According to the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, Sgt. Gary Wiegert, a 32-year veteran of the St. Louis police force (SLMPD) and former Show-Me Cannabis lobbyist, is suing the department for violating his first amendment rights. [caption id="attachment_6061" align="alignleft" width="249"] Gary Wiegert[/caption] The phrase “lobbyist activities in Jefferson City” did not raise any eyebrows last month when Sgt. Wiegert filled out the necessary forms to work a second job. However, after word of Sgt. Wiegert’s…

According to a new poll conducted by Public Policy Polling, nearly two-thirds of Minnesota voters support changing state law to allow people with serious and terminal illnesses to use medical marijuana if their doctors recommend it. The poll also found that the majority of voters would disapprove of their county sheriff or county attorney working to defeat such a bill. [caption id="attachment_6056" align="alignright" width="199"] Joni Whiting (Center) (Photo by Andrew VonBank)[/caption] "Personal…

Mercy: Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power Media outlets reported yesterday that the Minnesota Vikings are trading all-pro wide receiver Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks. Based on Harvin’s history, it is almost as if fate is telling the NFL it is time to change one of its most unjust and irrational policies. [caption id="attachment_6049" align="alignleft" width="270"] Percy Harvin (AP)[/caption] It’s no secret that Percy Harvin has used marijuana. Percy tested positive…

It was close, but by a vote of 37-33 the New Mexico House passed legislation removing the possibility of jail time for possession of marijuana. Next, the bill will move to the Senate where it will be assigned to a committee. It will then need to win the support of the majority of committee members, then a majority of the full Senate. If it passes in the Senate and is not vetoed by Gov. Susana Martinez, H.B. 465 would make the first offense for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana a civil…

A common refrain in politics is that if you want to find the root cause of certain policies or stances, simply follow the money. Last week, U.S. News & World Report did just that. [caption id="attachment_6040" align="alignleft" width="117"] Peter Bensinger[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6041" align="alignright" width="134"] Robert DuPont[/caption] Early last week, a group of former DEA administrators released a statement calling on the Department of Justice to prevent Colorado and Washington from…

Tomorrow, the Texas State House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence will hold a hearing on legislation that would remove the possibility of jail time for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. MPP's executive director Rob Kampia will be testifying at the hearing. [caption id="attachment_6036" align="alignright" width="192"] Rep. Harold V. Dutton Jr.[/caption] H.B. 184, which was introduced by Rep. Harold V. Dutton Jr. (D-Houston), would remove the threat of jail and set the maximum penalty for…

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240"] "DON'T book 'em, Danno."[/caption] Tuesday, the Hawaii Senate unanimously voted to approve a decriminalization bill, sending it to the House of Representatives. S.B. 472, SD 1, would replace Hawaii’s current criminal penalties — including possible jail time — for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana with a civil fine of $1,000. The bill originally called for a fine of $100, but it was amended up in committee. If you live in Hawaii, please email…

A bill to allow New Hampshire residents to use medical marijuana in the treatment of their debilitating medical conditions moved one step closer to becoming law Thursday when it was approved 14-1 by the House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs. It will now be considered by the full House of Representatives. [caption id="attachment_6003" align="alignright" width="193"] Rep. Donna Schlachman[/caption] House Bill 573, sponsored by State Rep. Donna Schlachman (D-Exeter), would allow…

Last week, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) slapped former middleweight champion boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. with a $900,000 fine and nine-month suspension. Why? Not for using a performance-enhancing drug or throwing a match, but simply because he tested positive for marijuana. Such an excessive punishment should not go unanswered, and fortunately Chavez is planning to appeal the decision. We need to get behind him and take this opportunity to send a message to the sporting world that…

[caption id="attachment_5999" align="alignright" width="195"] Rep. Lou Lang[/caption] This morning, the House Human Services Committee voted 11-4 in favor of legislation that would make Illinois the 19thmedical marijuana state. HB 1, sponsored by Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), now moves to the full House of Representatives. Last year’s bill, H.B. 30, came up just short of passing in the House. This year, prospects are brighter, thanks to a record supermajority of Democrats, who tend to support medical…