalize Medical Cannabis

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HARRISBURG, PA — In front of a crowd of patients and advocates on Sunday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 3, making Pennsylvania the 24th state in the country to adopt a comprehensive medical marijuana program.

The bill, introduced by Senator Mike Folmer, passed the House of Representatives on April 13 in a vote of 149-46 after nearly a year of delays and debate on amendments, most of which were not ultimately included.  The bill will allow patients, with cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, seizures, autism,…

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As PA Becomes 24th Medical Marijuana State, Focus Shifts to Implementation

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On Sunday afternoon, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 3, making Pennsylvania the 24th medical cannabis state in the country. And with 17 other states offering legal protections for low-THC medical cannabis, there are now 300 million Americans living where their state law is at odds with federal law.

The addition of PA as a medical cannabis state will no doubt help the federal picture, but for Pennsylvanian patients who need access to this medicine, the focus now shifts to implementation of the program.

ASA has observed that…

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Gov. Wolf Signs Bill Making Pennsylvania the 24th Medical Marijuana State

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Gov. Wolf Signs Bill Making Pennsylvania the 24th Medical Marijuana State

More than 50% of Americans now live in states with effective medical marijuana laws

HARRISBURG, PA — In a ceremony crowded with patients and supporters at the State Capital on Sunday, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill into law that will provide seriously ill Pennsylvanians with legal access to medical marijuana. The passage of SB 3 makes Pennsylvania the 24th state to allow medical marijuana.

More than half of Americans now live in states with effective medical marijuana laws.

SB 3 would allow patients with a qualifying condition and their…

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Receives Final Approval in Legislature, Heads to Gov. Wolf for His Signature

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Once the bill is signed, Pennsylvania will become the 24th state to adopt an effective medical marijuana law

HARRISBURG, PA — A long-awaited bill to establish a medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania received final approval from state lawmakers on Wednesday and is now headed to the desk of Gov. Tom Wolf, who has 10 calendar days to sign it into law.

If Gov. Wolf signs the bill into law, as expected, Pennsylvania will become the 24th state in the nation (in addition to the District of Columbia) to adopt an effective medical marijuana…

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