This May, the Marijuana Policy Project is celebrating those mothers who are also advocates and pioneers in the cannabis space. We admire all the work that mothers do — taking care of their children and fighting for what they believe in. The women recognized here have, for one reason or another, decided to put everything on the line in their push for cannabis legalization. Their occupations range from legislators and journalists to waitresses and dispensary owners. The mothers we honor this month have found that the fight for cannabis legalization is very personal to them and to their children.

Starting with...

Brownie Mary

Born Mary Jane Rathburn in Chicago in 1922, Brownie Mary was a fighter for all rights. Her advocacy included the fight for abortion rights as well as for the rights of miners to form unions. After relocating to San Francisco, she married and had one daughter. Divorced by the 1960s, it would be 10 years later that she would first share a joint with major medical cannabis supporter Dennis Peron. That led her to the beginning of her crusade for the reform of cannabis laws.

While living in San Francisco, Mary held a waitressing job for 25 years as she simultaneously ran a side hustle of selling cannabis-infused brownies. After she was busted twice by law enforcement within a two-year period, she took her brownie business underground in December 1982. An unsympathetic judge informed Mary if she were caught a third time, she would land in jail.

While performing community service to avoid jail time, Mary was introduced to the Shanti Project, a nonprofit that assisted AIDS patients. She later began volunteering in the AIDS ward at San Francisco General Hospital, during which she would bake nearly 600 of her brownies a day for AIDS patients. This is the same year that her only daughter was killed in a tragic car crash.

After being arrested in 1992, Mary testified before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors about the medical benefits of cannabis. Her testimony led to a Board resolution that made medical cannabis possession the “lowest law enforcement priority” in arrests and prosecution. Soon after, Proposition 215 passed, exempting patients and defined caregivers who possess or cultivate cannabis recommended by a physician for medical treatment from criminal prosecution. It is thanks in part to Brownie Mary that patients can access medical cannabis in 37 states today.

Shonitria Anthony

A journalist and mom who indulges in cannabis, Shonitira Anthony is the face behind the “Blunt Blowin’ Mama” community. She began Blunt Blowin’ Mama to create a space for women and mothers who have cannabis in common to connect and be seen.

The overarching goal of her cannabis lifestyle platform is to normalize the conversation around cannabis. Although targeted to Black women, the Blunt Blowin’ Mama community is for anyone who enjoys cannabis, leads a proactive lifestyle, and is looking to connect with others in the same space.

Judy Ghanem

Former Executive Director of Compassionate South Carolina, Judy Ghanem has been fighting for the legalization of medical cannabis for years. Within the last four years, Ghanem has spent many hours at the South Carolina State House meeting with legislators in an effort to urge them to approve medical cannabis legislation in her state.

Judy’s advocacy began because she has a severely autistic daughter whose prescription medications resulted in her suffering from terrible side effects. After seeking medical advice from several doctors, an acquaintance suggested that she try hemp and CBD oils for her daughter. The synthetic THC did not work, but the cannabis oils did. Judy learned that so many other illnesses and disabilities can be treated with medical cannabis, and she continues her fight for a compassionate medical cannabis program in South Carolina.

Jessica Gonzalez

Cannabis advocate and Instagram influencer dubbed “The Mommy Jane,” Jessica Gonzalez credits cannabis for saving her life and her relationships. She contends that it was cannabis that made her a healthier and happier version of herself... so much so that she has made it her mission to normalize the use of cannabis and plant medicines and help eliminate the stigma associated with being a “CannaMom.”

Toi Hutchinson

Marijuana Policy Project President & CEO Toi Hutchinson is a former Illinois state senator who co-authored the state’s 2019 Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA), the most equity-centric law in the nation to legalize cannabis for adult use. The CRTA promotes equity and invests in the communities that suffered most through the war on drugs, serving as a model of cannabis legalization for other states to follow.

Toi's advocacy for this legislation earned her and three other Illinois legislators the title of “Marijuana Moms.” In 2019, Toi was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker as his Senior Advisor for Cannabis Control. In January 2022, Toi joined MPP as the organization’s President & CEO. Since her arrival, Toi has advocated for the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis nationwide. This Marijuana Mom is featured on the cover of Sweet Jane Magazine's May issue.  

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, individuals who mother, as well as the concepts of motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers. It was not long ago that a mother acknowledging access to cannabis helped them to be better parent may have landed them in jail and/or their kids in the system. Our jails are filled with parents, mostly Black and brown, who consumed cannabis for a variety of reasons.

This Mother’s Day, let’s remember those moms, let’s continue the fight for their cause and release, and let’s celebrate the way cannabis helps everyone, including mothers, and makes the world a better place.

Tell your S.C. state representative to fight for patients’ medical freedom.

“We suffered a setback procedurally in the House today. I can’t cry about it. I can’t pout about it. I can’t come back and lash out and try to hurt other people’s bills. That’s not productive. I just need to find out a way to get this thing on the merits up or down in the House and that’s what I’m going to be working on.” 
— Bill sponsor Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort)

I am writing to share infuriating news. Earlier today, S. 150 — the S.C. Compassionate Care Act — was defeated in a procedural motion.

Before debate on S. 150 could begin, Rep. John McCravy (R) raised a motion claiming the Compassionate Care Act is a revenue-raising bill and as such was not allowed to originate in the Senate. Speaker Pro Tem Tommy Pope (R) — a staunch opponent — ruled in favor of the motion to kill S. 150 after a lunch break.

Pope noted that S. 150 levies a 6% tax on cannabis and claimed, “there is no exemption in the cannabis bill for the paying of [the standard 6%] sales tax.” But he is wrong — Section 4 of S. 150 exempts cannabis from existing sales tax, meaning the bill would simply levy the same tax rate on medical cannabis as applies to almost every other item sold in South Carolina. In other words, the revenue component is incidental, which is allowed in Senate bills.

House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford (D) appealed Pope’s ruling, and an opponent of the bill made a motion to table the appeal before it could be heard. In a 59-55 vote, House members tabled the appeal, making Pope’s ruling final and killing the bill. (The “yes” votes to table the appeal included two cosponsors of the House medical cannabis bill and two reps who had voted in favor of S. 150 in committee.)

Let your representatives know how disappointed you are in the House, and that you want them to fight for medical cannabis patients.

South Carolina’s legislative session ends next Thursday. If the House does not find some way to protect medical cannabis patients by then, voters should elect a more compassionate House in November. Every seat is on the ballot.

In a 9-15 vote, New Hampshire Senate defeats HB 629

Earlier today, the New Hampshire Senate voted down a bill (HB 629) to make it legal for adults who are 21 or older to possess and grow small amounts of cannabis. Only nine of the 24 senators voted for legalization.

Outrageously, the “Live Free or Die” State will remain an island of prohibition — surrounded by jurisdictions where cannabis is legal — for at least another year.

Sen. Becky Whitley led the floor debate in support of HB 629, explaining,  “The so-called war on marijuana has not worked. It does not make us safer, it wastes taxpayer dollars, and it has needlessly ruined lives.”

Polling shows 74% of Granite State voters support legalizing cannabis. But, year after year, the Senate has ignored the will of voters and killed House-passed legalization bills.

As you may recall, a Senate committee unanimously rejected a separate proposal (HB 1598) that would have legalized cannabis possession — but not home cultivation — while creating a state-run monopoly on retail sales. I urged significant amendments, explaining a state-run monopoly on cannabis sales is a poison pill that is extremely unlikely to get up and running due to federal law. The Senate agreed with the committee today, rejecting HB 1598 in a voice vote.

2022 is an election year, so voters will have an opportunity to elect a new Senate. Stay tuned for a voter guide as the election season approaches.

Important news! Next Wednesday, May 4, the application period for the cannabis retailer lottery ends. To date, over 3,000 applications have been submitted for the 12 adult-use retail establishments that are set to open following passage of Connecticut’s 2021 legalization law.

The application periods for the remaining license types close on the following days:

• Micro-cultivator: May 11, 2022
• Delivery Service: May 18, 2022
• Hybrid Retailer: May 25, 2022
• Food and Beverage: June 1, 2022
• Product Manufacturer: June 8, 2022  
• Product Packager: June 15, 2022 
• Transporter: June 22, 2022

Applications can be found here and must be completed through an online portal. Information about what is required to apply for each license type is available at ct.gov/cannabis. Interested applicants can also view a description of each license type here.  

As the adult-use market continues to roll out in Connecticut, we’ll continue to keep you updated on the progress.

Email your rep to vote YES on the final vote!

After seven long years, S. 150 is finally headed to the House floor today! The Senate already passed the bill in February. Earlier this month, the legislation passed the 3M Committee, so we need everyone to reach out to their reps right now before the final vote.

It’s time to double down our efforts to make sure the bill gets past the finish line.

Here’s what we need from you:

• Email your state rep in support of The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act, S. 150.
• Spread the word to friends and family on social media, and rally them to email or call their reps.

Too many have fought for years, and we are in the final stretch to full House passage. Our opponents will be doing everything in their power to defeat this historic legislation — including proposing 1,000 amendments to try to slow down the process. So, we must do everything in our power to make sure S. 150 gets final passage in the South Carolina House.

Let your representative know you support allowing the medical freedom that safe, legal access to medical cannabis brings to patients with debilitating conditions. You can read our summary of the bill here.

Together, we can make the idea of a medical cannabis program a reality in South Carolina. Please have your friends and family around South Carolina have their voices heard! It is up to us to show S.C. representatives that we want the freedom this bill gives patients and doctors to make their own medical decisions.

Legislature to debate and vote on 17 bills!

Cannabis policy reform is on the move in Louisiana!  

Last week, seven bills to improve Louisiana’s medical cannabis program passed through committees without any objections. Those bills are scheduled for floor votes this week. Committee hearings this week will focus on criminal justice reforms.

Ask your state rep to support bills to expand the victory we achieved last year with decriminalization.

The Administration of Criminal Justice Committee will hear four important cannabis-related bills — expungement, excluding certain cannabis convictions from the habitual offender penalty enhancements, and decriminalization of cannabis paraphernalia for medical and adult use. A complete look at the schedule for this week can be found here.

Also this week, two legalization bills will be heard in the Judiciary Committee.

Now is the time to engage your legislators. The session is in high gear, and they need to hear from constituents. Pressure from constituents is the best method to get legislators to support cannabis reform in Louisiana. Here are some helpful hints for lobbying at the capital.

We will alert you this session as cannabis bills continue to move in the legislature. You can view a synopsis of pending legislation here. Be sure to share this with your friends and families in Louisiana!

Call your representative to urge a YES vote on the House floor!

After seven long years, S. 150 is finally headed to the House floor! The Senate already passed the bill in February. Earlier this month, the legislation passed the 3M Committee, so we need everyone to reach out to their reps for this next crucial stage.

It’s time to double down our efforts to make sure the bill gets past the finish line.

Here’s what we need from you:

• Call your state rep in support of the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act, S. 150. (Our call script and pointers make it easy.)
• Spread the word to friends and family on social media, and rally them to call their reps.

Too many have fought for years, and we are in the final stretch to full House passage. Our opponents will be doing everything in their power to defeat this historic legislation — including proposing 1,000 amendments to try to slow down the process. So, we must do everything in our power to make sure S. 150 gets final passage in the South Carolina House.

Let your representative know you support allowing the medical freedom that safe, legal access to medical cannabis brings to patients with debilitating conditions. You can read our summary of the bill here.

Together, we can make the idea of a medical cannabis program a reality in South Carolina. Please have your friends and family around South Carolina have their voices heard! It is up to us to show S.C. representatives that we want the freedom this bill gives patients and doctors to make their own medical decisions.

Great news! Last week, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) approved the licenses of seven medical cannabis companies to allow the sale of adult-use cannabis products to adults 21 years and older without a medical card later this month.

On Friday, the Commission announced that 13 individual dispensaries have been approved to begin offering cannabis products to adults ages 21 and older beginning as soon as April 21.  Under guidance issued by the CRC, medical patients may purchase up to three ounces every 30 days, while adult-use consumers will be able to purchase up to one ounce per transaction. This milestone culminates years of advocacy by supporters like you to bring an adult-use cannabis market to fruition in New Jersey.

Earlier this month, the commission also approved 102 conditional licenses for smaller cultivators and manufacturers, many of which have social equity ownership. However, those licensees aren’t expected to begin operations until next year. Additionally, the CRC recently completed a public feedback tour throughout the state focused on ways to allocate cannabis tax revenue.

As the adult-use market continues to roll out in the Garden State, we’ll be sure to keep you updated on the progress.

Ask your legislators to support improvements to the medical cannabis law.

On Tuesday, April 19 at 8:30 a.m., the House Committee on Health and Welfare will hear testimony on nine bills that would revise Louisiana’s medical cannabis program. 

The bills would increase the number of pharmacies and the number of growers, protect patients visiting from other states, expand the types of medical professionals who can recommend medical cannabis to patients, and change which state agency regulates the program. Links to the bills — and short summaries — can be found here under the heading “Medical Cannabis.”

Let your legislators know you want to see improvements to the medical cannabis program.

Last year, legislators heard your cries for improving the medical program and convened the Medical Marijuana Commission. Many patients came to the capitol and expressed their frustrations over accessibility, lack of variety of medicine, and the cost of medical cannabis. The bills being heard aim to rectify the issues patients brought to the Commission’s attention.

If you’d like to make your voice heard in support of one or more of these bills, here are some tips on testifying, along with directions to the capitol and tips on navigating to Committee Room 5 (in the basement of the House side) to get to the hearing room. You can submit written testimony to h-hw@legis.la.gov before noon on Monday, April 18. Be sure to identify which bill you are testifying in support of.

This is the first time the legislature has considered increasing therapeutic cannabis growers and pharmacies. Your voice is critical to seeing expansion to the program to better meet the needs of patients.

Learn more and get tickets!

MPP is proud to be an official advocacy partner of the 6th Annual National Cannabis Festival (NCF), and we're excited to be joining in the festivities on Saturday, April 23 in Washington, D.C.!

Please join us as we celebrate progress toward ending cannabis prohibition with a day of education, advocacy, music, fellowship, and fun! Wiz Khalifa will headline this year's concert, along with performances from Lettuce, Ghostface Killah, Backyard Band, Dupont Brass, and more. Get tickets here.

MPP President and CEO Toi Hutchinson will be speaking on a panel — The Evolution of the Cannabis Reform Community — in the Culture Pavilion at 4:15 p.m. The discussion will center on the changing cannabis industry, how cannabis reform is tied to other national movements for justice, and how allied organizations can work together to continue to advance cannabis reform and justice for all. MPP’s Manager of Development Alex Langer will moderate the session.

Before that, Toi will also be moderating another panel — In Conversation: Gary Chambers & Doug Gansler — at 2:30 p.m. in the Culture Pavilion, where the focus will be on two pro-legalization candidates, Gary Chambers (candidate for U.S. Senate, Louisiana) and Doug Gansler (Gubernatorial candidate, Maryland). It should be an interesting discussion!

In addition, Toi will be offering the introduction for a special message from Congressman Dave Joyce (OH) at the National Cannabis Policy Summit on Friday, April 22 at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in D.C. Rep. Joyce is co-chair of the Cannabis Caucus and an ally who is dedicated to the swift and responsible end of cannabis prohibition.

Last, but not least, MPP will have a booth at NCF in the Advocacy Area, so please stop by to say hello! We’ll have MPP merch available, and we can tell you all about the work we’re doing on a daily basis to end cannabis prohibition across the country. 

We hope to see you at NCF!