Last week, the Hawaii Legislature adjourned its legislative session. The Hawaii Senate approved a legalization bill in 2021 that carried over to 2022. Unfortunately, the House never gave it a public hearing or a vote, and several other legalization bills died without a vote.

Exciting news! Today, for the first time ever, the Delaware Senate passed a legalization bill — HB 371 — in a 13-7 vote. HB 371 would simply legalize possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for adults 21 and older in Delaware. It passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee just one day earlier.

With the end of the 2022 legislative session fast approaching, time is critical to urge the Senate to get Kansans access to safe and legal medical cannabis. In May 2021, the Kansas House of Representatives passed a medical cannabis bill, 79-42. The bill stalled in the Senate. In March of this year, Sen. Robert Olson introduced SB 560 in an effort to revive the efforts to create a medical program. Eventually, the language was adopted into SB 12, previously passed legislation.

Big news! Today, for the first time, the Delaware House of Representatives approved (26-14) a bill – HB 371 – that would legalize possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for adults! 

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…

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.

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.

Important news! Next Wednesday, May 4, the application period for the retailer cannabis 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.

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.

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.