Earlier today, Gov. Ralph Northam signed SB 2 into law, which decriminalizes cannabis possession. Starting July 1, possession of up to an ounce will be punishable by a civil fine of up to $25 instead of a criminal penalty and potential jail time. This is the lowest fine of any decriminalization law! Virginia now joins the 26 states and Washington, D.C. that have stopped jailing their residents for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Here are a few details about the new law: Reduces the…

Great news! Last week, the Oklahoma state Senate amended and passed HB 3228, a major medical marijuana reform bill, with a 38-5 vote. The House had previously approved the legislation in March and accepted the Senate’s changes late on Friday. The bill has been transmitted to Governor Kevin Stitt for his signature. The legislation allows out-of-state medical marijuana patients to obtain a renewable three-month temporary license and permits dispensaries to deliver medical marijuana to registered patients.…

On account of the COVID-19 pandemic, many campaigns have had to throw in the towel on qualifying state initiatives for the ballot this election cycle — but not New Approach Montana. Instead, the campaign, which MPP is helping to lead, has come up with innovative approaches for collecting signatures as it races against a deadline to qualify for the 2020 ballot.This includes a new opportunity for Montana voters: signing the petitions from home. Use the link below to download and print using your printer…

Make sure you’re registered to vote, so you can help elect a better legislature next year. Yesterday was the last day of Minnesota’s legislative session, and, sadly, important cannabis policy reforms fell short. An array of legalization proposals died without receiving floor votes, including House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler’s 222-page bill. HF 4632 reflected extensive input from stakeholders and a statewide listening tour. Rep. Winkler had intended to pass it through the House this year, but…

Stores will be open for curbside delivery only — thanks to all who contacted the Baker administration and their elected officials! Today, Gov. Charlie Baker announced that adult-use cannabis retailers will be allowed to reopen on May 25. The stores, which had been ordered to cease operations on March 23, will be allowed to serve customers by curbside delivery only during the first phase of the commonwealth’s reopening. Thanks to everyone who contacted Gov. Baker and other elected officials and…

Ask your state senator to support home delivery and allowing medical cannabis for all debilitating conditions. We have good news and bad news from the Louisiana State Legislature. The good news is the House overwhelmingly approved bills to allow medical cannabis for any debilitating condition (HB 819) and to permanently allow regulated home delivery (HB 792). The bad news is that the bill to allow raw, flower cannabis has still not gotten a hearing (HB 385) after its sponsor pulled the bill from…

Visit the Secretary of State’s website to register or verify your registration and request an absentee ballot — the primary election is scheduled for June 9! In the wake of yet another disappointing legislative session for cannabis advocates in West Virginia, the 2020 election season presents an important opportunity to replace prohibitionists with public officials who are serious about legalizing cannabis. The primary election is scheduled for June 9, but you may also choose to vote early or by…

Tell your state lawmakers you support allowing the sale of adult-use cannabis. We hope you and your loved ones are well during these challenging times. A recent poll commissioned by the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition shows Pennsylvania voters support allowing adult-use cannabis sales, particularly to meet anticipated budget challenges due to COVID-19. Voters polled in each region of the state preferred to see the state control, regulate, and tax the sale of adult-use cannabis instead of raising…

Ask Senate leadership to put patients first.Exciting news! The Minnesota House included a provision to allow raw, whole plant medical cannabis in its version of the Health Policy Omnibus bill. But the only way for this provision to make it past the finish line is if the Senate concurs. With only one day left to pass bills, we need you to contact Senator Michelle Benson (R) and Senator Paul Gazelka (R) NOW to concur with the House and put #patientsfirst. You use our free advocacy software to send…

Call your Senator and urge them to include cannabis banking reform in the next relief package. Yesterday, House leadership released a coronavirus relief bill that includes provisions to protect banks that service cannabis businesses from being penalized by federal regulators. MPP has advocated for cannabis reform to be incorporated into COVID-19 legislation, including by sending a letter to House leadership and signing onto a letter with allies urging Congressional lawmakers to add the Secure and…