All four of the medical marijuana initiatives being considered by states on Election Night were approved by voters, adding to the considerable momentum of marijuana policy reform sweeping the country. Voters in Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota approved initiatives for new medical marijuana programs, and Montana voted to significantly expand access and improve its existing program. As of now, there are effective medical marijuana laws on the books in 28 states and the District of Columbia, covering…

Voters in four Ohio towns adopted sensible measures on Election Day by removing all penalties for the possession of 200 grams or less of marijuana under local ordinance. Bellaire, Logan, Newark, and Roseville each adopted similar ballot measures. Voters in Byesville did not adopt their proposal. The results are welcome news and a step forward in the four communities. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers have the option of charging a person under either local or state law, meaning that individuals…

Yesterday, a staggering 64% of North Dakota voters approved Measure 5, a compassionate medical marijuana initiative. Measure 5 will allow patients with a qualifying condition and a doctor’s recommendation to receive medical marijuana through a state-licensed dispensary. Patients living more than 40 miles from a dispensary will be able to cultivate up to eight plants. The law will go into effect on December 8, when the Department of Health will begin the implementation process. It will need to…

Yesterday, 55% of Montana voters approved a compassionate medical marijuana ballot measure — I-182. The vote is welcome relief to over 11,000 patients who were left without reasonable access. This is the second time Montana’s voters moved marijuana policy forward. In 2004, Montana became the tenth state to adopt a medical marijuana measure. In 2011, lawmakers replaced it with an intentionally unworkable system. Thankfully, voters yesterday weighed in and restored patients’ medical cannabis access. This…

Today is the day! This is the biggest election in marijuana policy reform history, but even if you can't vote on a legalization or medical marijuana ballot initiative today, you could play an important part to make future progress possible in your state. Before you vote, please check out MPP's voter guides if you live in the following places: Delaware District of Columbia Illinois Nebraska New Hampshire Pennsylvania South Carolina Vermont And don't forget to tell your friends in Arizona, Arkansas,…

Illinois has made significant improvements to its marijuana laws in recent years, but there is much work yet to be done. Despite recent gains, advocates in Illinois must ensure that elected officials continue to support positive change. You can contribute as an informed voter, and MPP wants to help. Click here to check out our 2016 Illinois Voter’s Guide. It breaks down lawmakers by district and offers incumbent voting records on key marijuana bills in recent years. Our list includes the original…

On Nov. 1, the D.C. Council unanimously passed B21-0210, which includes many improvements to the medical marijuana program, such as: 1) independent laboratory testing will be required, to ensure patients know what they are purchasing; and 2) advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, dentists, and naturopathic physicians, in addition to M.D.s, will be able to recommend medical cannabis. A few changes were made before the final vote on the bill. One of these was the adoption of Councilmember…

Three bills taking small but positive steps forward took effect  November 1, 2016, in Oklahoma. The first bill, HB 2835, allows adults to use low-THC cannabis oil (minors were already covered by existing law), and added “spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or due to paraplegia, intractable nausea and vomiting, and appetite stimulation with chronic wasting diseases” to the list of qualifying conditions, in addition to severe epilepsy. The governor signed this bill on May 13, 2016. While this is…

Alaska reached yet another historic milestone on Saturday, October 29, when the state’s first marijuana retailer opened in Valdez. This week, Fairbanks’ first marijuana stores open, while Anchorage’s first store is expected to open in early November. Some supporters have wondered why it has taken nearly two years for retail marijuana to become available after 53.2% of Alaska voters approved the legalization initiative on Nov 4, 2014. But, considering the decades of fighting against marijuana prohibition,…

Regulators at the Texas Department of Public Safety recently proposed outrageous amendments to their medical marijuana rules, including fees and reporting requirements would all but ensure the program could not operate. Under the proposed rules, application and licensing fees for the first 24 months would go from $12,000 to over $2.25 million! While the Texas Department of Public Safety has presented a sensible approach to regulations until now, this shocking increase is simply unknown in any other…