New measures represent big advancements in cannabis policy

Lawmakers passed two key cannabis bills this week. One would authorize the home delivery of cannabis products, while the other would create much-needed locations for adults to consume cannabis outside of personal residences.

HB 1234 would allow both medical cannabis patients and adult consumers to order cannabis products for home delivery. They would be limited to private residences and would not be allowed on college campuses. Deliveries would only be allowed if they are authorized by their local jurisdictions, either through a local referendum or the local governing body. Medical cannabis deliveries would begin January 2, 2020, with deliveries to adult consumers starting the following January.

The other measure, HB 1230, would allow businesses like hotels or restaurants to set aside a location for patrons to consume without violating the law. It would also allow licensed retail locations to sell small amounts of cannabis for use on-site. The emergence of hospitality centers is a big step forward for tourists and other consumers seeking a legal option.

Colorado continues as a leader in cannabis policy, and these bills are yet another step forward. Thanks to all those who helped get these measures through a difficult process. Both are expected to be presented to the governor in the coming days, and many anticipate he will sign both into law.

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If you live in N.H., call Gov. Sununu and urge him to support HB 364.

Today, for the first time in its history, the New Hampshire Senate voted to pass a bill that would allow home cultivation of cannabis for registered patients and caregivers. HB 364, which would allow up to three mature cannabis plants, three immature plants, and 12 seedlings for each patient, passed the Senate in a 14-10 vote. Next, the bill will return to the House for a final vote before it proceeds to the desk of Gov. Chris Sununu.

Gov. Sununu has not yet indicated whether he intends to sign the bill. Please call Gov. Sununu’s office today and urge him to stand up for patients!

This bill is critically important because many patients are unable to afford the products that are available at dispensaries, which are not covered by health insurance. Others have to drive long distances in order to reach a dispensary. For some patients, home cultivation is simply the best, most affordable option.

After you call Gov. Sununu, please share this message with your family and friends.

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A committee has approved the third piece of the cannabis puzzle; please contact your legislators and help us cross the finish line this year.

Yesterday evening, the Finance Committee approved Senate Bill 1138, bringing Connecticut one step closer to legalizing cannabis! Now that all three of the companion bills to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis have passed their respective committees (you can read summaries here), it’s time for us to turn our attention to the full House and Senate.

There are only about 30 days left in this legislative session of the Connecticut General Assembly, and many key legislators have still not taken a position on legalization. Here are three things you can do today to help get this important initiative across the finish line:

1. Join us for the Regulate Connecticut "End Prohibition" Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 15 at the State Capitol. Breakfast will be served in the legislative cafeteria at the Legislative Office Building at 9 a.m., a press conference will follow at 10 a.m., and we'll have the rest of the day to lobby lawmakers directly at the Capitol! If you can join us, please RSVP to adam@regulatect.org.

2. Help us generate phone calls to legislators in key districts! We have a system that allows you to volunteer from home — please email adam@regulatect.org for details on how get started. We are also hosting a volunteer phone banking session next Wednesday, May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. We’ll meet at 57 Pratt Street, Suite 405 in Hartford. Street parking is available, pizza will be served, and all are welcome!

3. Please contact your state representatives and senators and urge your friends and family members to do so as well!

Thank you again for your continued support. We need it now more than ever! 

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If you live in Hawaii, contact the governor today and ask him to sign HB 1383.

Yesterday, the Hawaii House and Senate approved a bill to stop arresting and jailing Hawaiians for small amounts of marijuana. It now heads to the governor’s desk.

Ask Gov. Ige to decriminalize small amounts of cannabis in the Aloha State by signing HB 1383!

The bill would make possession of three grams or less of marijuana punishable by a $130 fine. Under current law, possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

While we are disappointed that the possession limit is low — three grams is the smallest amount of any decriminalization or legalization state — this legislation will still save Hawaiians from arrest, possible jail time, and a life-altering criminal record for possession of a substance that is safer than alcohol.

Currently, 24 states and D.C. have stopped jailing their residents for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Hawaii is lagging behind. Removing criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of cannabis is an important step towards sensible marijuana policies.

Contact Gov. Ige now and ask that he sign the decriminalization bill. Then, forward this message to your friends and family to Hawaii and encourage them to do the same.

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With just two months remaining in this year’s Rhode Island legislative session, marijuana legalization is still very much on the table. If enough supporters of sensible marijuana policy reform take action, Rhode Island could become the first state in the country to to legalize and regulate marijuana sales through the state legislature!

The General Assembly needs to hear from you:

• Call your state representative and state senator and urge them to call for a floor discussion and vote on legalization this year. Visit this website and enter your address to look up your state legislators and their telephone numbers.
  
  
• Click here to send an email to your legislators — it takes less than a minute!

You can also help raise awareness about the issue by publishing a letter to the editor. Go here to use our action tool to quickly and easily submit a letter to your local newspaper!

Conversations about the fate of legalization — and the details of the legislation — are happening in the State House. Now is a critical time to vocalize our support for legalization and advocate for a law that addresses the historical harms of the war on marijuana.

We could end marijuana prohibition in Rhode Island by July if enough of us do our part and respectfully communicate our views to lawmakers. Please don’t sit on the sidelines. Take action and forward this message to others so they can help, too!

Thank you.

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If you live in Texas, contact your state senator in support of marijuana decriminalization.

Yesterday, the Texas House of Representatives passed HB 63, a bill that would stop arresting and jailing individuals who possess up to an ounce of cannabis. The bill now heads to the Texas Senate for a vote. Already, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick tweeted that HB 63 is “dead” in the Texas Senate.

Let your senator know that marijuana decriminalization is not dead in Texas today!

While the bill removes the threat of jail time, we are disappointed that the fine was raised to $500 on the House floor yesterday. Such a steep fine will disproportionately effect Texans with lesser means. The Senate should lower the fine or allow community service in lieu of a fine.

Please contact your senator today, and let’s send the bill to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk!

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If you live in Iowa, contact Gov. Kim Reynolds today to ask her to sign HF 732.

Just before the Iowa Legislature’s session adjourned on Saturday, the Senate passed a bill to expand Iowa’s nascent medical marijuana program. It now heads to Gov. Kim Reynold’s desk.

Contact Gov. Reynolds today to ask her to support Iowa’s medical marijuana patients.

The bill — HF 732 — would remove the three percent cap of THC in medical marijuana products and instead institute a per-person limit of 25 grams every 90 days. It would also expand the patient pool by allowing additional health professionals such as nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants to recommend medical marijuana. Finally, it would relax a restrictive definition of which pain patients can qualify.

These changes would significantly improve Iowa’s medical marijuana program, so please contact Gov. Reynolds today. After you have contacted her, please spread the word by forwarding this email to friends and family or by sharing the action link on social media.

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The Marijuana Policy Project led the successful 2018 campaign to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana in Michigan. Since voters approved Prop 1 last November, Michigan’s marijuana landscape has seen significant changes. A few recent updates are worth bringing to your attention.

In March, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order establishing the Marijuana Regulatory Agency within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The new agency will soon replace the controversial Medical Marihuana Licensing Board, which held its final meeting last week. Read more here.

A Michigan court overruled a previous deadline and is allowing dozens of unlicensed medical marijuana dispensaries to remain open around the state, as caregivers continue to supply the market. Licensed businesses, which must comply with stricter regulations, want regulators to close these unlicensed entities down. A bill in the legislature would require businesses to be licensed by June 1 to continue operating.

State regulators are considering ways to satisfy a portion of Michigan’s adult-use legalization law that requires “a plan to promote and encourage participation in the marihuana industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by marihuana prohibition.” The provision was included to address the fact that communities of color saw significantly higher marijuana arrest rates compared to predominantly white areas under the old law.

The final rules for Michigan’s adult-use marijuana market are due this December. As regulators and stakeholders continue to shape the future of marijuana in the state, we’ll keep you informed about new developments.

Stay tuned!

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If you live in Colorado, let your state senator know it’s time to legalize and regulate cannabis delivery.

The bill to allow safe, regulated cannabis deliveries in Colorado is out of committee and headed to the Senate floor! The vote could happen as soon as tomorrow, so there’s no time to lose.

Let your state senator know you want them to support this sensible bill.

Then, post the link to social media or forward this message to other supporters of sensible cannabis policy.

Unlike alcohol and other legal products, Colorado prohibits patients and adult consumers from having cannabis delivered.

A bill that would fix that — HB 1234 — has already passed the House.

Many medical cannabis patients have significant mobility limitations. Driving to the store is impossible for some due to their medical condition. Far more dangerous prescriptions can be delivered in the mail, but cannabis delivery remains illicit and in the shadows. Starting next year, medical cannabis deliveries would be allowed.

Beginning in 2021, HB 1234 would allow all adults 21 and older the benefits of cannabis delivery. This can provide safe, regulated access to adults and bring cannabis consumers closer to equal footing with alcohol consumers.

Don’t forget to take a few moments to send your senator a note using our free online tool, then share this message with friends and family in Colorado.

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If you live in Alabama, contact your lawmakers in support of medical marijuana.

Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved SB 236 in a 6-2 vote. The bill would establish a medical marijuana program in Alabama and would allow patients 19 years or older to use medical marijuana to treat 33 different conditions, including autism, chronic pain, and anxiety.

Contact your lawmakers in support of SB 236 today. Medical marijuana won’t pass in Alabama without robust grassroots outreach, so please email them now.

Last week, the same committee approved a bill that would decriminalize marijuana.

Please contact your public officials today and then help get the word out by forwarding this email to friends and family. Together we can bring sensible marijuana laws to the South.

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