Yesterday, the New Mexico House and Senate passed a bill to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis for adults 21 and older during a special session called for that purpose by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. When she signs the bill, New Mexico will become the 17th state to legalize adult-use cannabis and the fourth to do so through the legislative process rather than by voter initiative.

As expected, Gov. Ralph Northam has asked the Virginia General Assembly to amend the adult-use legalization bill so possession and home cultivation will become legal on July 1, 2021 instead of waiting until 2024. The governor also requested other changes, including an amendment that would expedite the process of expunging and sealing criminal records, beginning as soon as state agencies are able to do so. Legislators will meet to consider these changes beginning on April 7.

MPP and local advocates have been working for years to pass a law to legalize cannabis for adults in Rhode Island. With your help, we have a real chance of getting it done this legislative session. Top political leaders, including Gov. McKee and the Senate Majority Leader, have introduced legislation to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis.

New York just legalized adult-use cannabis! Last night, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) received final approval from state legislators, and earlier today, Gov. Andrew Cuomo officially signed the legislation into law, making New York the 16th state to end cannabis prohibition and the third to adopt a legalization policy via its state legislature.

Earlier today, the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee advanced the S.C. Compassionate Care Act in a 9-5 vote! After six long years of advocacy from patients and their loved ones, the S.C. Compassionate Care Act could get a Senate floor vote next week.

Good news! This weekend, Gov. Cuomo and legislative leaders reached consensus on the details of legalizing cannabis in the Empire State. You might recall earlier in the legislative session Gov. Cuomo released his plan to legalize cannabis in New York – the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act. Legislative leaders also reintroduced the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which has been introduced several times since 2013. Gov. Cuomo later revised his bill to address concerns around equity and penalties…

Last week, the West Virginia Senate passed HB 590, a bill that would allow medical cannabis patients to obtain edible products from dispensaries, in a 26-8 vote. This would be an important upgrade to the state’s medical cannabis law, which currently prohibits the sale of edibles. Next, the bill will be considered by the House of Delegates.

New Mexico lawmakers fell just short of reaching agreement on a cannabis legalization bill before the legislative session ended on March 20. Fortunately, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called for a special session so the legislature can complete its work on this important issue. The special session will begin TOMORROW.

Good news! This week, Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation (HB 2218/SB 1333) that will allow registered patients to obtain whole-plant, “botanical” cannabis from medical cannabis dispensaries. The new law, which takes effect on July 1, will make it possible for patients to use cannabis in whatever form they find to be most helpful.

Today, Delaware’s House Health and Human Development Committee voted 10-5 in favor of HB 150, a bill to legalize, tax, and regulate cannabis for adults 21 and older. It now moves to the House Appropriations Committee before heading to the House floor.